Andaza: A Memoir of Food, Flavour and Freedom in the Pakistani Kitchen

Sumayya Usmani's memoir "The Spice Room" tells the story of her childhood in Pakistan, where food was a portal to nurturing, love, and self-expression. She grew up torn between social expectations and the inspiration she felt in the kitchen, watching her mother, Nani Mummy, and Dadi s confidence, intuition, and effortless ability to build complex, layered flavors. The book includes meaningful recipes of Sumayya's childhood, such as Nani Mummy's prawn karahi, Potatoes with curry leaves and turmeric, Chicken boti tikka, Bundoo Khan-style Mummy's wedding-style chicken korma, Bitter lemon, mustard seed, and garlic pullao, and Dadi's banana and fennel seed gulgulay doughnut.

Format: Hardback
Length: 312 pages
Publication date: 13 April 2023
Publisher: Murdoch Books

Sumayya Usmani, a renowned expert in Pakistani cuisine, has garnered widespread recognition for her culinary prowess. Her captivating storytelling abilities transport readers to the aromatic realms of the kitchen, where she vividly describes the scents and flavors that evoke a sense of culinary delight. Jay Rayner, an award-winning writer and food critic, has praised Sumayya's remarkable talent, stating that she possesses a brilliant ability to tell stories through her delicious descriptions of the culinary world.

Sumayya's memoir, a captivating tale of her upbringing in Pakistan, unveils the profound influence of the women in her life on her culinary journey. From a young age, food became her gateway to nurturing, love, and self-expression. Growing up at sea, with a father who captained merchant ships and a mother who preferred to cook for the family on a tiny electric stove in their cabin rather than in the officer's mess, Sumayya developed a deep appreciation for the art of cooking.

When the family relocated to Karachi, Sumayya faced a conflict between societal expectations and the inspiration she found in the kitchen. She observed her mother, Nani Mummy (maternal grandmother), and Dadi's (paternal grandmother) confidence, intuition, and effortless ability to create complex and layered flavors in their cooking. These experiences shaped Sumayya's self-belief and nurtured her passion for culinary exploration.

Through the warmth and essence of her family life, Sumayya gradually discovered the true meaning of "andaza," which transcends a mere list of measured ingredients. It encompasses the feeling in her hands as she lets the elements come together, infusing each recipe with a sense of flavor and meaning that goes beyond the confines of a recipe.

Sumayya Usmani's memoir is a testament to her culinary prowess and her journey of self-discovery. It showcases her ability to blend tradition with innovation, creating dishes that reflect the rich tapestry of Pakistani cuisine. Her memoir invites readers to embark on a sensory journey, where the flavors and aromas transport them to the heart of Pakistan's culinary heritage. With each page, Sumayya's storytelling skills captivate, leaving a lasting impression on anyone who savors the pages of her remarkable memoir.

Weight: 1108g
Dimension: 240 x 170 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781922616197