Book Launch & Presentation

'Focusing on the culinary is a fascinating way to explore a culture or country,food is a central strand in people's cultural inheritance.One of Nilofar Qazi's aims is to document this valuable and vulnerable part of her own heritage through traditional recipes.The writing at times reaches the same vertiginous splendour as the landscapes captured by her camera...' Claire Chambers

'Recipes carry memories of both love and greif...how does one sift through a lifetime of moments...'

This is an unusual collection of tales combining cookery, adventure, travel, heritage and exploration of Pakistan’s largest province with the tiniest of populations. Nilofer has traveled solo across the vast landscape of Balochistan collecting traditional recipes of incredible people who are the reservoir of Pakistan’s diversity. Foodmapping all the civilizational markers which are imbedded in what we savour!

Her personal perspective covers generations of her own family but also of the province’s histories. It is a rare window into a people, land and corner of Pakistan through food.

Culinary Tales from Balochistan is Nilofer Afridi Qazi first book published by Beaconbooks in the United Kingdom https://beaconbooks.net/shop/balochistan/ is the link to purchase your copy.

With Ramzan ( Ramadan) around the corner an introduction/ demonstration of some delicious, nourishing dishes!

So what are the general health benefits of fasting?

-Boosts cognitive performance.

-Protects from obesity and associated chronic diseases.

-Reduces inflammation.

-Improves overall fitness.

-Supports weight loss.

-Decreases the risk of metabolic diseases.

-Supports blood sugar management

In all Muslim countries the holy month of Ramzan brings the families together at 'Iftar' (Opening of the fast at sunset).Traditionally in the subcontinent the general rule for Iftari centres around dates, pakoras/samosas, chaat, along with preserved juices ... and heavy fried food!

The menu will introduce a bit of baking instead of frying ... and fizzy drinks replaced by homemade seasonal fruit and vegetable sherbets... and the Arabic serving of rich nourishing soups!

The menu will also include : Fruit Chaat ( Salad), aaloo bundey, qeema samosa, dahi bara, pakoras witha variety of chutneys, potato tacos, spinach tart, chicken cheese balls, crispy potato croquettes, bread rolls filled with chicken, cheese rolls, sandwiches with different filings. And then, lets not forget the desserts: Carrot and Date Cake, Umm Ali and Kunafa!

Join us for a delectable journey through countries with that special Mediterranean touch : Spain, France, Italy, Greece, Morocco, Egypt and Lebanon.These produce some of the finest cuisine the world has to offer!

The demo/ lunch will include Harira -a Moroccan soup, delicious dips: baba ghanoush and hummus. Falafel in pita, stuffed grape leaves and olive bread,tuna briouats, chicken with walnut sauce and yoghurt, baked fish with tahini sauce, salads from Morocco & Greece... and then... the inimitable baklava for dessert!

Demonstration/lunch- Outside in the garden!

Join us to learn the art of 'Dosa ' cuisine with the experts- the wife & husband team- Noor ul Ain and Khalid !

Masala Dosa with a delicious potato filling , served with the mouthwatering Chutneys, Sambar, Baray and Halwa is best described as a fermented crepe or pancake, made from rice batter and lentils. A delicious staple dish from certain specific areas of the Subcontinent, it is also popular in other countries like Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore .

First come, first served.

A morning to remember...join us to learn the fine art of Turkish Cuisine, and then partake of the delicacies in a lovely garden setting!

A heritage of the Ottomans Turkish Cuisine specialties - now appreciated globally- are often named for places and may refer to different styles of preparation.

The meal centres around bread to borek, grilled meat, vegetable, maize dishes, fish and baklava ...and then- of course- concludes with that relaxing fragrant cup of tea (Kehwah) or that very distinctive coffee with its own unique aroma...utter bliss!

The secrets of Pakistani cuisine- an informative culinary tour!

Though Pakistan is a country of geographical and linguistic diversity, there is common ground to be found in its food.  In this endeavor, Nilofer Afridi Qazi has traveled the length and breadth of Pakistan, from the fertile valleys and the sea of Sindh; to pastoral Baluchistan; to the plains of the Punjab with its five rivers and the rugged frontier province of KPK. In the process she has collected over a 100 recipes…

A Sunday Lunch in fabulous surroundings… A must for adventurous food lovers!

Shahnaz Barker founded ‘Coriander Connections’ in Hong Kong in 2009, an enterprise that promotes the very essence of Asian and Southeast Asian cuisine. She will share with us her expertise on various cuisines and cooking techniques of the region. This will include the nutritional, medicinal and health benefits of the ingredients and the many different herbs and spices that are used.