Native Name: Sikbaj Cultural Background: Sikbaj is one of the most historically documented dishes to survive from the Sassanid Persian court, a slow-braised sweet-and-sour meat stew built on vinegar, honey and dried fruit that was later carried into Abbasid Baghdad's cuisine and, from there, influenced dishes as far away as medieval Spain. This version reconstructs […]
Introduction: Tumunu refers both to a traditional fermented drink made from ingredients such as orange peel, hops and sugar, and to the communal drinking circles named after the hollowed tree-stump vessels once used to brew it. Cultural Background: Tumunu refers both to a traditional fermented drink made from ingredients such as orange peel, hops and […]
Introduction: A tangy, spiced vegetable relish influenced by Indian Ocean trade routes, achards brighten up a Comorian table with vinegar, mustard seed and chilli. Cultural Background: A tangy, spiced vegetable relish influenced by Indian Ocean trade routes, achards brighten up a Comorian table with vinegar, mustard seed and chilli. It's served as a starter or […]
Introduction: A gently spiced lentil soup enriched with coconut milk, this dish shows the coconut-heavy leanings of Comorian cooking even in its simplest, most everyday meals. Cultural Background: A gently spiced lentil soup enriched with coconut milk, this dish shows the coconut-heavy leanings of Comorian cooking even in its simplest, most everyday meals. It's warming, […]
Introduction: Whole fish marinated in a tangy tamarind and chilli paste, then grilled over charcoal, this is a staple main course found at family gatherings and seaside grills across the islands. Cultural Background: Whole fish marinated in a tangy tamarind and chilli paste, then grilled over charcoal, this is a staple main course found at […]
Introduction: A light, fragrant fish soup built on the daily catch, flavoured with tomato, garlic and a touch of chilli. Cultural Background: A light, fragrant fish soup built on the daily catch, flavoured with tomato, garlic and a touch of chilli. It's a simple, everyday dish that reflects the islands' total dependence on the surrounding […]
Introduction: Comoros' answer to the spiced rice dishes found right around the Indian Ocean rim, pilaou layers rice with beef or chicken, whole spices and caramelised onions. Cultural Background: Comoros' answer to the spiced rice dishes found right around the Indian Ocean rim, pilaou layers rice with beef or chicken, whole spices and caramelised onions. […]
Introduction: A warming, fragrant tea made from fresh ginger and lemongrass, this everyday drink is served throughout the day across the islands and often accompanies mahamri or mkatra foutra at breakfast. Cultural Background: A warming, fragrant tea made from fresh ginger and lemongrass, this everyday drink is served throughout the day across the islands and […]
Introduction: A festive, richly spiced rice dish cooked with meat and dried fruit, bilahouri is prepared for weddings, religious feasts and other major celebrations, standing as a grander cousin to the everyday pilaou. Cultural Background: A festive, richly spiced rice dish cooked with meat and dried fruit, bilahouri is prepared for weddings, religious feasts and […]
Introduction: Tangyuan are chewy glutinous rice balls served in warm syrup, traditionally eaten during the Lantern Festival and the Winter Solstice, their round shape symbolising family unity and togetherness. Cultural Background: Tangyuan are chewy glutinous rice balls served in warm syrup, traditionally eaten during the Lantern Festival and the Winter Solstice, their round shape symbolising […]