Beatriz De La Pava Hucke meets Dina Macki and Keshia Sakarah, two chefs who explore their culture and identity through food. They discuss memories with food and cultural identity, the fusion of cultures in Caribbean and Omani cuisine, signature dishes like Goat Water and Almani Kabuly, and preserving cultural cuisine through oral tradition.
Food serves as a vessel for preserving heritage, identity, and sharing cultural experiences.
Female chefs in the food industry face challenges but emphasize the importance of confidence, perseverance, and creating spaces for underrepresented voices.
Deep dives
Food as a Cultural Connector
Dina Maki and Kisha Zakara, chefs and food writers, discuss how food plays a vital role in connecting them to their cultural roots. Dina shares her early memories of being surrounded by Omani and Zanzibari cuisine, highlighting how her grandmother's cooking for the Zanzibari royal family was influential. Kisha reminisces about baking with her grandmother, learning traditional Caribbean recipes. Both chefs emphasize that food is a means of preserving their heritage and identity while sharing their cultures with others.
The Importance of Food in Identity and Culture
Dina and Kisha discuss the significance of food in defining their identity and culture. Dina explains how Omani cuisine reflects the country's rich history and maritime influences from various cultures. Kisha highlights the complexity of Caribbean cuisine, shaped by indigenous communities, European colonialism, and immigrant influences. Both chefs emphasize that food serves as a vessel for connections to history, traditions, and ancestral experiences.
Overcoming Challenges as Female Entrepreneurs
Dina and Kisha share their experiences as female entrepreneurs in the food industry. They discuss the challenges faced in a male-dominated field and the need to work twice as hard to prove their worth. Dina emphasizes the importance of confidence and perseverance, while Kisha stresses the necessity of challenging preconceived notions of Caribbean cuisine. Both chefs highlight the importance of sharing their stories and creating spaces for underrepresented voices in the culinary world.
Beatriz De La Pava Hucke meets two writers and chefs who explore their culture, history and identity through food.
Dina Macki is a recipe developer and writer who basis her work around Omani cuisine. She works with international brands, restaurants and hotels in the UK and in the Gulf region. She’s just published her debut cookbook, Bahari: Recipes from an Omani Kitchen and Beyond.
Keshia Sakarah is a chef and owner of Caribe’ - Caribbean Eating and the Baruru Supper-club. She travelled across the Caribbean Islands to discover and collect traditional recipes. Her first book, Caribe': A Cookbook with History, will come out in 2025.
Produced by Sarah Kendal, Alice Gioia and Jane Thurlow.
(Image: (L) Keshia Sakarah, courtesy of Keshia Sakarah. (R) Dina Macki, courtesy of Dina Macki.)
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