Melissa Thompson

Melissa Thompson, a BBC Good Food columnist and author of "Motherland: A Jamaican Cookbook," and Riaz Phillips, author of "West Winds: Recipes, History and Tales from Jamaica," explore the rich tapestry of Jamaican cuisine. They discuss iconic dishes like jerk chicken and ackee and saltfish, highlighting their diverse cultural influences. Personal stories reveal how culinary traditions shape identity within the Jamaican diaspora. The conversation also tackles authenticity, cultural appropriation, and the evolution of Jamaican food, particularly in London.

Dipo Faloyin, Vice Senior Editor and author of "Africa Is Not A Country", shares insights on the rich complexity of African identities, challenging stereotypes. Lea Ypi, a political theory professor, recounts her upbringing in Albania during the fall of communism, weaving personal narratives with reflections on freedom. Food writer Melissa Thompson dives into Jamaican cuisine, discussing its cultural significance and the interplay of identity within the diaspora. Together, they explore how diverse stories shape our understanding of culture and heritage.

Join Melissa Thompson, a renowned BBC Good Food columnist and author of "Motherland: A Jamaican Cookbook," along with Riaz Phillips, author of "West Winds: Recipes, History and Tales from Jamaica," as they dive into the rich tapestry of Jamaican cuisine. They explore iconic dishes like jerk chicken and ackee and saltfish, tracing their roots through cultural influences ranging from Africa to colonialism. The conversation highlights the importance of culinary identity, authenticity, and celebrates the evolving narrative of Caribbean food in the global landscape.