Maqbous Omani Chicken Saffron Chana Dal Spiced Rice

Maqbous Omani chicken saffron chana dal spiced rice

Maqbous is a chicken and rice dish packed with a legion of spices and a sweet rosewater-raisin tang that hails from Oman in the south-eastern corner of the Arabian peninsula. It’s a close cousin of the Saudi kabsa, the Yemeni mandi, and the Indian biryani and reminds us a lot of Gambian benachin. Oman is one of the … Read more

Arroz Chaufa Peruvian Cantonese Stir Fried Rice

Arroz chaufa Peruvian Cantonese stir fried rice

Think of a classic Peruvian dinner, and arroz chaufa might not be the first thing that springs to mind. You might instead conjure up a plate of ceviche or a barbequed cuy (guinea pig!) washed down with a pisco sour. Spend an evening in Lima, however, and you are just as likely to find yourself tucking into a hearty … Read more

Benachin Gambian One Pot Jollof Rice

Benachin Gambian One Pot Jollof Rice

WHAT IS BENACHIN? Benachin is a traditional Gambian dish consisting of rice, vegetables, and meat, all cooked together in a single pot. It is also known as thiebou-dienne, a Senegambian special jollof rice. Benachin translates to “one pot” in Wollof, referring to its cooking method. The dish is characterized by its aromatic flavours, thanks to … Read more

Ca Kho To: Vietnamese Braised Fish

Ca Kho To is a Vietnamese caramelized fish stew cooked in a clay pot to perfection

Say what you want about Vietnamese food, but it’s hard to deny its uniqueness and special appeal. Even in a dish like ca kho to, which is a fairly everyday dish from the South, what you see (and what you get) is a diversity of ingredients exquisitely cooked in unpretentious, simple but really effective ways. … Read more

Tave Kosi: Albanian Lamb & Yogurt Casserole

Good things are bound to happen (food-wise, at least) for a country situated in the middle of some of the oldest major culinary influences. Chalk Albania up as one of those countries, and for certain dishes – tave kosi included – the history of the dish is as rich as the taste itself. Tave Kosi: … Read more

Sabzi Polo ba Mahi

Sabzi Polo ba Mahi

The turn of the seasons from winter to spring is a good enough reason for anyone to rejoice, but Nowruz in particular takes it up a notch. With traditions and celebrations spanning weeks, Nowruz is a very symbolic and special time of year for cultures stemming from the Old Persian Empire. For Iranians especially (including Cyrus and his … Read more