Full Description
Bittersweet, A Story of Food and Yemen is a captivating exploration of Yemen's rich culinary heritage. Authored by Bangladeshi photographer, Sayed Asif Mahmud, with contributions from Marta Colburn and Jessica Olney, this visually stunning book takes the readers on a soulful discovery of how food is intricately woven into the fabric of Yemeni identity, portraying everyday practices, cooking techniques, and livelihoods against the backdrop of Yemen's unique landscapes, architecture, and heart-warming gatherings.
Through evocative photographs and meticulous research, the book delves into the origins, development and transformations of Yemeni culinary traditions. It explores the cultural significance of food in Yemen's history, touching on factors like agriculture, trade, and identity, bringing the unique cuisine of Yemen alive for specialists, food enthusiasts and those invited to appreciate the dignity and perseverance of the Yemeni people and support them through a spirit of solidarity and respect.
Contents
Bread and Salta
Foreword by Tim Mackintosh-Smith
9 | 11
A Timeless Heritage
16 | 19
Diversity Across the Lands and Seas
20 | 21
Inside the Yemeni Kitchen
22 | 24
Exploring Unique Regions
27 | 47
Red Sea
28
The Gulf of Arden
30
Western Escarpment
32
Sana'a and the surrounding Highland
34
The Northern Highlands
37
The Southern Highlands
39
The Eastern Slopes and Southeast Coast
41
The Desert and Desert Fringe
44
Soqotra Island and Archipelago
46
Food Chapters
49 | 271
Bread
68
Fish
90
Fruits and Vegetables | Spices and Herbs
126 | 136
Meat and Protein
144
Dairy
162
Honey
188
Salt
200
Qat
218
Coffee
236
Afterword by Richard F. Ragan
275
The Future of Food
277 | 279
Glossary of Yemeni Food
280 | 283
