Two-time Gourmand Award winner, and Pakistan’s leading independent publishing house, Markings Publishing, proudly launched ‘Pakistan Heritage Cuisine – A Food Story’ by Sayeeda Leghari at the Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture in Karachi.
‘Pakistan Heritage Cuisine - A Food Story’ explores how the cuisine of a country is intricately woven into its fabric and is shaped by the history and characteristics of the region and its people. Traditions and cultures overlap in the subcontinent, which is a region of shared history. In this book, Leghari has tried to give readers an insight into the incredible journey of Pakistani cuisine, its grandeur as well as its simplicity, its finesse as well as its ruggedness and the historical influences that have shaped it.
Indeed this is Leghari’s first published title as an author. Leghari’s desire to give back to Pakistan and her love for national food prompted her to introduce the world to the country’s rich, diverse culture through food, and the pride with which she takes in her culinary heritage. Leghari has traced back the origin and myths attached to some dishes enjoyed by most Pakistanis, with the hope that the insight given will be enjoyed by the reader as well. All proceeds from the book sales will be donated to the Child Aid Association in Pakistan.
“I decided to document Pakistan through a book depicting its rich heritage and culture to highlight the flavours and taste that keep us in unison. Despite the notion that Pakistanis could differ in opinion on almost all topics, when it comes to our food culture we stand united. Our geographical boundaries may have divided the sub-continent into separate countries, but we will always remain tied by our heritage, food, and culture.” said Sayeeda Leghari.
The event was opened with an introduction on the evening by Tuba Arshad at Markings, where she invited on stage Art Curator Sameera Raja who moderated a panel discussion featuring the author Sayeeda Leghari, who spoke about her journey and effort in compiling the book; former Pakistan Ambassador to the United Nations and Sindh Assembly Speaker, a businessman and social activist Hussain Haroon, who spoke to about the Pakistani culinary heritage; Renowned art critic, author, curator and painter Marjorie Husain, who spoke about food as culinary art; food connoisseur Mulaika Sayeed, who spoke about family favourites and community cuisines and President Child Aid Association, Dr. Nizam-ul-Hassan, who spoke about the his organisation and the royalties being donated by Leghari from the book sales. Rasikh Ismail at Koel Café restaurant created customised hors d’oeurves giving the attendees a taste of Pakistani Heritage Cuisines. The event was managed by Sara Chapra at Carbon with public relations by Lotus.
