Wednesday 04 / December / 2024
Muscat: Dina Macki’s debut cookbook, “Bahari: Recipes from an Omani Kitchen and Beyond”, has been named one of The Washington Post’s top 14 cookbooks of 2024. The honour celebrates “Bahari” as the first English-language cookbook by an Omani chef and a landmark contribution to global culinary literature.
The US Embassy in Muscat also highlighted the milestone in a congratulatory message on X (formerly known as Twitter) on Tuesday, praising Macki for taking readers on a “flavourful journey through Oman and Zanzibar” while sharing deeply personal recipes and stories. The embassy noted the book’s global recognition as a celebration of Omani culture and heritage, calling it “truly a feast for the senses.”
Born in Portsmouth, UK, to Omani-Zanzibari parents, Macki has drawn from her heritage and experiences to create a cookbook that captures the essence of Oman’s rich culinary traditions.
The title “Bahari”, meaning “ocean” in Swahili, reflects Oman’s historical ties with Zanzibar and its maritime trade history and its role as a crossroads of culinary influences from India, Pakistan, East Africa, and the Middle East. Macki travelled extensively through Oman and Zanzibar to research recipes, which she presents alongside essays that delve into the history and culture behind the dishes.
The book offers over 90 recipes, from traditional dishes like her aunt’s spiced prawn dumplings, Qabooli rice and sambusas to Zanzibari-inspired Chuku Chuku curry, blending dried lime, coconut, and aromatic spices - key elements of Omani cuisine. It introduces the world to a vibrant culinary tradition deeply rooted in history, culture, and personal storytelling.
“Bahari” also includes contemporary adaptations like ice cream recipes, reflecting Macki’s ability to bridge traditional cuisine with modern creativity. Published by DK Books, “Bahari” is more than a collection of recipes. Its vibrant photography and deeply researched essays make it a cultural exploration, offering readers a window into the flavours and stories that define Omani and Zanzibari cooking.
The Washington Post lauded the book for its ability to transport readers through its pages, calling it a “gorgeously photographed” pick of the year.
In addition to this recognition, “Bahari” has won the Jane Grigson Trust Award and was featured by the Evening Standard as one of the best cookbooks of the year.
Since 2019, Macki has also worked as a consultant, recipe developer, and food presenter, introducing Omani cuisine to global audiences.
With “Bahari”, Macki has firmly established herself as a culinary ambassador for Oman, bringing its unique flavours and stories - a significant milestone for the region’s cultural representation on the global stage.
