Sabrina Gidda - Modern South Asian Kitchen

For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to write a book and in August 2021, it became a reality and I am so lucky to have been able to share the initial news of this project with my Mother. In true Mrs Gidda style, we toasted with champagne, full of pride, love and emotion. We cooked together, we held on to each other and absorbed every moment of osmosis-like learning that was available. I think it is fair to say that this book arrived at a time when it was almost incomprehensible to create but create we did, all under the watchful eye and inspiration of Sukey Gidda.

Mrs Gidda. From licking the spoon after making cakes to paranathas, to roast dinners, puddings and pakoras it was at home where I fell in love with food. Initial kitchen disciplines, cleaning up as we cooked, tasting as we go all taught at home rather than culinary school stood me in good stead for the professional kitchen that neither of us knew I would eventually enter. Aside from practical skills and the ability to create utterly delicious food, my mother taught me that a sense of humour, being playful and having fun were the most important qualities to embrace in life and she is, of course, totally right. She has been my most loyal supporter, inspiration, rule breaker and my compass for making sure I am making the very most out of life. There really arent enough words, my gratitude is eternal and I hope she is as proud of me as I am of her.

My Father, Hardeep. You allowed me the time, space and encouragement needed to create this book. I am so very grateful for all you have done for me, to enable me to keep on going to complete this. A special thanks for the endless prep you helped with: peeling, chopping, organising, making masala chai, cups of coffee, omelettes, and of course being my my chief taster. You always said you were Mums KP but officially, and in print, I am so happy to promote you to Sous Chef! It has been incredible to share this journey with you, thank you for your support, your love, enthusiasm and your encouragement, I couldnt have done it without you. We did it!

Sanj, Davina and Amaira. Sanj you are forever asking me for recipes here are 90 to keep you busy! There are a number of Mums recipes and I cant wait for us to start sharing them with Amaira. You will of course be thrilled to see much custard, cauliflower cheese paranthas and the trifle we so love but now there is no excuse to not cook for me! I hope this book will be something Amaira will one day use and she will be proud of. Badda wrote a book!

Holly Cowgill. You are the calmest person I have ever met. Food stylist extraordinaire, maker of amazing oat lattes and completely unflappable when delivering 18 dishes a day in peak summertime heat in a tiny kitchen. Thank you for your energy, your organisation, your playlists and your commitment to my first book it has been an absolute joy to work with you. Thanks also to dream team Charlotte and Sadie who gave abundant energy and enthusiasm in the midst of a crazy week and heatwave.

Maria Bell. There arent many photographers who will shoot 90 recipes in 5 days with a smile on their face and a sense of humour. Maria I salute you, and I thank you. Not just for your extraordinary talent, but your sensitivity, encouragement and celebration of this little cultural journey we embarked on together as we zipped around the country. Your interest and excitement throughout this project has been amazing and I cant wait to work with you again (with a lot less on the daily shoot list)! Huge thanks to Ariana Ruth who was instrumental in this huge week long undertaking of photography. I learned such a lot from working with you both!

Sarah Lavelle and the Quadrille/Hardie Grant Team, especially Kathryn Keeble and Claire Rochford in design. And the copy editor Stephanie Evans. Thank you for the opportunity to create something so meaningful and special to me. For working with me as this book evolved and for allowing me to celebrate not just my own story, but the eight other incredible women who feature within.

Sophie Allen, my editor. Travel companion, dining companion, sense checker, cheerleader and all round hero. Thank you for letting this book evolve. Thank you for your patience, your expertise and your genuine unwavering enthusiasm for South Asian food, culture and sisterhood. Special thanks for not judging my tendency to over-order anywhere we ate on this trip and for sharing so many wonderful stories of your own travels across India.

Family Majhu: Mamaji Malcom, Mamiji Gulshan, Ricky, Sandy, Sanjay, Iysha, Rav, Aria and Aman. A massive thank you for all you have done and all you continue to do for me, and for us. Thank you for being a part of this book, the journey, being on the esteemed tasting panel, and for your unwavering support and love. Mamiji thank you for sharing your kheer recipe and for being a part of this with me, it was so fun!

The remarkable kindred sisters within this book: Usha, Rajinder Auntiji, Chandini, Nisha, Mursal and Zorah Aunty, Ruchita, Lakshmi and Melissa and your families for welcoming me into your homes. Thank you for agreeing to be a part of this project. I wish we had more time and more pages as there was so much to talk about, so much to cook and so much to enjoy eating! Being invited to cook with you, learn from you and share with you has been so special. It is quite something to arrive as a perfect stranger and to leave as friends! I thank you for your hospitality, your kindness and for treating me as you would family. You will no doubt continue to inspire many, and in particular young South Asian Women. It is a proud moment to look up, look around and to see each other win.

Karan Sidhu, who kindly shared the opening photo of me and my mother. Taken at a wedding in India, it is one of my absolute favourites and I am grateful to you, for capturing her magic, our relationship and much joy all in one shot. You are so talented and I hope one day we get to work together!

Theia, Anna and Team KBJ: Thank you for being with me through it all. It is just the beginning, but I love working with you and I look forward to all that is to come! Special thanks to you Theia for being with me through the whole of this journey, you are amazing.

Jeremy and Family Ford, Samirah, Gaile and Lisa, Katherine and Lorna, Lale, Marcello and Kamil, Shenali, Kitty, Sarah, Rachel, Rebecca and Jane. Thank you for your incredible love, support and friendship, some over many many years. You have all been instrumental in keeping me going with unwavering love, generosity, kindness, wine and friendship. I am so lucky to have you. I love you all.

And of course, to everyone who has bought this book. I hope it brings you joy, that you feel a little like you travelled with me on the journey with it, that it made you laugh, that you enjoy cooking from it, stain the pages splashes, write in your own notes and share these recipes with those you love. Your support through buying this book means a great deal to me and I just hope you adore it as much as I do!

Love Sabrina x

Sabrina Giddas early career began in Fashion PR and marketing, before realising her passion lay in food and cooking. She has run numerous London restaurants along with overseeing the opening of members clubs both in the UK and US. She now runs her own consultancy, working globally with hotels, restaurants and brands to create food concepts and menu design.

Sabrina has enjoyed competing and judging in popular television shows, such as the BBCs Great British Menu, Celebrity Masterchef, Saturday Kitchen and Snack Masters. Her recipes have featured in