The foods that matter

We talk a lot about food. It is definitely one of our very favourite topics of conversation! Probably because food is so rich in memories and associations, so deeply embedded in the human experience of life and community. Many of our conversations about our lives either start with or come back to memories of sharing food with others.

Back in June, we were lucky enough to have a virtual visit from the Scottish Poet Makar, Jackie Kay (find her @jackiekaypoet on twitter) In conversation with our group she shared three of her poems, two of which connected food with other associations or experiences. It inspired us to do the same. Several months and a large number of tangential conversations later ...

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I left behind attieke and grilled tilapia 

Even in my grave I will remember the gorgeous taste of this delicious food 

Two years have passed, but still I have the taste on my tongue, from eating it with my friends. 

I also left behind my sunny beaches 

I left behind delicious pommes pilés 

A light dish made from cooking together a mixture of beans, potatoes, palm oil and onion. 

I remember eating it for the first time at my grandmother’s house 

I also left behind the beautiful weather 

I left behind gaou 

It tastes like a very comfortable foam, ready to sleep 

I happily remember all my friends sharing this together at snack time 

I also left behind those good times with my friends 

I left behind a delicious snack called gnomie with coco baca on the side 

Made with ground millet mixed with ground banana 

I enjoyed eating it with friends on sunny days. It reminds me of more peaceful times in my country 

I also left behind the love of being home 

I left behind fresh fish from the river Nile 

It is crunchy when fried with flour and spices; I can smell the smell of the river in it. 

I ate it with my family on weekends 

I also left behind my lovely family 

I left behind my mum’s version of koftas fingers 

The most delicious koftas I have even had in my life 

I used to have this dish in winter with my family in Sudan 

I also left behind my Mom 

I left behind my sweet-enough pancakes 

A rich creamy batter formed into a thick slice 

Eaten with my friends and family as a delicious snack with any refreshing drink 

I also left behind pains and worry 

I left behind delicious chicken bestaila 

Filo pastry with eggs, chicken, almonds and cinnamon inside; it is both salty and sweet 

We ate it with my family and my mum taught me how to make it. I miss it. 

I also left behind happy memories of my childhood 

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I brought with me okra stew 

A savoury dish with tender lamb meat 

I used to eat it back home and when my beloved wife joined me here she cooked it for me 

I also brought with me my memories 

I brought with me brown rice with fried chicken and tomato sauce 

Made with onion garlic, leek, parsley, mushroom, garlic and carrots 

It’s always a pleasure to share that dish with my friends and family 

I also brought with me a life full of endurance 

I brought with me potatoes keemah 

Minced meat with onions, spices, carrots, fried potatoes, green peas and tomato sauce 

Before, my mom made it for us and now I make this delicious dish. 

I also brought with me many expectations 

I brought with me Gbofloto. 

A delicious doughnut made with yeast, flour, butter, sugar and oil to fry it. 

I eat it with my family and my next door neighbours. 

I also brought with me the hope of new life inside me 

I brought with me attieke and fresh fish soup 

I love its spicy taste because I love chilli 

Its a very easy food to cook 

I also brought with me joy 

I brought with me jollof rice with fried chicken 

Rice filled with ingredients and different spices; the smoky taste makes it special 

I love to prepare it to entertain friends. 

I also brought with me a good character and a hope for a better tomorrow 

I brought with me gouagouassou soup with snails 

A mixture of okra and African aubergine 

I enjoy it after a wonderful Sunday service 

I also brought with me anxiety mixed with colourful hope 

I brought with me Moroccan bread 

Made by mixing white flour, brown flour, a little salt, yeast and water 

It reminds me of Moroccan traditions and we eat it everyday 

I also brought with me my heart 

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Here I have discovered a delicious food called vegetable samosas 

Made from vegetables and other spices that I don’t even know 

It is very tasty and I would enjoy it again if I could 

Here I also discovered canals and attractive canal boats 

Here I have discovered English breakfast 

Sausage, mushrooms, potato cakes, egg, baked beans and tomatoes; nice-looking and rich in protein 

My husband made it for me but I couldn’t finish it! 

Here I also discovered another side of my husband 

Here I have discovered bangers and mash 

A British traditional dish of sausages and mashed potato with peas and gravy 

It was a heartfelt welcome meal with a lovely British family. 

Here I also discovered the love of being a father 

Here I have discovered nkwobi 

Cooked cowfoot in chili sauce sprinkled with stockfish and potash, and garnished with Utazi leaves 

First, my friend prepared it for me and ever since, I often make it and enjoy it. 

Here I also discovered the essence of patience 

Here I have discovered fries and baked beans. 

I never in my life thought that I would like this food but now I love it and can eat it every week 

I eat it with my family and some British friends. 

Here I also discovered many different cultures 

Here I have discovered full British breakfast 

It's very filling and gives me energy for the day 

I love it and I could eat it every day! 

Here I also discovered a very welcoming people 

Here I have discovered masala fish with naan bread 

I like it a lot because it is delicious 

In my first Ramadan here, sitting with friends, someone brought it and I fell in love with it 

Here I also discovered lots of different friends 

Here I have discovered tuna with sweetcorn and mayo 

Its cold, so isn’t like the food I used to have but it is surprisingly delicious 

I eat it with my wife when we don’t have much time to cook 

Here I also discovered humanity

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