Tekebash and Saba: Recipes from the Horn of Africa is much more than a cookbook—it is a heartfelt tribute to culture, migration, and the enduring power of food to connect us to our roots. Written by Saba Alemayoh, this beautifully crafted book honours the legacy of her extraordinary mother, Tekebash Gebre, and the cuisine of Tigray, Ethiopia.

Tekebash’s life story is one of resilience and migration. Born during the reign of Ethiopia’s last emperor, she lived through the tumultuous years of a communist regime before fleeing to Sudan. Her journey, marked by both struggle and hope, took her family from Aksum to Khartoum and eventually to Melbourne, Australia. Throughout this odyssey, Tekebash preserved the essence of Tigrayan culture through her cooking—simple, vibrant dishes that embody the spirit of her homeland.

The recipes in this book, carefully translated and recorded by Saba, were originally crafted by taste, touch, and memory in their Melbourne restaurant. Each dish serves as a piece of history, a tangible link to the past and a celebration of Tigrayan heritage. From spiced stews to fragrant flatbreads, the recipes capture the warmth and soul of a cuisine deeply rooted in community and tradition.

However, this book is more than a collection of recipes. It is a narrative of identity, displacement, and belonging, resonating with anyone who understands the powerful pull of a distant homeland. Through her mother’s cooking, Saba conveys the universal language of food as a source of comfort, connection, and storytelling.

Tekebash and Saba is an invitation to explore the flavours of the Horn of Africa while immersing yourself in a deeply personal and moving journey. It is a testament to the strength of cultural heritage and the profound way in which food can preserve and share it with the world.

Product details

PublisherMurdoch Books (2023)

Language: English

Hardback: 208 pages

ISBN-10: 1922351822

ISBN-13: 978-1922351821

Dimensions: 20.3 x 25.4 x 4.7 cm