health
February 18, 2026
‘A mission of mine’: during Ramadan, Sudanese food is a reminder of what is at stake in a time of war
The loss of sacred spaces during the period of observance and the ongoing conflict reminds us of the importance of cherishing food
TL;DR
- Omer Al Tijani's cookbook, 'The Sudanese Kitchen,' is a first-of-its-kind collection of Sudanese recipes.
- The author gathered recipes across Sudan during the revolution that overthrew dictator Omar al-Bashir.
- Sudanese cuisine is diverse, reflecting the country's mix of African and Arab influences, but much of it remains unknown even to Sudanese people.
- The ongoing war in Sudan has created the world's largest displacement and hunger crisis, making the cookbook a source of emotional connection and a reminder of loss.
- For many Sudanese, food has become a symbol of resistance and a way to keep their culture and identity alive amidst destruction and displacement.
- Ramadan in Sudan is a hyper-domestic and social time, with food preparation taking weeks and involving community participation, intensifying the sense of loss for those displaced.
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