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ISHKAR explores Yemen and Yemeni culture through food, craft, and stories. Fatma Al-Baiti, founder of ‘Meet me at Fatma’s’, London’s only Yemeni brunch club, shows how to make classic dishes cooked in traditional stoneware cooking pots, or maglas.

In 2021, ISHKAR launched a collection of these cooking pots, hand-carved by artisans in natural soapstone from the mountains of Razih in Sa’ada, Yemen. The pots are showcased alongside the demonstration as Fatma delves into the significance of these objects in Yemeni culture and tradition, which has unfortunately been overshadowed by conflict in recent years.

Shop stone pots:
ishkar.com/collections/tableware/products/salta-pot
ishkar.com/collections/tableware/products/rizah-pot

Yemeni cuisine is a fusion between Indian, Turkish and East African influences that come together through a rich history of migration and trade. ‘It shares the base of rice and bread with its neighbouring countries in the Gulf and beyond, but also has its own quirks,’ Fatma explains. ‘Unfortunately, despite the depth of flavours and inviting aromas, it is almost unheard of.’

Please note that due to changing restrictions, the venue might change, but will remain within London.