Forgotten Foods Book Review: A Mixed Platter of History and Heritage

I picked up Forgotten Foods by Claire Chambers and Tarana Husain Khan with high hopes of diving into nostalgic stories of lost culinary traditions, but by the end, my excitement had fizzled out. It turned out to be more of a historical journey than the warm, personal memoir I thought it to be.

My Rating:

❤️❤️❤️🤍🤍

“A mixed platter of history and heritage.”

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What’s Forgotten Foods About?

Forgotten Foods is an anthology of essays, anecdotes, and recipes from Muslim South Asia, focusing on the culinary heritage of North-western India, with touches of Pakistani and Afghan influences. Each chapter is written by different contributors, offering a mix of storytelling and historical accounts. 

The book discusses traditional foods that have either been preserved or altered over time, offering insights into how history and culture shaped the cuisine. At the end of each chapter, you’ll find a couple of recipes, making it part food journalism, part recipe book.

What Makes It Worth Reading?

The book brings together culinary heritage from different regions, making it a treasure trove for those who enjoy food history. It’s filled with anecdotes about authentic dishes and their journey through time. The inclusion of 30+ regional recipes, both veg and non-veg, is a great resource for anyone wanting to try heritage cooking. 

Some chapters, especially those written in a more personal tone, stand out. The few that read like first-hand experiences offer a sense of nostalgia—stories of grandparents cooking elaborate dishes that we rarely make anymore. These moments are refreshing and emotionally engaging.

The Downsides...

Unfortunately, much of the book feels more like a history textbook than a memoir. Most chapters focus heavily on food journalism, providing historical context and cultural development rather than personal stories. If you’re hoping for heartwarming memories and tales of lost culinary traditions, you’ll only find a few sprinkled here and there.

For me, the historical accounts drained some of the excitement. While it’s informative, I was looking forward to stories that bring back the essence of forgotten family recipes and the personal memories tied to them.

To Read or Not To?

If you’re someone who enjoys the intersection of history and food, this book will likely captivate you. However, if you're looking for a deeply personal, nostalgic exploration of lost foods, you might not find enough of that here. It does work well as a recipe book though, with plenty of regional dishes to try out.

Final Thoughts

Forgotten Foods is more suited for readers interested in food history and journalism than those looking for intimate culinary memoirs. The book delivers a mix of cultural anecdotes and recipes, but if you’re hoping for a collection of personal, nostalgic stories, it might leave you wanting more.

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