Bahraini food technologist showcases taste of delicious Gulf cuisine

TDT | Manama                                                               

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Reported by Zahra Ayaz

Renowned Bahraini food technologist Afnan Rashid Al Zayani unveiled two updated editions of her cookery books during a press conference held at Al Zayani Commercial Services yesterday (March 4).

The books, titled “Al Sofra Al Khalijiya,” (9th edition) and “A Taste of Arabian Gulf” (4th edition), offer a comprehensive guide to the secrets of traditional and modern Arabian Gulf cuisine. In addition to her successful career as a businesswoman, Al Zayani is also an accomplished author, having published seven cookery books.

Her notable works include “Al Sofra Alkhalijiya,” “A Taste of Arabian Gulf,” “Mal Lath Wa Tab,” “Latha’eth Afnan,” “Afnaniyat,” “Aeesh Wa Malh,” and “Ya Halawa.” Speaking to The Daily Tribune, Al Zayani shared the inspiration behind her culinary journey.

She said, “During the 1980s when I was the head of quality control supervisor at the Bahrain Flour Mills Company, I noticed that the recipes featured on our products were all non-Gulf cuisines.

“In response, our manager instructed me and a friend to include Gulf recipes. We started writing them on the packages, and it turned out to be a tremendous success. Visitors from all around the Gulf flocked to the Middle East Food Exhibition to buy our booklet.” Realising the need to preserve this important part of the Gulf’s culinary heritage, Al Zayani took it upon herself to document traditional cooking methods.

She reached out to well-known ladies who were experts in these culinary traditions and meticulously collected information. “Even though Bahrain is a small country, the recipes vary from one household to another. I documented these variations and wrote the book in Arabic,” she explained.

Responsibility

In 1983, Al Zayani’s first book was published in Arabic, and in 1988, an English edition followed. “I felt it was my responsibility to introduce these traditional cuisines to the world,” she added. Her efforts in preserving the heritage of Arabian Gulf cuisine were recognised when she received the Bahrain National Achievement Award.

Apart from her authorship and expertise in food technology, Al Zayani actively participates as a judge in various local cooking competitions, including Mefex, and other competitions organised by civil societies. Recently, she also led a focus group of Bahraini entrepreneurs in the food industry, arranged by the Supreme Council for Women, where they addressed the challenges faced by restaurant and café owners.

The group aims to devise strategies to tackle these issues under the auspices of the Supreme Council for Women, for which Al Zayani serves as a board member. With the launch of the updated editions of her cookery books, Al Zayani continues to promote and cherish the original flavours of Arabian Gulf cuisine, leaving an indelible mark on the culinary landscape of the region.