Stephen Morgan MP was joined by Portsmouth’s Nadia and Riaz Arab to speak about their Indian and Pakistani cookery book and project with local residents, a journey which began back in the 1980s in Portsmouth.
The original Indian and Pakistani cookery book was created in the 1980s by Nadia’s mother and father, Riaz and Khalida Arab, when they travelled to the UK. They taught a successful Indian cookery school to locals in Portsmouth and shared their passion for food and flavours.
Riaz and Khalida wrote all of their recipes into a small book named ‘Indian Cookery Made Easy’, which was sold in a major bookshop. The cookery school closed due to a move, and the original book was lost.
30 years later it was found by Nadia and eventually republished in 2021 as ‘The Road from Karachi’, showcasing her parent’s original recipes containing everything from starters, meats, vegetarian, breads, and dhals, to rice, chunties, sweets and beverages.
Mr Morgan hosted a networking session to discuss the book with Indian snacks served by Nadia and Riaz.
Nadia also shared her work with the Clean Water Project, which aims to help those in need with a clean water supply in India, Pakistan and countries in Africa. A portion of the book’s proceeds will be used to support the building of clean water pumps in these countries.
Following the event, commenting Portsmouth MP Stephen Morgan said:
“From Buckland to publishing a book about Indian and Pakistani cookery, the Arab’s family story is a fascinating one.
“It was fantastic to host Nadia and Riaz to give them the opportunity to share this unique tale, as well as learn more about the important community work they are currently undertaking to deliver clean water to communities in need.
“Our city is lucky to be part of the story and thanks to Nadia’s determination, the Arab family legacy will not be lost again”
Constituents interested in donating to the Clean Water project can do so here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/nadia-arab-1665763083697?newPage=true
The Road from Karachi book is available to order from the website https://www.theroadfromkarachi.com/, and is also available from Waterstones, Blackwells, Brown Books, and Amazon.
