Ashia Ismail-Singer blends cultures and comfort at SIBF 2025

November 12, 2025 / 11:41 AM

Sharjah24: The aroma of chilli-infused honey and the sizzle of paneer in a pan filled the air at the Cookery Corner of the 44th Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2025) as Ashia Ismail-Singer, a New Zealand-based author and chef, demonstrated her signature dish — Parmesan-crumbed paneer with hot honey. The recipe, like the author herself, is a melting pot of flavours from across continents.

“My grandparents are from India, I was born in Africa, raised in the UK, and now live in New Zealand,” she said. “All three of my cookbooks reflect that mix — a kind of global fusion that brings cultures together on one plate while honouring my Memon roots.”

Fusing flavours and memories

During her lively cooking session, Ismail-Singer described paneer as “a very Indian protein” that can seem plain unless paired creatively. “I wanted to make it stand out,” she explained. “So I coated it in a Parmesan crust for that nutty flavour and drizzled it with hot honey — just honey warmed with chilli flakes. It gives you that sweet and savoury balance, and a lovely mouthfeel.”

The recipe appears in her latest book, Food for Sharing, published in New Zealand in 2024 and launched globally earlier this year. The title reflects her philosophy of cooking as a universal act of connection — “simple, comforting food that brings people together and tells stories of migration, belonging, and memory.”

A return to Sharjah’s international stage

Returning to SIBF for her second appearance, Ismail-Singer expressed her joy at being part of one of the world’s most international literary gatherings. “When I came two years ago, I only had one book published,” she said. “Now there are three, each inspired by a different stage of my life. The book fair’s global audience makes it the perfect place to celebrate food that crosses borders.”

Her warm and engaging session attracted food lovers from around the world, reflecting the fair’s diverse community of readers and culinary enthusiasts. As she plated her creation, she invited guests to sample the paneer, describing it as “a bite that travels across continents — spicy, nutty, and sweet, just like life.”

Cookery Corner: where food meets culture

Her session was part of SIBF 2025’s Cookery Corner, which this year features 35 live cooking sessions led by 14 international chefs. The programme showcases global cuisines and personal culinary stories, emphasising food’s role as a shared language of culture, creativity, and connection.