Latest news with #GourmandAwards
Associated Press
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
Historic Sweep for Jordanian-Canadian Author at Gourmand Awards: Thuraya Earns Four 'Best in the World' Honours
NEW YORK, June 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Thuraya: Recipes from Our Family's Kitchen in Jordan, authored and independently published by Jordanian-Canadian writer Nadeem Mansour, has earned four Best in the World honors at the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards — winning the #1 global prize for Best Mediterranean Book and Best Video Presentation, and placing #2 in the world for Best Family Book and the prestigious Best Cookbook in the World category. As the first English-language Jordanian cookbook to receive such recognition on the global stage, Thuraya is a testament to the power of storytelling through food — and to the universal journey of preserving heritage, memory, and family connection. Blending personal memoir with over 120 Levantine recipes, Thuraya invites readers into the warmth of a Jordanian family kitchen, where Levantine recipes and memories come together. It explores the way food brings people together, across generations and borders — a theme that resonates strongly with diverse American audiences seeking authentic, meaningful culinary experiences. 'This book began as a way to preserve the dishes my mother lovingly prepared, but it has become something much larger,' said author Nadeem Mansour. 'These recipes, passed down through generations, carry with them the memory of where we come from. It is a tribute not only to my mother and family, but to immigrant families across the globe who keep their roots alive through food — and to mothers everywhere, whose love and care are the soul of every home-cooked meal.' Named after the author's mother, Thuraya is a celebration of love, legacy, and culture. From vibrant mezze and slow-simmered stews to fragrant rice dishes and delicate desserts, the book reflects the warmth and generosity of Middle Eastern hospitality. Though first launched in Amman, Jordan, Thuraya is quickly gaining international acclaim. A recent feature event at the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto explored the book's themes of identity, tradition, and diaspora — opening a global conversation about the role food plays in passing down and preserving family recipes. The Gourmand World Cookbook Awards, often referred to as the 'Oscars of cookbooks,' were announced this weekend in Lisbon, Portugal. Thuraya now proudly carries the Best in the World logo, joining the ranks of the most distinguished culinary works globally. For American readers, Thuraya offers more than just recipes — it offers a deeply human story, filled with flavor, emotion, and the quiet power of home-cooked meals to connect us all. To learn more or purchase a copy, visit where you can also view the award-winning short film that captures the soul of the book and the beauty of Levantine cuisine. Photo - Photo - Photo - View original content: SOURCE Thuraya by Nadeem Mansour
Globe and Mail
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Globe and Mail
Historic Sweep for Jordanian-Canadian Author at Gourmand Awards: Thuraya Earns Four 'Best in the World' Honours
TORONTO , /CNW/ -- Thuraya: Recipes from Our Family's Kitchen in Jordan, authored and self-published in Canada by Jordanian-Canadian writer Nadeem Mansour, has earned four Best in the World honours at the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards – winning the #1 global prize for Best Mediterranean Book and Best Video Presentation, and placing #2 in the world for Best Family Book and the prestigious Best Cookbook in the World category. Thuraya's inclusion on the shortlist already made history as the first English-language Jordanian cookbook to be nominated and shortlisted in three prestigious categories. This landmark achievement is a profound reflection of the immigrant journey, the preservation of cultural memory, and the richness of Canada's multicultural story . This achievement highlights Thuraya's role as a culinary memoir and personal narrative of immigration, identity and belonging – one that resonates with the diverse Canadian experience. Inspired by the tastes and traditions of his mother's kitchen, the book features over 120 Levantine recipes, bringing the vibrant flavors of Jordan and the Levant to a global audience. "This book began as a way to preserve the dishes my mother lovingly prepared, but it has become something much larger," said author Nadeem Mansour . "These recipes, passed down through generations, carry with them the memory of where we come from. To see them honoured on such a prestigious international stage is moving. It is a tribute not only to my mother and family, and to the countless families across Canada who keep their cultures alive through food – but also to mothers everywhere, whose love and care are the soul of every home-cooked meal." Named after the author's mother, Thuraya is a story of love, heritage, and the power of food to bridge distances—across countries, cultures, and communities. The beautifully photographed recipes, from vibrant mezze and hearty stews to exquisite desserts, embody the warmth and generosity of Middle Eastern hospitality. For Thuraya, the author's mother, the recognition is especially meaningful. "Our family recipes carry the essence of who we are. Food has a unique ability to bring people together and connect us all—no matter where we come from." Following its launch in Amman, Thuraya was introduced to a Canadian audience at the Royal Ontario Museum on February 23 , 2025. Part of the ROM Talks series, the event explored the book's story and the rich cultural and culinary traditions of the Middle East — brought to life through select heritage objects from the museum's Widad Kawar Collection of Arab Dress and Heritage. This event reflected ROM's commitment to celebrating Canada's diverse communities and preserving the cultural stories that newcomers bring to its shared table. Winners of the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards were announced in Lisbon, Portugal, this weekend. Thuraya has already made history, bearing the Gourmand Best in the World logo and standing proudly as a work that speaks to cultural preservation, family legacy, and the remarkable ways Canada provides space for both to thrive. For more information on Thuraya or to purchase a copy, please visit where you can also view the stunning Gourmand-award winning video that captures the heart of its story and offers a glimpse into the rich culinary treasures within.
The Sun
3 days ago
- Lifestyle
- The Sun
Healthy cooking with humble plants
BY all accounts, Mohana Gill's journey has been extraordinary. Born in Myanmar, the author, based in Malaysia and now in her late 80s, continues to redefine what it means to live well and eat better. With Moringalicious, her latest cookbook, she invites readers into a world where tradition meets modern health wisdom and a simple plant such as moringa takes centre stage. Life steeped in culture, change Born Rose Mohana in Pathein, Myanmar, to Indian parents, Mohana's early years were marked by the warmth of close family and a landscape rich in natural abundance. Education took her to Canada in the early 1960s. By 1965, she had returned to Malaysia and began lecturing in economics at Universiti Malaya. Not long after, she met her husband and transitioned into full-time motherhood, a period she recalls fondly: 'Those were the happiest years, caring for the kids.' It was not until 2006, with her children grown and leading lives of their own, that Mohana re-emerged in public life, this time in an entirely new role. Reinvention at 70 A conference on anti-ageing in Las Vegas sparked her creative revival. While the event focused on pills and quick fixes, Mohana saw a different path forward, one that involved food and wellness rooted in culture. Her first book, Fruitastic (2006), was a celebration of fruits from around the world, earning her a 'Best in the World' accolade from the prestigious Gourmand Awards. 'When you receive the best in the world award, you realise you are doing something right,' she said. Vegemania followed in 2007, championing vegetarian meals, and soon, children's books such as Hayley's Fruitastic Garden and Hayley's Vegemania Garden brought colour and curiosity to young readers' plates. Happylicious explored the emotional power of family meals, with Mohana lamenting, 'Kids are not eating with parents.' The message struck a chord globally, once again earning Gourmand recognition. And by 2019, Flowerlicious, a tribute to the edible flowers of her childhood added yet another accolade to her growing collection. Birth of Moringalicious The pandemic became a catalyst. Confined to home but creatively energised, Mohana found herself revisiting memories of moringa, the humble, leafy green from her youth. Noticing a lack of dedicated cookbooks on the subject, she did some research and culinary experimentation. The result was Moringalicious, a labour of love that fuses health and home cooking. With 60 recipes, including Moringa Ice-cream and Drumstick Briyani, the book is equal parts recipe collection and wellness guide. Crowned 'Best Food & Nature Book in the World' at the 2023 Gourmand Awards, Moringalicious marked Mohana's eighth global win. But accolades aside, Mohana's mission is clear: 'Grow moringa. Eat moringa.' Far from just writing about it, Mohana is backing her words with action. Her plans include moringa-centric workshops for small groups and encouragement for schools, canteens and even pet food producers to make moringa part of daily life. She is also working on four upcoming books that aim to instil healthy habits early. Featuring themes from major festivals such as Hari Raya, Deepavali, Christmas and Chinese New Year, the stories combine traditional food with cultural respect. Wisdom, wellness, gratitude Now nearing 90, Mohana exudes peace and purpose. Her advice for a fulfilling life is: 'Be very contented. Do not compete. Be grateful. Be willing to share as long as I can.' Despite her international acclaim, Mohana remains grounded and deeply connected to her community. She is often invited to speak at schools and events, sharing her journey to inspire others to embrace ageing with vitality and grace. Known for her warm, articulate presence and ever-curious spirit, she is a firm believer in lifelong learning. Mohana never stops exploring, whether experimenting in the kitchen or researching new superfoods. 'There is always something new to learn,' she said, proof that passion, when rooted in purpose, only grows stronger with age. Legacy planted Moringalicious is Mohana's boldest. With it, she reminds us that no matter our age, it is never too late to sow seeds of purpose. Mohana is inviting us all to join her garden of wellness. And with each leaf, dish and story, she continues to nourish the world. Mohana's award-winning books are available for purchase on Lazada, Shopee and Amazon. Discover the health benefits of moringa or explore vibrant plant-based recipes in her books.
