Chef Saada will teach delicious, authentic Somali dishes followed by a sit-down meal.

ABOUT THE CUISINE

Somalia, located on the coast of the Indian Ocean, is considered the gateway between the Horn of Africa and the Middle East. It’s key position in the spice trade route is reflected in the fragrant and aromatic spices central to Somali cooking. The cuisine is a blend of African, Middle Eastern, Italian and Indian influences. Expect fragrant rices, fresh herbs, and a balance of sweet and savory in every bite. From Hanid (lamb stew with tamarind gravy) to Bajiyo (falafel) and Bariis Iskukaris (rainbow rice). Somali food brings people together, celebrating hospitality, bold flavours and the joy of sharing home cooked meals.

In this cookery class in Bristol, you’ll learn to make traditional Somali dishes while connecting with others and supporting refugees and migrants in the UK through food.

ABOUT THE CHEF

A message from chef Saada:

“Hi my name is Saada. I grew up in Somalia, East Africa, with my mum and dad and three siblings - I’m the second oldest. I learned to cook with my Mum. She had her own recipes and her own way of cooking. I stayed at her side while she cooked - she needed my help and I was so interested. I would stand with her for six hours at a time. I stayed at school until I was 9 years old and then I stopped. But I wanted to carry on learning so I kept reading and teaching myself.

Gradually I started cooking more, by the age of 12 I was cooking for the family.

I came to the UK in 2004, first to Weston Super Mare then to Bristol. I met and married my husband that same year and had my first baby in 2005. Now I have four children! As well as cooking for my family, I cook at lunch clubs and organise celebrations and events for older people, for women, in schools and for young people. Always bringing people together through food.

I like teaching - seeing people concentrate. When you cook, you use different muscles and hold yourself differently, it brings out the best in people. The way I make samosas is second nature to me. I’ve learned my techniques over a lifetime, and I am very happy to share them with you!”

ON THE MENU (subject to change):

Hanid (Lamb Stew with Tamarind Gravy) | Meat (Lamb); Celery

Soor Iyo Cagaar Maraq (Vegetable Stew Served on Cornmeal) | Vegan; Celery

Sambusa | Vegan; Gluten (Wheat)

Bariis Iskukaris (Rainbow Rice) | Vegan; None

Shigni (Chilli, Date and Mango Sauce) | Vegan; None

Coconut Sauce | Vegetarian; Milk

This menu contains meat (lamb) but is vegetarian-friendly, with 5 of 6 dishes meat-free. Allergens include: celery, gluten, milk .

Please let us know if you have specific dietary requirements so our team is aware ahead of the class. Kindly note that we are unable to substitute ingredients, so please only book into classes that suit your dietary needs. See our Food and Allergen Policy for more information.

Join Saada's hands-on, social cookery class in Bristol to learn to make authentic Somalian dishes and celebrate the flavours and stories brought to the UK through food.

THE CLASS FORMAT

Our cookery classes are family-style – everyone works together to prepare the dishes as a team.

While you’ll choose one dish to focus on, you’ll also have the opportunity to move around the kitchen, help with other dishes, and learn from each recipe. It’s a fun, social, and collaborative cookery class where you’ll gain hands-on experience, new skills, and an authentic taste of Somali culture.

At the end of the class, you’ll sit down with chef Saada, your classmates, and our team to enjoy the meal you’ve created together.

REMINDERS

We’re excited to have you in the class! Please take note of a few final reminders:

Please see our refund/cancellation policy: Migrateful Ticket Refund Policy | Migrateful (https://www.migrateful.org/terms-and-conditions/migrateful-ticket-refund-policy/)

Please see our allergens policy here: Food & Allergens Policy | Migrateful (https://www.migrateful.org/terms-and-conditions/food-allergens-policy/)

We recommend using a debit or credit card to pay (paypal takes 48 hours to be confirmed).

Spaces are limited - book now to secure your spot and experience the true taste of Somalia.

WHY JOIN A MIGRATEFUL CLASS?

By joining a Migrateful cookery class in Bristol, you’re not just learning delicious new recipes - you’re supporting refugees and asylum seekers as they rebuild their lives in the UK through cooking, connection, and cultural exchange. Join us to meet chefs from around the world, including from Turkey, Trinidad & Tobago, Sri Lanka, and many more.

Thank you for celebrating the unifying power of food to connect us all. We can’t wait to cook with you soon!

Description supplied by the event organiser.