Episode 37: Sumayya Usmani - Food Writing, Cultural Identity and Creative Evolution

This week's conversation features Sumayya Usmani, award-winning food writer and author, discussing her remarkable journey from law to becoming a leading voice in food writing and cultural storytelling.Sumayya shares fascinating insights from her unique childhood spent travelling on merchant ships, and how this influenced her perspective on food, culture and belonging. She discusses her transition from corporate law to food writing, including her groundbreaking 2016 cookbook 'Summers Under the Tamarind Tree', which was listed as one of The Independent's best cookbooks of that year.Key discussion points include:Growing up on merchant ships and its influence on her worldviewThe transition from law to creative writingThe development of Pakistani cuisine and its cultural narrativeWriting as a means of exploring displacement and identityThe role of food in connecting culturesCreative evolution and following one's intuitionCurrent doctoral research into culinary displacementThe impact of partition on South Asian foodwaysContemporary British cultural dynamicsThroughout the conversation, Sumayya reflects on her role as a cultural mediator, using food and writing to bridge understanding between different communities. She emphasises the importance of telling stories that explore the deeper cultural and historical contexts of cuisine.Links:'Summers Under the Tamarind Tree: Recipes and Memories from Pakistan''Andaza: A Memoir of Food, Flavour and Freedom'The Craft: stories about writing & the writers' spirit- PodcastQISSA Writers' CommunityAbout Sumayya Usmani: Sumayya Usmani is an award-winning food writer and author. Her books have garnered international acclaim for their exploration of Pakistani cuisine and culture. She is currently pursuing a doctorate in creative writing at the University of Glasgow, examining themes of culinary displacement and cultural identity.Episode Credits:Host: Samuel CairnduffGuest: Sumayya Usmani Connect with Decoding Cultural Leadership on social mediaInstagram, Threads, X/Twitter:@[email protected]@samuelcairnduffRead Sam's Substack here.Presenter and research: Sam CairnduffCreative Director: Niloofar PashmforooshPresented in association with LimelightDecoding Cultural Leadership | Culture. Society. Conversations