Recipes of Life: Stories of Migration & Brotherhood
Cookbook created by group of migrant men published on 24 October
· Recipes of Life is a collective cookbook, featuring 38 recipes from 22 men coming from all over the world – including China, Colombia, Nigeria and more - all now residing in London.
· Classic dishes like Jerk Chicken and Jollof Rice are complemented by innovative recipes, such as Alkaline Soup with nettle foraged in Hackney Marshes.
· Recipes are presented alongside the life-stories of each author. Contributors have direct experience of the UK's hostile immigration system, including isolation, exclusion and homelessness.
· The authors are members of GIANTS, a peer support group for migrant men hosted by Praxis, a human rights charity in East London.
GIANTS is a group for migrant men coming together to reduce isolation and support each other as they face hostile immigration policies.
GIANTS member developed Recipes of Life over two years as a form of group therapy, collaborating with NHS therapists. Each week, a member presented a dish, fostering dialogue about the significance of food in their lives and cultures.
The book, a culmination of these therapy sessions, serves as a platform to raise awareness about the challenges faced by men who have experience of hostile migration policies and to advocate for widespread mental health and peer support.
Alongside recipes and stories, the book is a repository of affirmations and expressions of solidarity.
Arthur, a member of GIANTS, had this to say about Recipes of Life:
“Week after week, a different GIANT would come out of the kitchen with a feast they'd prepared, receiving applause and appreciation. We explained how food is a universal language, connecting people across cultures.
We made connections every moment, sharing survival stories, talking about the tough times we faced. We shared stories of strengths, skills, identity, positivity, moving forward, and belonging, as well as the negative impact of hostile immigration policies, homelessness, and isolation.
The project gave us an opportunity to talk in front of our brothers, instead of bottling it in. Sharing food and eating these meals together was a safe way to open up that bottle.”
A member of GIANTS describes what the group means for them:
“On the first day I joined GIANTS, I was on edge. I peeped through the door and saw a room full of people. Someone gave me a cup of tea and welcomed me into the group. They made a space for me to come in and they all showed me respect.
In time, I opened up. I knew I had found my place. I knew I had found friends. I knew I had found brothers. My future didn’t feel so scary with GIANTS by my side. GIANTS is a family, we stand together, grow together. We can find strength in each other and help to be positive.
In our times of need, GIANTS are there for each other. At immigration court hearings, we stand together. In the good and the bad days, we stand together.
Our dream is to see more places like GIANTS. Places where men don’t have to be alone, places where we can get advice, places where we can give back.”
Tim Anderson - chef, cookbook writer, and MasterChef winner, supported this project and had this to say on Recipes of Life:
“With the GIANTS project, Praxis has created something remarkable in how it mitigates issues that face all migrants, fostering connection within their new home country while celebrating and honouring the ones they left behind. I have had the enormous privilege of sitting in on GIANTS sessions and assisting with the editing of this book, and the stories shared have been truly moving, uplifting, and inspiring.
My mother always used to say that food is love. I think this is true – after all, cooking, feeding, and eating are acts of nurturing. In the case of GIANTS, cooking nurtures both new connections and old memories. The recipes and stories here are testament to the power of food as not just physical but also spiritual sustenance – and I have to say, they all sound really, really delicious!”
Notes to Editors
1. Praxis is a human rights charity supporting migrants and refugees with expert legal advice and casework, as well as through peer support groups and welfare support.
2. Pictures of the cookbook are available for publication here.
3. The book will be launched at a Praxis event on 24 October, 18:00-20:00. If you want to attend, or to get an advanced digital copy of the book, get in touch with laura.stahnke@praxis.org.uk
4. The GIANTS group work activities were supported by a grant to Praxis from the National Lottery Community Fund, and the cook book production was made possible with funds from Tower Hamlets Public Health Division.