Silk Roads

“An incredibly rich book, full to the brim with history, wisdom and stories, all written in the warmest, most relatable voice. And the recipes! I don’t think I’ll learn more from any other book.” – Helen Goh“An enlightening journey through Central Asia and beyond, with stories as lively and vivid as the recipes themselves.” – Tim Anderson“The beautiful thing about food is how it travels, how it evolves, and how it transcends time. Anna’s love and celebration of ingredients, and her collection of recipes are a wonderful thank you and homage to the incredible people that she has met on her journeys. Truly heartwarming and inspiring. I loved the book!” – Andrew Wong“A book of delicious recipes interwoven with histories, family stories and a good dash of humour is what we all need just now.” – Olia Hercules“Anna Ansari is a wise, witty and hungry guide who takes us on a superb culinary journey along Silk Roads less travelled.” – Jay Rayner“This is an utterly unique book which ranges across an astonishing mix of cultures and traditions - there is so much to love here, from brightly coloured salads and grain dishes to decadent desserts. Every dish is a voyage of discovery - and the result of a vast amount of experience and research.” – Felicity Spector“A real feast – vividly evocative, witty and enlightening. Utterly delicious.” – Felicity Cloake“Packed with history, humor, and delicious food, this travelogue-memoir-cookbook checks every box. Anna’s encyclopaedic knowledge of the subject, combined with compelling personal stories and recipes deeply rooted in a unique culinary culture, add a new voice to an important food story.” – Adeena Sussman“A delectable feast for the senses. Anna Ansari traverses the colorful cuisines of the Silk Roads with curiosity, knowledge, and empathy.” – Naz Deravian

Anna Ansari has a background in Asian studies, with a BA from Barnard College, Columbia University and an MA from Yale University. Her writing focuses on the intersection of food, family, and history, with special attention to the immigrant experience and foods of the Asian continent. She is particularly interested in the ways food, flavours, and ingredients move across borders, carried in the memories and pockets of travellers and transplants. Her proposal for Silk Roads was shortlisted for the 2021 Yan-Kit So award for food writers on Asia, and the 2024 Jane Grigson Trust Award for New Food and Drink Writers. You can find more of her writing in Pit Magazine, Eaten Magazine and Fillerzine. An Iranian-American from Detroit and former international customs and trade attorney, Anna lives in London with her husband, son and cat.