Fatimas

‘What a treasure this is. Jammed full of tried and true Middle Eastern and Meditterranean recipes, 30 years in the making. Beautifully designed, with stunning photography and sage advice, this is my new “go-to!” Make some room Yotam, there’s a new kid on the block!’ - Al Brown‘At last, the Fatimas cookbook! Since opening in 1995, Fatimas has turned Kiwis into the bold, traditional flavours of the Middle East and the Meditterranean, always with the Fatima’s treatment. This joyful cookbook, from the happy warriors at Fatimas, now enables anyone to enjoy these flavours in their own kitchen. Home cooks can build a delicious repertoire of their favourites, guided by the same punchy, vibrant flavurs that define Fatimas modern take on street food. A search for flavour is something Fatimas understands - and with this book I’ll certainly be cooking them.’ - Ray McVinnie‘As a chef who’s spent many years working in Ponsonby, Fatimas has always been one of my go-to spots during breaks. Their chawarmas and koftas are legendary. I’m genuinly excited that they’ve put together a cookbook, which I know will become a staple in home kitchens across Aotearoa. It’s a chance for all of us to bring a bit of that Fatimas magic home.’ - Sid Sahrawat

Kirsty Senior co-founded Fatimas in 1995 and has been at the helm ever since. Over the past three decades, she has guided the business through growth, change, and challenge - raising a daughter while navigating everything from new technologies and shifting food trends to evolving systems, regulations, and legislation. Now our Managing Director, Kirsty remains the backbone of the business. Her meticulous attention to detail and calm, thorough approach has seen us through highs and lows, and we’re certain our success today is a direct result of the standards she’s set. Her keen eye for design shapes every element of our visual branding. Quietly tenacious, deeply committed, and always thinking three steps ahead - Fatimas wouldn’t be Fatimas without her. Kirty’s love for layered, complex flavour resonates throughout the book - she’s our in-house texture enthusiast, responsible for the generous use of seeds, nuts, and grains, and the queen of double (sometimes triple!) sauce layering. We’re confident you’ll enjoy the product of Kirsty’s unwavering eye for detail and drive to get things just right.

Sophie Gilmour grew up around the clatter of kitchens and the hum of good conversation. Since joining Fatimas in 2018, Sophie has brought heart, hustle, and a deep love of flavour to everything she does. She entered with fresh eyes and boundless energy, helping guide it into its next chapter while fiercely protecting the spirit of what made it special. With a background in law, cooking and front-of-house hospitality, Sophie’s impact has been felt in every corner of Fatima’s - from reimagining systems to fostering culture, and always, always staying true to the food. She believes in flavour that punches above its weight, in spaces that feel like home, and in businesses that nourish everyone involved - from kitchen crew to customer. In this cookbook, Sophie shares not just recipes, but reflections - on running a values-led hospitality business, on the chefs, cooks and establishments that have provided her inspiration and on what it means to feed people well in a fast-changing world. Equal parts realist and idealist, Sophie’s voice brings a fresh, thoughtful perspective to the Fatima’s story.