Jikoni: Proudly Inauthentic Recipes from an Immigrant Kitchen by Ravinder Bhogal

Jikoni means ‘kitchen’ in Kiswahili, a word that perfectly captures Ravinder Bhogal’s approach to food. Jikoni is a vibrant celebration of what Bhogal calls “immigrant cuisine”—bold, cross-cultural dishes shaped by movement, memory, and heritage. Born in Kenya to Indian parents and raised in London, Ravinder brings a rebellious spirit to the kitchen, unapologetically blending flavors from all over the world. Recipes like Cauliflower Popcorn with Black Vinegar Sauce, Tempura Samphire with Nori, and Banana Cake with Miso Butterscotch are inventive, irresistible, and deeply personal. Each recipe is paired with evocative stories that explore the powerful connection between food, identity, and belonging. Whether it’s a spicy aubergine salad with jaggery fox nuts or lamb and aubergine fatteh, these dishes invite you to cook without borders and with plenty of soul. Who’s it for? Curious cooks, third-culture kids, and anyone hungry for food that reflects the complexity—and joy—of modern identi