SETTING A PLACE FOR US, recipes and stories of displacement, resilience, and community from eight countries impacted by war

287pp., colour illus., hardback, Ten Speed Press, New York, 2025

ISBN:‎ 9781984860972

A collection of essays and recipes that outline the history and culture of eight countries and explore the impact of geo-political conflict on a culture's cuisine and food system. The recipes from each country highlight indigenous ingredients and include intimate portraits of the people preserving food culture.

The countries covered:  Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Liberia, Yemen, Lebanon, Iraq, Afghanistan and El Salvador.

“Hawa has a beautiful way of weaving together food and emotions through stories, and it shows in Setting a Place for Us. This is far more than a cookbook; it is a journey of healing against a backdrop of unfathomable loss and chaos. I have learned and felt something new with each chapter, between the essential historical context of each place and the thoughtful care Hawa has put into capturing each recipe. The love and hope carried within this book are palpable, and I know I’ll be returning to it time and time again." Jenny Dorsey, chef and executive director of Studio ATAO

“Displacement is not a choice - no one chooses to leave their lands. They’re kicked out from them, or they’ve run away from death and injustice. Even when displaced peoples are far from their homes, the one place to gather and find community is around the table. In Setting a Place for Us, Hawa beautifully pays tribute to these people, their stories, and the recipes that bring them together.” Kamal Mouzawak, founder of Souk El Tayeb

Somali-American chef Hawa Hassan is a James Beard Award winner, host of Food Network’s Hawa at Home and Cooking Channel’s Spice of Life, author of In Bibi’s Kitchen, and founder and CEO of Basbaas, makers of African-inspired sauces and condiments.