Hawa Hassan presents Setting a Place for Us

This Spring, James Beard Award-winning author, chef, and entrepreneur Hawa Hassan releases her powerful new book, (Penguin Random House; $37.99; May 13, 2025). This beautifully photographed and evocatively written book sheds light on the importance of preserving recipes and food traditions in places of conflict and migration, weaving together profoundly personal narratives and 75 vibrant recipes from eight countries impacted by conflict – Afghanistan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, El Salvador, Iraq, Lebanon, Liberia, and Yemen – to tell stories of resilience, survival, and the universal language of food.

Hawa Hassan is a James Beard Award-winning author, celebrated chef, Food Network personality, and founder of Basbaas Foods, a line of African-inspired condiments that blend tradition with innovation. Born in Somalia and shaped by her experiences as a refugee, Hawa uses food as a bridge to connect people and cultures. She is the author of the critically acclaimed In Bibi’s Kitchen, which shares recipes and stories from African grandmothers, and her forthcoming book, Setting a Place for Us: Recipes and Stories of Displacement, Resilience, and Community (May 2025), explores the deep connections between food, identity, displacement, and heritage. With features in Forbes, The New York Times, and Eater, Hawa continues to inspire through her storytelling, passion for culture, and dedication to celebrating the flavors of her home continent.

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