#Canada #Toronto #Nadeem Mansour #Thuraya #Gourmand Awards

A Culinary Triumph at the Gourmand Awards

In a remarkable achievement, Nadeem Mansour, a Jordanian-Canadian author, has captured the spotlight at the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards, securing four prestigious honors for his book, Thuraya: Recipes from Our Family's Kitchen in Jordan. This accomplishment marks a historic moment, as it is the first English-language Jordanian cookbook to receive such global recognition. The awards were announced during a glamorous ceremony in Lisbon, Portugal, where Mansour proudly accepted the accolades, which included the top prize for Best Mediterranean Book, alongside Best Video Presentation. Additionally, Thuraya was recognized as the #2 global entry for both the Best Family Book and the coveted title of Best Cookbook in the World.

Thuraya is not just a collection of recipes; it is a heartfelt memoir that intertwines over 120 Levantine recipes with the author's personal journey and memories of home. It showcases the essence of family, tradition, and the importance of culinary storytelling. Through the pages of Thuraya, readers are invited into the warmth of a Jordanian kitchen, where each dish is steeped in history and love.

Mansour’s passion for preserving his family’s culinary traditions started as a personal endeavor to honor his mother's recipes, which she lovingly prepared. "This book began as a way to preserve the dishes my mother lovingly prepared, but it has become something much larger," he explained. He emphasizes that these recipes, passed down through generations, are not just about food—they embody the memories of his family's heritage. The book is a tribute not only to his mother and family but to all immigrant families who keep their roots alive through their culinary practices and to mothers everywhere, whose love infuses every meal.

From vibrant mezze platters to slow-cooked stews, Thuraya illustrates the generous spirit of Middle Eastern hospitality. The cookbook highlights the rich flavors and culinary depth of Levantine cuisine, offering a taste of Jordan that resonates well beyond its borders. Each recipe tells a story, a connection to community and identity that many readers find relatable, especially in the diverse landscape of American culinary culture.

In its journey from Amman, where it was initially launched, Thuraya has quickly garnered international acclaim. A prominent feature event at the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto opened discussions on identity, tradition, and diaspora—underscoring the vital role food plays in preserving family recipes across cultures. This thematic exploration resonates with diverse audiences, contributing to a growing interest in authentic culinary experiences.

The Gourmand World Cookbook Awards, often described as the 'Oscars of cookbooks,' have solidified Thuraya’s place among the elite culinary works globally. Now adorned with the prestigious Best in the World logo, Mansour’s book stands in good company alongside other remarkable culinary creations.

For those interested in exploring more than just a collection of recipes, Thuraya offers a profound narrative filled with flavor, deep emotion, and a reminder of the unifying power of home-cooked meals. It invites readers to connect with their own stories and culinary heritage.

To explore and purchase a copy of Thuraya, readers can visit thurayadelights.com, where they can also view the award-winning short film that beautifully captures the spirit of the book and the elegance of Levantine cuisine.