Picture a Somali refugee who turned her love for food into a global celebration of East African flavors—meet Hawa Hassan! From a childhood marked by resilience to founding Basbaas Somali Foods and penning the award-winning cookbook In Bibi’s Kitchen, Hassan’s journey is a testament to the power of food to connect cultures and tell stories.
Born in Mogadishu, Somalia, Hassan’s life took a dramatic turn at age four when civil war forced her family to flee to a Kenyan refugee camp. At seven, she arrived alone in Seattle, separated from her mother and siblings for 15 years. Yet, this spirited entrepreneur transformed adversity into opportunity, using food to reclaim her heritage and share it with the world.
The Making of Hawa Hassan
Hawa Hassan’s early years were shaped by resilience and adaptation. Growing up in Seattle’s South End, she navigated life as a young refugee, often feeling like an outsider. Food became her anchor, connecting her to memories of Somalia. After a brief modeling career in New York, she reunited with her family in Norway, where cooking her mother’s recipes sparked a passion for Somali cuisine. This inspired her to launch Basbaas Somali Foods in 2014, introducing vibrant condiments like tamarind-date sauce and coconut-cilantro chutney to American pantries.
Hawa Hassan’s Unforgettable Culinary Creations
Hassan’s work blends culinary artistry with cultural storytelling. Her company, Basbaas Somali Foods, celebrates Somalia’s bold flavors through handcrafted sauces that elevate everyday meals. In 2020, she co-authored In Bibi’s Kitchen: The Recipes and Stories of Grandmothers from the Eight African Countries That Touch the Indian Ocean with Julia Turshen. This James Beard Award-winning cookbook spotlights the wisdom of East African grandmothers, featuring dishes like Somali suugo suqaar (spicy pasta sauce) and Eritrean kicha fit fit. The book weaves recipes with personal stories, highlighting the matriarchs who preserve culinary traditions.
Hassan’s style is accessible yet profound, emphasizing simple ingredients and rich spices like cardamom and cinnamon. Her Food Network show, Hawa at Home, and YouTube series like Spice of Life bring her infectious energy to home cooks, encouraging them to explore African flavors. Her upcoming second cookbook, exploring civil war and displacement through food, promises to deepen her narrative of resilience and connection.
Through Basbaas and her media presence, Hassan challenges stereotypes about African cuisine, making it approachable and inviting. Her work is a love letter to her heritage, inviting readers and cooks to savor the stories behind each dish.
Why Hawa Hassan Matters
Hawa Hassan’s impact transcends the kitchen. By centering African grandmothers in In Bibi’s Kitchen, she amplifies voices often overlooked in culinary media, reshaping narratives around African food. Her advocacy for refugees and immigrants, rooted in her own experience, inspires empathy and understanding. Hassan’s Basbaas Foods is expanding to include new condiments and snacks, aiming to become the “Heinz of Africa,” while her storytelling fosters cultural pride and unity.
Her work bridges generations and continents, proving food can heal, unite, and celebrate. Hassan’s legacy is one of joy, resilience, and the belief that everyone deserves a seat at the table.
About Hawa Hassan
- Born: Mogadishu, Somalia
- Key Work: In Bibi’s Kitchen (2020)
- Award: 2022 James Beard Award for Best International Cookbook
- Business: Founder of Basbaas Somali Foods
Ready to taste East Africa’s vibrant flavors? Snag In Bibi’s Kitchen or try Basbaas sauces and dive into Hawa Hassan’s delicious world of culinary storytelling!