New cookbook released as part of Bradford 2025

Everyone has that one meal that tastes like home. Maybe it’s a grandparent’s secret stew recipe, the smell of a specific cake baking for birthdays, or the dish a parent always made when someone needed cheering up. Food is so much more than just fuel; it’s about memory, family, and the stories that get passed down through generations. A brand-new project from Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture is capturing these exact feelings in a book. The ‘Meet our Mothers’ cookbook, which launched with a big celebration feast in Lister Park on 28 September, isn't just a collection of instructions. It’s a colourful picture of modern Bradford, told through treasured family recipes and the incredible stories behind them.

More than just a cookbook

Flicking through the pages of ‘Meet our Mothers’ is like taking a trip around the world without leaving your kitchen. You’ll find everything from Ukrainian cheese pancakes and Greek rice to a classic Lamb biryani and a hearty Ghanaian beef stew. This is a landmark project for Bradford 2025, showing the amazing diversity of the communities that call the city home. The project, brought to life by artist Deepa Mann-Kler, collected recipes and stories from people all across the district. But the real magic isn’t just in the ingredients lists. Each recipe is paired with a personal story from the person who shared it. Some are funny tales about first dates, while others are powerful, intergenerational stories of migration and setting up a new life in Bradford. It shows how food connects everyone, no matter their background. It’s a book about heritage, love, and the amazing power of a shared meal.

Shanaz Gulzar, the Creative Director of Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture, puts it perfectly:

“Meet Our Mothers is more than just a cookbook- it is a celebration of the rich cultural tapestry of Bradford district; this book captures the flavours that define our welcoming communities and the heritage that brings us together."

How the recipes and stories were collected

So, how did all these incredible family secrets end up in one book? It all started with a public call-out in 2024. The Bradford 2025 team then held a series of workshops with local community groups between late 2024 and early 2025. They encouraged people from all walks of life to come forward and share their kitchen tales and cooking secrets. It was a proper community effort, building connections and celebrating the district's shared culture. The people whose recipes were chosen were then invited to a special photoshoot. Imagine seeing your mum’s signature dish being professionally cooked and styled for a picture in a book! This all happened at NEET, a base in Northcliffe Park, making the contributors a central part of the creative process. It was one of the many activities designed to get the whole community involved in the UK City of Culture celebration.

A modern twist with a special app

This project beautifully blends the old with the new. While the recipes and stories are full of tradition and heritage, the way they are presented has a very modern touch. Selected stories in the book can actually come to life right off the page using some clever digital technology. It’s called Augmented Reality, or AR. Think of it like a magic window. You use a free companion app on your phone, called the ‘Meet our Mothers Cookbook AR’, and point it at certain pages. Suddenly, you might see a video or hear someone sharing their memories connected to that specific food. It’s a way of making the experience even more personal and immersive.

The lead artist, Deepa Mann-Kler, explained the thinking behind this digital development:

“Collecting these recipes has been a deeply humbling experience. Each one carries more than just ingredients, it holds memory, migration, love and resistance. Sitting with families, hearing their stories, I realised this isn’t just a cookbook. It is an archive of identity, a celebration of survival and a testament to the power of food to hold us together.”

“The use of Augmented Reality brings these stories to life in a way that feels intimate, respectful and deeply human, connecting generations through technology that enhances, not erases our heritage. I feel deeply honoured and grateful to have worked on this project, it is one of the most meaningful artistic commissions of my life and resonates with me on a profoundly personal level.”

The bigger picture for Bradford The ‘Meet our Mothers’ cookbook is a fantastic example of what being the UK City of Culture is all about. This title is a massive deal for the entire Bradford district. It shines a spotlight on the city’s amazing arts and culture scene, from theatre and music to, of course, food. The year-long celebration is packed with events and activities.

But the impact goes much further than just one year. The designation brings a huge amount of investment into the area, helping with development and creating new opportunities for everyone, especially young people. With over a quarter of its population under 20, Bradford is one of the UK’s youngest cities, and Bradford 2025 is putting them right at the centre of its plans. This project is supported by major organisations like The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council England, showing just how important celebrating local culture is. The latest press release on the project highlighted this widespread support.

Helen Featherstone, a Director at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, commented:

"Stories of food are a great way of exploring heritage and what better way to mark Bradford's year as City of Culture than to celebrate its vibrant and multi-cultural cuisine. We're thrilled that thanks to money raised by National Lottery players we have been able to support the ‘Meet Our Mothers’ project to collect these wonderful recipes and stories from across Bradford and preserve them in a beautiful publication".

How to get your copy

Ready to start cooking and reading? The ‘Meet our Mothers’ cookbook is now on sale. Anyone interested can purchase a copy directly from the Bradford 2025 website. It’s also available to buy in person at the Box Office. This book is a chance to own a piece of Bradford's story, explore its rich culture, and maybe even find a new favourite family meal.