Huma Siddiqui sheds new light on Pakistani cusine that is often overshadowded by its much larger neighbor. Stories remain the same, the two cultures being so intertwined with each others history. Still, significant differences exists, just as within Indian cusine one find tremendous differences between Punjabi cusine and Rajasthani cusine - although both are neighboring states. An important contribution to our understanding of a country with rich Mughalai tradition, mixed with the influence of Baluchi, and Coastal regions.
The title is interesting in that it does not speak of food, but of the tradition of women of Pakistan (and of much of India) wearing a “gajra” or string of Jasmine in their hair. As Huma points out, this book is a tribute to her mother who often wore Jasmine in her hair. Its a fitting tribute to mothers all over the subcontinent - for nothing can be greater tribute than recognition of their hard work and toil in the kitchen which is responsible for not only filling our bellies, but also for building our characters and making us productive individuals.