Sea, Salt and Spice: A History of Mumbai through Food

Embark on a spirited, mouth-watering culinary biography of a legendary metropolis in Sea, Salt and Spice by acclaimed writer Meher Mirza!

About the Book: Long before it became global shorthand for relentless ambition, towering skyscrapers, and crowded local trains, Bombay was a porous island city whose kitchens were stocked by relentless tides, monsoon winds, ancient trade, and diverse settlers. In Sea, Salt and Spice, Meher Mirza traces the rich history of Mumbai through what has been cooked, preserved, traded, and eaten across centuries. Moving nimbly from ancient Koli hearths and aristocratic Peshwa courts to Portuguese enclaves, bustling colonial ports, and the restless, vibrant streets of the late twentieth century, this book reveals how geography, climate, gender, religion, caste, and commerce carved their way into everyday meals. Richly illustrated with historical maps, photographs, and archival texts, this brilliant work blends rigorous scholarship with sparkling storytelling and wit—delivering a definitive biography that finally gives Mumbai and its multifaceted food the celebration they deserve.

Key Features & Benefits:

• Definitive Culinary History: A pioneering exploration of Mumbai's past told through the lens of its diverse food cultures, communities, and traditions.

• Expert Authorship: Written by Meher Mirza, a celebrated journalist and writer known for her deeply evocative storytelling and cultural commentary.

• Rich Archival & Visual Elements: Enhanced with fascinating maps, vintage photographs, and historical texts that bring the bygone eras of Bombay to life.

• The Perfect Gift: A phenomenal, engaging present for food historians, culinary enthusiasts, lovers of Mumbai, and readers of rich cultural non-fiction.