“If you are going to cook, you must cook with love. And if you are going to eat, you must eat with someone, never alone.”

– My father’s creed

ABOUT

“I come as one but I stand as ten thousand.” – Maya Angelou

Welcome to By Cariema, this my playground of culinary adventure and the unfolding of my bustling life. I am a self-proclaimed nomad, who has an insatiable desire to see the world. I have laid down roots in the Middle East, in 2010 with my husband and sons, and Dubai is home for us now. However, I am continuously drawn to South Africa where I was born. My story begins in the culturally rich neighborhood of Bo-Kaap, the Malay Quarter of Cape Town. My Cape Malay heritage blossomed here and my passion for cooking first emerged, nurtured in the warmth of my Ouma’s modest kitchen in Schotcheskloof. These pages and my cookbooks echo the treasures of my Indonesian and Malaysian ancestral roots, brimming with tantalising recipes infused with the flavours and traditions of Cape Malay cuisine. I invite you to explore the beauty of flavours, the thrill of discovery, and the power of connections as we journey hand in hand through the vibrant world of By Cariema.

COOKBOOKS

Each book uniquely explores the deep flavours, aromas, and memories of her Cape Malay heritage. From the cathartic “My Cape Malay Kitchen: Cooking for My Father” to the vibrant spices of the “Spice Odyssey” to the homage to curries in “Curried” to the modern take on Cape Malay cuisine in “Modern Cape Malay Cooking”, her cookbooks are sure to transport you to a world of flavour and nostalgia. Get ready to explore the culinary delights of Cape Malay culture with Cariema Isaacs!

My Cape Malay Kitchen Cooking for my father cookbook front cover

BLOG

Eat, Pray, Travel with Cariema

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Recipes by Cariema

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