Bahraini-British chef churns out pancake at Sharjah Book Fair

Bahraini-British chef and writer Noor Murad remembers a childhood when she and her siblings waited impatiently in the kitchen for pancakes as her mom made them one by one.

A similar impatience was palpable in the audience at the 44th Sharjah International Book Fair as they watched her make the signature pancakes.

The cardamom pancake with honey lime syrup that she prepared for her audience at the fair was a fusion dish that combined the humble British pancake with Bahraini flavours.

Murad prepared the crepe batter by whisking flour, salt, and cardamom with eggs, milk, and melted butter, then let it rest before cooking golden pancakes folded into triangles. Meanwhile, Murad made a rich honey sauce by heating honey with butter, lime juice, water, and a hint of orange blossom water.

The crepes were briefly simmered in the sauce and finished with a fragrant sprinkle of crushed pistachios, sugar, lemon zest, and cardamom.

The chef who has published her family recipes in her latest book Lugma, said that it was part of her effort to popularise her culture and palate in her country of domicile.

Sharjah International Book Fair 2025 is a 12-day event, organised by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) under the theme “Between You and a Book.”

Visitors will get the opportunity to experience more than 300 cultural events led by 158 Arab and international guests, 750+ workshops in Arabic and English covering writing, editing, publishing, and creativity and 85 stage performances from 12 countries.

The “Cookery Corner” will serve up a smorgasbord of 45 live activities, with 11 culinary maestros representing 9 countries.

The programme serves as an exciting intersection between books and the culinary world, where distinguished chefs and cookbook authors from across the globe come together to share their wisdom and experiences.

This captivating initiative invites visitors to embark on a flavorful journey that transcends borders and contributes to cultural exchange and interhuman dialogue.

It's a reminder that gastronomy serves as a vessel for cultural identity, history, and the legacy of nations worldwide, much like the stories told within the pages of books.