India-born author gives her dishes a global mix

The sizzle of frying paneer and the aroma of chilli-infused honey filled the air at the Cookery Corner of the 44th Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2025) as New Zealand-based cookbook author Ashia Ismail-Singer took the stage to demonstrate her signature recipe Parmesan-crumbed paneer drizzled with hot honey.

The dish, like the author herself, draws flavour from many worlds.

“My grandparents are from India but I was born in Africa, raised in the UK, and now live in New Zealand,” she said.

“All three of my cookbooks reflect that mix, a kind of global fusion that brings different cultures together on a single plate while celebrating my Memon roots.”

Paneer, she noted, is “a very Indian protein,” but one that can often feel “plain” without the right pairing.

“I wanted to make it stand out,” she explained. “So I coated it in a Parmesan crust for that nutty flavour and drizzled it with hot honey, just honey warmed with chilli flakes. It gives you that sweet and savoury balance, and a lovely mouthfeel.”

The recipe appears in her latest book, Food for Sharing, published in New Zealand last year and released globally earlier this year.

The title captures her culinary philosophy: simple, comforting food that connects people and tells a story of migration, belonging, and memory.

Returning to SIBF for her second appearance, Ismail-Singer said the fair’s international audience makes it the perfect venue for recipes that transcend borders.

“When I came two years ago, I only had one book published,” she shared. “Now there are three, each inspired by a different stage of my life.”

Her session formed part of SIBF 2025’s Cookery Corner, which this year is hosting 35 live cooking demonstrations led by 14 international chefs, bringing together global cuisines and personal stories that highlight food as a universal language of culture and connection.