Hi, my name is Meriam and I am from Ethiopia. I was born in the capital city of Addis Ababa and lived there until I came to Bristol 10 years ago with my family. 

Our house in Addis Ababa was always full of people and delicious food and the kitchen was the heart of our home. The time preparing food from scratch and sitting and enjoying meals together made life so rich and wonderful.

My mum is the most generous person, her heart is always full of love for others and she will offer food to anyone passing by. If they don’t have time to stay and eat, they can take it with them. My recipes are passed down from my mother and now when I am cooking, the smells transport me back to her kitchen. She would prepare all the spices by hand. I remember the aromas of the spices so clearly. Even more so when I am listening to Ethiopian music while I cook.