Markings Publishing, Pakistan’s leading publishing house known for its exquisite coffee table books and exceptional publications, clinched four prestigious awards at this year’s Gourmand Awards in Riyadh. Facing competition from 198 countries, Markings has established itself as a five-time winner since 2014, proudly representing Pakistan on the global stage in the realm of premier cookbook recognition.
The accolades were bestowed upon Markings for their outstanding contributions to Silk Road food culture and history through four distinguished publications: ‘Flavours of the Frontier’ by Pushpa Baga, ‘Deliciously Yours’ by Lal Majid, ‘Virsa: A Culinary Journey From Agra to Karachi‘ by Shehar Bano Rizvi, and ‘A Taste of Pakistan in Fusio’ by Shaziah Zuberi.
During the award ceremony, Markings Publishing and its authors presented four compelling showcases, commemorating the rich diversity that characterizes the region. Atul Bagai, son of author Pushpa Bagai, and Kiran Aman, CEO of Markings Publishing, shared insights into ‘Flavours of the Frontier,’ a unique compilation of Pakistani and Indian recipes fostering cultural unity through culinary diplomacy.
Lal Majid, in her presentation on ‘Deliciously Yours,’ expressed her love for chocolate and shared her experiences as a chocolatier in Pakistan. She provided a brief history of chocolate and discussed her passion for teaching young bakers the art of chocolate-making using her recipes.
Sheharbano Rizvi guided the audience through her personal journey, intertwining family traditions with the profound role of food in Pakistani cultural heritage. She emphasized the promise of heirloom recipes passed down through generations, now accessible to everyone through her book, ‘Virsa: A Culinary Journey From Agra to Karachi.’
Reflecting on the occasion, CEO Kiran Aman commented, “The Gourmand Awards are not just an award ceremony but a vibrant opportunity to engage with the best culinary giants of the world. More than that, it is a platform that celebrates talent, a primary objective of Markings Publishing as well. Having our work with these authors nominated at the most coveted competition dedicated to food culture content is of immense pride.”
As the sole independent publishing company in Pakistan nurturing self-publishing authors, Markings Publishing consistently provides a platform for voices seeking to explore and celebrate the rich culinary traditions of the region. The awards underscore their commitment to excellence and their significant role in promoting Pakistani culinary heritage on a global scale.
