'New Roots, Old Recipes' celebrates the rich cultural cuisines and diverse flavours in Toronto only possible by immigrant chefs who now call this city their home. It focuses on the lives of four successful chefs: Nuit Regular, Maha Barsoom, Simone Lawrence and Gulshan Alibhai; who find connection to their home countries through cooking. These women share the importance of keeping these cherished recipes alive through many generations, while feeding those who also miss the sense of home. This short documentary demonstrates how food acts as a powerful catalyst for building connections and fostering a sense of community, no matter where one finds themselves.
Director Statement
If you've ever explored the food scene in Toronto, you'll be quick to realize truly how diverse the city's restaurants are. It's such a privilege to savour authentic dishes from various corners of the globe. The inspiration for this documentary struck me when I heard Gulshan Alibhai's story of immigrating from Uganda to Canada. Together with her late husband, they opened Lahore Tikka House, a restaurant that became a poignant reminder of their homeland after being uprooted. This sparked my curiosity to delve deeper into the stories of women who, like Gulshan, embarked on the journey of creating a new life in Canada, while simultaneously sharing a piece of their cultural identity with those yearning for a taste of home.
Intrigued by the notion that food and taste serve as powerful tool to connect with one's roots, I set out to engage with more women who have undergone similar journeys. Each story reveals a shared experience of relocation, resilience, and the creation of spaces that encapsulate the essence of home through culinary traditions. The profound connection formed between customers and these establishments is palpable, as individuals find solace and familiarity in the flavours that echo their cultural heritage.
This documentary seeks to illuminate the profound impact of something as seemingly simple as preparing a home-cooked meal. Through the lens of these immigrant women, the film aims to convey the transformative power of food-a vessel that transcends geographical boundaries and time, offering a sensory bridge to cherished memories of home. By delving into the culinary narratives of immigrants in Toronto, Canada, I aspire to highlight the significance of a home-cooked meal as a source of comfort, connection, and cultural preservation.
Thank you for watching my film! - tashh