How Bradford people can nominate recipes for new cookbook

Bradford 2025 and artist Deepa Mann-Kler are leading calls for people who live across the district to share their kitchen creations.

The new cookbook will celebrate Bradford and its reputation for culinary greatness and world-inspired flavour.

From Ilkley to Wyke, the ‘Meet our Mothers’ cookbook will focus on Bradford’s melting pot of communities. 

An event in the run up to Bradford's City of Culture year taking place in City Park this summer (Image: KAROL WYSZYNSKI) It will focus on the food, the culture, and intergenerational stories that bring people together.

You could be the owner of a recipe with a special story behind its creation, or a meal that carries memories of long gone family members and houses.

How to take part

Recipes can be submitted in either video or written format to the Bradford 2025 website. 

To submit a recipe, you must be from the Bradford district and living in a BD or LS29 postcode. Those under the age of 18 will need to have permission from a parent or guardian. 

Residents have until Sunday, December 9, to submit their recipe and story. 

The cookbook will be launched in late 2025.

For more information visit the cookbook project’s dedicated website at www.bradford2025.co.uk/opportunity/meet-our-mothers-submit-your-recipe/

Meet our Mothers is commissioned by Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture, based on an original idea by Deepa Mann-Kler, Akeelah Bertram & Shanaz Gulzar.

The recipe book project was raised at a meeting of Bradford Council’s Regeneration and Environment Scrutiny Committee on Tuesday.

Jo Hinchliffe, Assistant Director Culture, Sport & Leisure, addressed concerns that some people who don’t identify as “creative” might not feel included by City of Culture events.

She said the year would go beyond just arts and music, saying: “There is a project relating to the food aspect – we’re putting together a recipe book that will aim to include a range of people