Kitchens of Hope: Immigrants Share Stories of Resilience and Recipes from Home

by Linda S. Svitak, Lee Svitak Dean (contributor), Christin Jaye Eaton

Culinary journeys from around the recipes and stories from immigrants to the United States

Immigrants carry more than hope as they cross oceans and traverse continents to come to the United States. They hold tightly to stories and recipes, remembrances of what they left behind. Kitchens of Hope brings together these memories from contributors who hail from more than thirty countries, offering a glimpse into their kitchens and insight into their lives. This book is a celebration of people and cuisines from around the world, infused with the aromas of epazote and cardamom, the tang of fish sauce, the heat of chile peppers, and the bite of mustard greens.

With tales as compelling as the brimming bowls and overflowing platters of these foods that represent home, Kitchens of Hope features immigrants coming from vastly varied circumstances. Some arrived in the United States fleeing war and violence, others were seeking education and opportunity; some have called the United States home for years, and others have only recently arrived. Despite the differing situations that brought them here, the contributors all find comfort and tradition as they gather to share meals with family and friends. They are activists and entrepreneurs, parents and community leaders, and some are affiliated with the Minnesota-based nonprofit the Advocates for Human Rights, the organization that inspired the creation of this book.

Structured around the contributors’ personal stories of their journeys, the chapters reflect the main themes connecting community, resilience, opportunity, justice, hope, and celebration. In these pages, readers will find inspiration, along with more than fifty recipes, from curry, mole, biryani, and borscht, to pita, pho, sambusa, pupusas, and so much more. Welcome to the Kitchens of Hope table.

Genres: Cookbooks, Food, Nonfiction, Cooking

240 pages, Hardcover

Published June 17, 2025

Reviews

[Teresa]

This isn’t just about recipes and food. It is about culture, traditions, heritage and more.

[Carol]

I am not likely to make a single recipe from this book but I so glad I read the book cover to cover. It is much more than a cookbook! The stories shared by the immigrants are the heart of the book. The chapters are not arranged from appetizers to desserts as typical; the chapters are resilience, opportunity, justice, hope, and celebration.

“Everyone should remember that “We the People” is who we are as Americans. All the people. A nation of inclusion, not exclusion.” José Andrés

[Carissa]

Good recipes paired with incredibly moving stories. As a bonus, proceeds go to help immigrants and tackle human rights issues. Food brings us together, but it is only fair to hear those stories and remember that those who brought us this food have so much more to them.

[Karen]

Fascinating! Lots of amazing stories and interesting recipes.

[E G Melby]

Oooh! So many good recipes! I loved ready all of the chefs’ stories

[Kerry Shoji]

Inspiring stories. Immigrants make communities stronger!