OP: Bideshi Baburchi

Chandranath Press, 1978. Hardcover. Very Good, recased. Second edition.

The Association of Baptists first arrived in Bangladesh and established a mission there in 1957. As is often the case with the influx of outsiders to a place where ingredients and dishes are unfamiliar to them, a helpful guide became necessary. The old-timers of the mission finally felt acclimated enough by 1977 to publish their own community cookbook.

Bideshi Baburchi is a thoughtful compilation of recipes, both western and South Asian, which are achievable with locally available ingredients. So you’ll find recipes for both homemade Grape Nuts and cheera (flattened rice) cereal among the breakfast items. Spaghetti, shepherd's pie, tacos, and pizza may offer the comfort of familiarity while learning the new comforts of chicken curry and mutton biriyani. Dishes accented by both cultures include mango crumble and papaya crisp, curried tuna turnovers, and Bangladhesi curry and rice, a dish learned locally but readapted for use in one’s home country.

The front matter includes a glossary of terms with their Bangladeshi translation, which the editor opted not to write phonetically, noting the differences in American and British pronunciations, for example, which challenge the utility of that approach. Overall, a conscientious and honest effort. 

Our copy is the 1978 second edition, recased in cream-colored cloth with the original cover laid on. The interior is clean and unmarked. This copy was acquired from store founder Nach Waxman’s personal collection. Scarce.