In her debut cookbook, the powerhouse chef behind Shuka and Shukette, Ayesha Nurdjaja, serves up over 120 seasonal, flavor-packed, Mediterranean and Levant–inspired dishes that don’t hold back.
“A feast for all the senses . . . a welcome addition to any food lover’s shelf!”—JACQUES PÉPIN
“I adore the diverse flavor combinations that define Ayesha’s cooking.”—LIDIA BASTIANICH
“Mediterranean cuisine has never been more vibrant and flavorful.”—BOBBY FLAY
At her hit restaurants, Shuka and Shukette, Chef Ayesha Nurdjaja brings the party with bold, colorful, vegetable-forward Middle Eastern and Mediterranean food. In her debut cookbook, she’s doing the same—sharing over 120 vibrant, foolproof recipes that let peak-season produce steal the show. No fussy steps, no endless ingredient lists—just big herbs, bold spices, and plenty of sauces to swipe, drizzle, and drag your bread through.
This is food meant to be ripped, dipped, and devoured. You’ll find silky-smooth hummus, rich and creamy labne, and easy to make flatbreads to swipe it all up. The heart of Mediterranean All the Way is seasonal produce, and Ayesha brings it hard with knockout combos like Fig & Burrata finished with an icy shower of frozen fig or Halloumi with Strawberries, spiked with Aleppo pepper and sumac. There’s tahini-drizzled Roasted Cauliflower with Dates & Pistachio Chermoula that hits every note—sweet, nutty, crunchy, caramelized—and a springy Pea Party that’s exactly as fun as it sounds. Throw in an extra crispy Sesame-Crusted Chicken Schnitzel or juicy Middle Eastern Meatballs, and you’re in business.
Whether you’re cooking for two or for a crew, Ayesha’s menus and mix-and-match dishes make it easy to build a table that’s as generous and joyful as the food itself. All you need now is a trip to the market—and maybe a second round of flatbread.
