Nadiya Hussain on Food, Faith, and Finding Her Voice: A Decade of Resilience
In a culinary landscape dominated by protein trends and sugar vilification, Nadiya Hussain's latest cookbook, Nadiya's Quick Comforts, offers a refreshing counter-narrative. Featuring golden syrup dumplings and deep-fried delights, Hussain champions joy in eating, stating, "I don't follow the rules." This philosophy extends beyond her recipes to her career, where she has recently taken bold steps to reclaim control and speak out against industry injustices.
Breaking Free from Industry Constraints
After a decade as a beloved cultural figure since winning The Great British Bake Off in 2015, Hussain made headlines last summer by publicly addressing the BBC's decision not to commission further cookery shows. In an Instagram video, she highlighted gaslighting and lack of support for Muslim women in media. This move marked a turning point, leading her to leave her agent and manager to shape her own path. Hussain reflects, "It's been scary, but I've really enjoyed figuring out what it looks like for me."
Confronting Racism and Pay Disparities
Hussain has long spoken about the overwhelming whiteness of TV and publishing, noting she often feels like the only person of her background in rooms. She reveals, "I get paid less to do the same job as the white version of me," emphasizing systemic inequalities. Her experiences include being told to ignore racist comments and feeling pressured to be "grateful" for opportunities. She now pushes back against this, stating, "I think we must not forget that even one voice is better than no voice at all."
Embracing Authenticity and Cultural Identity
Hussain's 2025 book, Rooza, inspired by Islamic cuisine, faced a lukewarm reception from brands, which she attributes to discomfort with her Muslim identity. She says, "Suddenly I wasn't palatable any more." This led her to reject a "manufactured" persona, opting instead for authenticity. She has also spoken out on social media about political issues like Palestinian rights, despite advice to stay silent, arguing that speaking truth is crucial.
Personal Struggles and Advocacy
Beyond career challenges, Hussain has navigated health issues, including an autoimmune diagnosis, and mental health struggles like anxiety and panic attacks. In her memoir, Finding My Voice, she disclosed childhood sexual assault to address taboos in her community. She explains, "These are the things that matter to me, and I want to be vocal in." Her family's silence on the matter reflects broader cultural norms of protecting men, which she criticizes.
Looking Ahead: A Future on Her Own Terms
As her children grow older, Hussain sees comfort food as a way to connect with family. She plans to focus on projects where food is central, avoiding the superficialities of TV production. "It had become more about the props behind me and less about the food," she notes. Whether through writing, teaching, or independent ventures, she aims to create a welcoming space on her own terms, embodying resilience and authenticity in an often unforgiving industry.
