OUR STORY
African cuisine is celebrated for its bold, distinctive flavours and rich heritage. At Saida’s Kitchen, we proudly offer authentic and delicious African cooking sauces and tagine sauces, inspired by the countries of this diverse continent and the unique local tastes that make each one special.
Meet Saida
Welcome to my world, where food, family, and tradition come together. My name is Saida, and as the founder of Saida’s Kitchen, my goal is to share the rich flavours of African cuisine that have been a part of my life for generations.
I was born on a farm in Mogadishu, Somalia, with a heritage that blends Somali, Yemeni, and Italian influences. Growing up, our farm was filled with fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices, and food was always at the heart of our home. My grandmothers, both incredible cooks, passed down their culinary secrets—treasured recipes that celebrated vibrant ingredients and bold flavours. I still cherish the memory of dishes like fragrant rice bursting with vegetables, dried fruits, and spices, paired with preserved lemon chutneys and spice pastes, and the refreshing sweetness of papaya with lime or freshly squeezed pomegranate juice after a meal.
When I moved to London, I longed for the traditional dishes I had grown up with but found few options to recreate those cherished flavours. It was my daughter’s allergies that truly sparked my journey, encouraging me to go back to my roots and create meals that captured the essence of my upbringing while being wholesome and safe for her to enjoy.
Today, Saida’s Kitchen is about more than just food; it’s about bringing people together, celebrating culture, and preserving the traditions of East African cooking. With our authentic tagine sauces and spices, you can explore the diverse tastes of Africa and prepare dishes that carry the warmth of family and heritage.
Join me in rediscovering the joy of cooking and sharing meals that tell a story. Let Saida’s Kitchen bring a little piece of North African cuisine to your table.
THE STORY BEHIND SAIDA’S KITCHEN
Saida’s Kitchen, formerly known as Saida Mia, began its journey in 2017 with the launch of our first three African cooking sauces and pastes. Over the years, we’ve worked closely with independent shops across London.
In 2022, we were honoured to be selected as one of the final nine businesses (out of 500 applicants) for Sainsbury’s Thrive Programme, an accelerator dedicated to supporting Black-owned food and drink brands. This incredible opportunity allowed us to refine and grow Saida’s Kitchen to what it is today.
With extensive consumer research, a complete rebrand, updated labels, and a partnership with a trusted manufacturer, Saida’s Kitchen is ready to bring the vibrant flavours of Africa to homes across the UK. You can also find our authentic African sauces at Sainsbury’s. Stay tuned for what’s next!
SUSTAINABILITY AT OUR HEART
At Saida’s Kitchen, sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to eco-friendly practices and ensuring that our products are both delicious and responsible. By using rescued ingredients from farmers – perfectly good produce that would otherwise go to waste – we help reduce food waste while supporting local agriculture.
With Saida’s Kitchen, you can enjoy bold, authentic African flavours while making a positive impact on the planet.
EDUCATING THE FUTURE
Building Communities
A portion of our profits support education initiatives for women from rural African communities, because empowering through education is key to building a brighter future.
