Mabu Mabu | Nornie Bero
Mabu Mabu: An Australian Kitchen Cookbook by Nornie Bero is much more than a cookbook—it's an invitation to discover the incredible flavours, ingredients and food traditions that have existed on this continent for tens of thousands of years.
A proud Meriam woman from Mer Island in the Torres Strait, Nornie Bero has built a national reputation for championing Indigenous ingredients and making them accessible to everyday home cooks. In Mabu Mabu—which means "help yourself"—she shares the recipes, stories and cultural knowledge that have shaped her life and career.
Inside you'll find everything from Pumpkin and Wattleseed Damper and Saltbush Butter to Quandong Relish, Pickled Karkalla and hearty meals inspired by both Torres Strait Islander traditions and contemporary Australian cooking. Alongside the recipes is a comprehensive guide to native ingredients, helping readers confidently cook with bush foods in their own kitchens.
What makes this book particularly special is the way Nornie weaves together food, family, culture and identity. Through personal stories of growing up on Mer, fishing on the reef with her father and learning to cook from a young age, she demonstrates how food can connect us to place, community and culture.
Whether you're a passionate home cook, interested in bush foods, or simply looking to expand your understanding of First Nations culture through food, Mabu Mabu deserves a place in your kitchen.
About the Author
Nornie Bero is a proud Meriam woman from Mer Island in the Torres Strait, award-winning chef, entrepreneur and founder of Mabu Mabu and Big Esso. Through her restaurants, products and writing, she is on a mission to make Indigenous ingredients a staple in kitchens across Australia.
Pages: 216
