From Doritos to Resilience: How Hawa Hassan’s Mother’s Legacy Transformed Her Culinary Journey

In Season 3, Episode 6 of the Tinfoil Swans podcast, host Kat Kinsman talks with Hawa Hassan, a remarkable figure whose journey from a refugee camp to the culinary spotlight is inspiring. Hawa shares her experiences as a young girl displaced from Somalia and living in a refugee camp in Kenya. By age seven, she had arrived in Seattle, alone and filled with uncertainty about her family’s fate.

Hawa’s story is one of strength and resilience. After being separated from her family, she embraced what life gave her. She mentions that her mother taught her the importance of community, even amid hardship. Life in the refugee camp felt like an adventure. Hawa recalls how her mother set up a shop to help those around them, saying, “People were not broke — they were just displaced.” This perspective helped Hawa carry positivity into her new life in America.

Once in Seattle, Hawa navigated her new world. “I thought any day now my family’s coming,” she remembered. But the reality was different. Sponsorship opportunities dwindled after political changes, leaving Hawa to adapt on her own. Her experiences resonated with others, reminding us how crucial it is to recognize the struggles faced by refugees.

Food played a pivotal role in Hawa’s integration. She reminisces about her time in middle school, where she turned to fast food—hot dogs and chips—while trying to fit in. Despite these challenges, she recalls the comforting smells that transported her back to her mother’s kitchen, like xawaash, a traditional Somali spice mix. This connection to her roots remains a guiding force in her life.

Hawa has turned her passion for cooking into a mission. She created Basbaas, the first widely available Somali condiment line in the U.S. Her recent cookbook, Setting a Place for Us, is a blend of personal history and the stories of displaced individuals worldwide. Hawa sees her work as not just food-related but deeply connected to the refugee experience. She wants to amplify the voices of those who share similar journeys, emphasizing joy and resilience over sorrow.

Historically, the plight of refugees has been a complex issue worldwide. According to the UNHCR, around 26 million people are currently classified as refugees. Awareness of their stories is crucial to fostering understanding and empathy. Hawa’s mission aligns with this goal, encouraging readers to learn more about the lives behind the numbers.

Hawa’s insights and experiences serve as a reminder that every person has a story worth telling. Her journey exemplifies how food can bring communities together and how resilience can shine even in the most challenging circumstances.

To explore more stories that highlight the intersections of culture and food, feel free to check out the podcast Tinfoil Swans for some enriching conversations and insights.

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