1,000-Year-Old Cookbook Reveals Ancient Hangover Remedy

The Kitab al-tabikh, authored by Ibn Sayyar al-Warraq nearly a millennium ago, stands as the most extensive ancient cookbook known to date, containing over 600 recipes. This scholarly work not only explores culinary delights but also delves into medicinal remedies, with sections dedicated to hangover cures, aphrodisiacs, and treatments for various health issues.

The “Kitab al-Tabikh” or “Book of Dishes” is a seminal work in the history of culinary literature, representing two distinct medieval Arab cookbooks from Baghdad. The first, compiled by Ibn Sayyar al-Warraq in the 10th century, is one of the oldest surviving cookbooks, offering more than 600 recipes that reflect the culinary practices of the Abbasid Caliphate’s golden age. This book not only serves as a historical record of Arab cuisine but also intertwines culinary arts with medical knowledge, providing insights into the diet and health perspectives of the time. The second “Kitab al-Tabikh,” written by Muhammad bin Hasan al-Baghdadi in 1226, further enriches this historical tapestry with its detailed recipes, focusing on the flavors and techniques that would influence Middle Eastern cooking for centuries.

Aside from its recipes, the “Kitab al-Tabikh” provides a window into the social and cultural life of medieval Baghdad. The books document the use of spices, meats, and other ingredients that were popular among the elite, showcasing the sophistication of Arab cuisine. Both texts include dishes that range from simple to complex, catering to various social strata, with some recipes explicitly noting their suitability for nobility or commoners. The inclusion of both savory and sweet dishes, along with medicinal recipes, highlights the multifaceted role of food in society, serving not just for sustenance but also for health, celebration, and social gatherings. The “Kitab al-Tabikh” thus stands as an invaluable source for understanding the historical depth of Arab culinary tradition and its impact on global gastronomy.

Translated by Nawal Nasrallah into “Annals of the Caliph’s Kitchen,” the book provides an invaluable insight into the gastronomical and medicinal knowledge of the ancient Middle East, now accessible to English readers. Nasrallah, a former professor with a deep connection to the region, has bridged historical and modern culinary worlds by bringing these ancient recipes to light.

Ibn Sayyar al-Warraq’s identity remains largely mysterious, with records only indicating his death in AD 961. He was likely commissioned to document the lavish dining habits of Caliphs, Lords, and other dignitaries, perhaps under the patronage of the Hamdanid prince Sayf al-Dawla. The recipes within “Kitab al-tabikh” are believed to be compilations from even earlier culinary sources, suggesting that some of these dishes might trace back much further than a thousand years. This makes the cookbook not only a collection of recipes but also a time capsule of culinary history.

The book features unique recipes like the “Kishkiyya,” known as a medieval hangover cure originating from Baghdad, showcasing the intertwining of food with health in ancient times. This dish, along with others, reflects the sophisticated understanding of ingredients and their effects on the body, a knowledge that was integral to the cuisine of the era. The translation and study of such works not only offer insights into ancient cooking techniques but also provoke curiosity about the intersection of food, health, and culture in historical contexts.

The “Kitab al-tabikh” is classified under several sections like Artifacts, Ancient Writings, News, and History & Archaeology, indicating its multifaceted value in cultural, educational, and possibly scientific research. This classification underscores the book’s significance in understanding not just historical eatables but also the broader historical context of human civilization, dietary habits, and medicinal practices. The preservation and dissemination of such texts encourage further exploration into how our ancestors dined, healed, and lived, providing a rich tapestry of human endeavor over millennia.