By Atharam Shin
At the close of 2024, Rohingyatographer Magazine proudly unveiled its third issue, Food for Thought—a powerful tribute to the culinary heritage of the Rohingya people. More than just a magazine, it is a heartfelt exploration of food as a symbol of survival, identity, and hope. This compelling visual ethnographic survey captures the profound ways food sustains not only the body but also the spirit of a displaced community, brought to life through almost 500 stunning photographs by 30+ talented Rohingya photographers.
“Through my photograph—musa, a traditional dish of chicken and rice wrapped in banana leaves—I wanted to show how food carries our culture forward,” says Jaitun Ara, whose image features the cover of this issue. “Even in displacement, food reminds us of who we are and where we come from.”
“Food for Thought isn’t just about food,” shares Ahtaram Shin, the editor of the magazine. “It’s about what food represents—home, heritage, and the power to bring people together. Every photo and story in this issue reflects the beauty and strength of the Rohingya people.”
The journey to create Food for Thought took just over a year and was a deeply collaborative process. In early 2023, Rohingyatographer put out a call for submissions, receiving nearly 2,000 photographs from over 40 Rohingya photographers. From this incredible wealth of material, a dedicated team of editors and contributors worked tirelessly to shortlist, organise, and curate a collection that beautifully captures the essence of Rohingya life through the lens of food. Watch this video where Ahtaram shares more insights about this process during his participation at the Photovoice Worldwide Conference in 2024.
“This publication was created with inclusiveness at its heart,” explains Sahat Zia Hero, founder of the project. “It is a testament to the talent of our photographers and the power of storytelling. I am proud to use part of my 2023 UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award to support this project, printing and distributing copies among the Rohingya community. This is their story, told through their eyes.”
The publication's design and layout was a process that evolved naturally as our editorial team worked through the stories and images. This approach allowed Food for Thought to become a true reflection of the talent and dedication of all involved, shining a spotlight on the photographers’ experiences and perspectives.
Food for Thought delves into the deep connection between Rohingya cuisine and cultural heritage. Signature dishes such as sowna boot (black chickpeas), gorur gussó sálon (beef curry), luri fiçá (rice flour flatbread), mohinga soup, and danpauk (biryani) are highlighted alongside the ingredients and techniques that bring them to life. These recipes not only evoke cherished memories of Arakan, the ancestral homeland of the Rohingya, but also stand as acts of resilience and cultural preservation within refugee camps.
The issue also highlights the challenges of displacement. In 2023, food rations in Cox’s Bazar dropped to just $8 per person per month. Amid such scarcity, the Rohingya people have found creative ways to adapt. Rooftop gardens, small-scale farming, and communal cooking are just a few examples of how families come together to overcome hardship.
Street food vendors, family meals, and festive feasts also feature prominently in the magazine, illustrating how food fosters connection. Traditions such as fatiya—the practice of sharing meals with those in need—continue even in refugee camps, reflecting the values of compassion and generosity deeply rooted in Rohingya culture.
Food for Thought is not just a publication; it is a call to action. It sheds light on the ongoing crisis in Cox’s Bazar and underscores the importance of preserving Rohingya culture and dignity. By purchasing this publication, you support Rohingya artists, amplify their voices, and stand in solidarity with a community that continues to rise above adversity.
“This issue is a celebration of resilience,” says Ro Yassin Abdumonab, a photographer and senior member of the collective. “It honours the traditions, creativity, and strength of the Rohingya people, showing the world that even in the face of unimaginable hardship, hope persists.”
Food for Thought is now available in both printed and eBook formats through our print-on-demand partner, Blurb. This 332-page publication is filled with rich stories, essays, and images that bring the flavours and spirit of Arakan to life.
GET YOUR COPY
Food for Thought: Rohingyatographer Issue #3
ISBN: 9798347533473
20 x 25 cm | 332 pages | Full colour
485 photos by 32 Rohingya photographers
Available from Blurb.com
By purchasing a copy, you contribute to the next step in our journey. As we kick off 2025, we want to take a moment to thank everyone who made this publication possible. Your support has been invaluable. With 92% of our GoFundMe goal achieved, we are just a step away from making this dream a reality. Join us in closing the gap and helping share these incredible stories with the world.
