Culinary journeys: EMR staff share special recipes to celebrate diversity
- EMR staff create special cookbook to celebrate their diverse backgrounds
- The book was drafted using recipes from EMR's Race & Culture Equality (RACE) Employee Network
- Its launch has been timed to coincide with Black History Month
Staff from East Midlands Railway (EMR) have come together to create a special cookbook celebrating the stories, traditions, and flavours that bring their diverse cultures to life.
The book was created by staff in EMR’s Race & Culture Equality (RACE) Employee Network to mark Black History Month. Entitled Culinary Journey, it invites readers to explore dishes from around the world, reflecting the rich diversity and cultural heritage of EMR’s workforce.
Recipes have been contributed by colleagues from across the RACE network, representing a wide range of roles and backgrounds.
From treasured family dishes passed down through generations to personal favourites, the collection of recipes aims to offer a true taste of connection, culture, and belonging.
Ian da Costa, Customer Welcome Host and Race Network Lead, shared a recipe from his Indian heritage through a classic Butter Chicken recipe.
He said: “We, the Race Network Leads, had the great pleasure of bringing an EMR colleagues’ cookbook to life. We are one railway family, and we’re all very passionate about cuisine - especially our personal favourites.
"In our own families, we cherish what we eat, and eating together is the best time to bond and connect lovingly with each other.”
Niambie Harris, Retail Assistant at Loughborough Station and LGBTQ & Race Network Lead, shared her family’s Pepper Pot dish - a traditional Guyanese recipe often served on Christmas Day.
She said: “It’s always wonderful to work together with colleagues on a project that everyone is passionate about - and who doesn’t love food?
"Food is something that brings people together from all cultures and nationalities. It’s also sparked great conversations between colleagues who had never spoken to each other before.
"My dish, Pepper Pot, is a traditional Guyanese Christmas morning breakfast served with homemade bread. All the family sit around the table sharing childhood stories - and, of course, debating who makes the best Pepper Pot."
Chris Buckley, Head of Organisation Development at East Midlands Railway. said: "Culinary Journeys is a wonderful example of how food unites people. It’s been fantastic to see our diverse workforce connect creatively, sharing recipes, stories and traditions that celebrate their heritage and the cultures that make EMR a special place to work.”
The cookbook is available via EMR's website here: Culinary Journeys | EMR