I was not introduced into the world of Wakanda until the movie Black Panther debuted in 2018. As enamored as I became with the world created by Marvel comics, I would never have thought to create a cookbook based on the fictional African kingdom. Fortunately for us, Nyanyika Banda, author of The Official Wakanda Cookbook, did.

This book is written like a culinary history of Wakanda. Under the guise of “Ndi Chikondi, Executive Chef, Royal Palace of Wakanda” Ms. Banda gives us a cookbook full of exotic yet healthy recipes. There are many choices in every category. For breakfast we could choose Akara or Sweet Potato Granola. Perhaps we could pick up some Smoked Chambo or Plantain Chips from The Street Market. How about Roasted Lake Trout as a Main Dish washed down with Tamarind Cola. And don’t forget Basbousa for dessert.

The book not only offers gorgeous photos that will whet your appetite, but a chart of dietary notes (such as Vegan, Nondairy, etc.); prep times and yields. “Chef Chikondi” also lets us know about substitutes for Wakandan ingredients. For  example, she writes: “Chimanga (also known as maize or corn) is grown in most of our yards.” And perhaps even more important to true Black Panther fans is original artwork from the Black Panther comic series on many pages of the book.

Be sure to read the introduction where “Chef Chikondi” shares her background and why her recipes have such an international flare. Then get ready to enjoy a taste of Wakanda!