Exploring world flavours is one of my favourite things to do and Saida's Kitchen brings a taste of African Countries to our kitchens in an easy, flavourful and healthy way through their tagines. Some brands are born from passion, others from necessity—Saida’s Kitchen was created from both. This is more than just a collection of cooking sauces; it’s a story of family, resilience, and a deep-rooted love for food.

The Story Behind Saida’s Kitchen

It all started when Saida, a mother on a mission, struggled to find safe, healthy, and allergen-friendly cooking sauces for her daughter, who was diagnosed with severe food allergies. Scouring supermarket shelves, she was met with confusing labels, artificial ingredients, and a lack of options that celebrated her East African heritage. So, she did what any determined mother would do—she created her own.

Raised on a farm in Mogadishu, Somalia, Saida grew up surrounded by fresh fruits, vegetables, fragrant spices, and home-cooked meals made with love. Food wasn’t just about sustenance—it was a way to connect, to celebrate, and to show care. She learned from her grandmothers, whose rich spice blends, slow-cooked stews, and vibrant chutneys left a lasting impression.

When Saida moved to London, she missed the flavours of home, but more importantly, she saw an opportunity—to not only bring these bold, authentic African tastes to her own kitchen but to share them with others. In 2017, Saida’s Kitchen was born (originally known as Saida Mia), launching with three African cooking sauces and pastes.

From a Home Kitchen to the Supermarket Shelves

What started as a small, independent brand quickly grew, with independent shops across London stocking her sauces. But 2022 was a turning point—Saida’s Kitchen was chosen as one of just nine businesses (out of 500!) for Sainsbury’s Thrive Programme, an initiative supporting Black-owned food and drink brands. This recognition helped refine the brand, update its packaging, and secure a trusted manufacturing partner.

Now, Saida’s Kitchen is ready to bring the rich, diverse flavours of East Africa to kitchens across the UK. The goal isn’t just to sell sauces—it’s to help people discover new tastes, celebrate culture, and experience the warmth and connection that food brings.

Tasting Saida’s Kitchen – Featured in the Fabulous Food Finds Spring Tasting Box

One of the standout products in this season’s Fabulous Food Finds Spring Tasting Box is Saida’s Kitchen Somali-Style Sweet Spiced Tagine Sauce. This full-bodied, beautifully balanced sauce combines:

🌿 Tomatoes, green chillies, and tamarind for a tangy, rich base
🍇 Sultanas for natural sweetness
🌶️ Aromatic spices like ginger and cinnamon for warmth and depth

This sauce is deeply rooted in tradition yet incredibly versatile, perfect for tagines, slow-cooked meats, roasted vegetables, or even as a marinade.

Also in the range:
🔥 Ethiopian-Style Hot Spiced Tagine Sauce – A bold, fiery Berbere sauce packed with red chilli, garlic, and ginger.
🍛 African Spice Pastes – Concentrated blends of spices and herbs, ready to bring your dishes to life.

Why Choose Saida’s Kitchen?

✔️ Authentic Flavours – Made with real ingredients, inspired by generations of East African cooking.
✔️ All-Natural & Allergen-Friendly – No artificial preservatives, colourings, or additives.
✔️ Small-Batch & Passionately Crafted – A brand built with heart, heritage, and a commitment to quality.

Bringing People Together, One Meal at a Time

At its heart, Saida’s Kitchen is about more than food—it’s about connection. Whether you’re cooking for your family, sharing a meal with friends, or exploring African cuisine for the first time, these sauces make it easy to bring big, bold flavours to your table.