Kenneth Middleton’s Debut Cookbook Reaches Global Final

Kenneth Middleton’s first cookbook has earned a place among a select group of international contenders, putting his cross-cultural approach to cooking in the global spotlight. Paradise is one of eight finalists in the First Cookbook category at the 2026 Gourmand World Cookbook Awards. Published by Penguin Random House South Africa, the book moves between regional favourites and dishes from further afield. Its recipes include Botswana’s seswaa alongside Vietnamese pho and Korean fried chicken, according to the article. The collection presents indulgent cooking while also describing itself as guilt-free, bringing together flavours that cross borders without leaving southern African food out of the picture. Middleton welcomed the shortlist recognition and thanked his publishers and supporters as the competition continues. He joked that his office was “optimistically disposed towards a favourable verdict” and said he was leaving the outcome to providence. The award winners are due to be announced in May 2027. Until then, Paradise has secured a place among the eight finalists in its category, a notable international milestone for Middleton’s debut as a cookbook author.