Staff from East Midlands Railway (EMR) have come together to produce a special cookbook celebrating the stories, traditions, and flavours that reflect the diversity of the company’s workforce. Created by members of EMR’s Race & Culture Equality (RACE) Employee Network to mark Black History Month, the book, titled Culinary Journey, showcases recipes from around the world that highlight the cultural heritage and shared experiences of EMR colleagues.

Contributors from across the RACE network submitted a variety of dishes representing their backgrounds and family traditions. Each recipe carries its own story, from treasured meals passed down through generations to modern personal favourites. The collection aims to offer readers a window into the lives and cultures of those who work across EMR, promoting inclusion and celebrating unity through food.

Ian da Costa, Customer Welcome Host and Race Network Lead, shared his family’s classic Butter Chicken recipe, inspired by his Indian heritage. 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, contributed 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, added: “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

Image: East Midlands Railway