Naomi Hansen
Author. Speaker. Editor.
Only in Saskatchewan
Naomi Hansen's first book, Only in Saskatchewan: Recipes and Stories from the Province's Best-Loved Eateries, was published in spring 2022 by TouchWood Editions.
Photography by: Garrett Kendel
About the Book
This beautifully photographed collection of recipes and restaurant profiles is a loving tribute and valuable resource for exploring Saskatchewan’s culinary landscape.
In this celebration of Saskatchewan cuisine, Naomi Hansen pairs recipes from the province's best-loved restaurants with profiles of the chefs and families behind those recipes. Only in Saskatchewan captures the mix of culinary influences—Ukrainian, Indigenous, Italian, Vietnamese, Indian, Persian, Dutch, Mexican, and more—that come together in the land of the living skies.
Featuring the north, centre, and south of the province (with dedicated chapters for Saskatoon and Regina), Naomi showcases historic restaurants like the Yvette Moore Gallery Cafe in Moose Jaw, Baba's Homestyle Perogies in Saskatoon, and Italian Star Deli in Regina, as well as newer favourites like The Dam Smokehouse in Nipawin, Free Bird in Lumsden, and Ayden Kitchen & Bar in Saskatoon.
The recipes range from ambitious desserts like Mable Hill's Bourbon Brown Butter Cake with Sour Cherry Topping and Hot Sour Cream Glaze, and Golden Grain Bakery's Bismarks, to everyday staples like The Rolling Pin's Borscht and Houston Pizza's All Dressed Pizza, to simpler pleasures like Wolf Willow's Smokey Stovetop Popcorn and Harvest Eatery's Whole Lotta Rosie Cocktail, each one a reflection of the generosity of spirit Saskatchewanians are known for. With food and landscape photography by Garrett Kendel, and a handy sourcing guide to Saskatchewan suppliers, the book is at once a beautiful tribute and valuable resource for exploring the province's culinary scope.
What People Are Saying
"An ode to the province’s flourishing and unique food scene." —National Post
"This book features stunning images of both food and landscapes from favourite restaurants across Canada’s heartland province. It’s a must-read for anyone who loves to eat, cook and explore." —Canadian Living
"Both in Saskatoon and beyond, there’s a blossoming local food scene . . . the cookbook features profiles of notable chefs and restaurants—like Moose Jaw’s Yvette Moore Gallery Café and Regina’s Italian Star Deli — alongside some of their signature dishes." —Toronto Star
“Naomi shines a spotlight on two pillars in Saskatchewan’s diverse culinary landscape: the province’s freshest ingredients and those who know how to prepare them best—its people. This book is a must-have for discovering a slice of the province I call home.” —Ashlyn George, award-winning travel writer and blogger behind The Lost Girl’s Guide to Finding the World
“I’m not sure what I love more—the recipes, the histories, or the beautiful photographs. But why choose? I love Only in Saskatchewan as a cookbook, a road trip, and a culinary love story all in one.” —Amy Jo Ehman, author of Thelma: A Life in Pictures
“Naomi’s engaging, nostalgic read is equal parts dining guide and cookbook to recreate that only-in-Saskatchewan restaurant experience at home.” —Jenn Sharp, author of Flat Out Delicious and host of the Flat Out Food docuseries
“You won’t know what to do first, start your car for a road trip, or turn your oven on and cook.” —Andrew Hiltz, former Saskatchewanderer
Awards & Honours
Shortlisted for the 2023 Taste Canada Awards in the Regional/Cultural Cookbook Category
Winner of the 2023 Saskatchewan Book Awards’ Best Book of the Year
Winner of the 2023 Saskatchewan Book Awards’ Best First Book
Gold Winner of a 2022 PubWest Book Design Award
Saskatoon Public Library's Most Popular Non-fiction book of 2022
Canadian House + Home's June 2022 Cookbook of the Month
Number One Best-Selling Book of 2022 at McNally Robinson Bookstore in Saskatoon, SK
