From Hollywood Sets to the Kitchen Stove
Abubakar Salim, the actor in House of the Dragon, has traded the rigid dietary mandates of his early career for a more personal, meditative relationship with food. Known for his work in Raised by Wolves, Salim now treats cooking as a sanctuary, a stark departure from the strict physical requirements that once turned his meals into mere fuel.
Heritage and the Swahili Table
Salim’s culinary identity is anchored in the Swahili traditions of his childhood in Welwyn Garden in Hertfordshire. He credits his mother’s kitchen as his primary influence, fostering a repertoire that balances heritage with global flavors. He frequently prepares maharagwe—kidney beans simmered in a coconut and tomato sauce—alongside traditional biryani, prepared with the meat sauce kept distinct from the rice. For a taste of his youth, he turns to matobosha, a sweet, coconut-based flour dumpling. These rituals allow him to disconnect from the pressures of his professional life and remain present.
The Balance of Discipline and Indulgence
Professional necessity once dictated a darker relationship with his plate. Reflecting on his time on Raised by Wolves, Salim notes that the requirement to lose significant weight in a short timeframe negatively impacted his relationship with food. Today, he rejects restrictive habits in favor of a sustainable approach. When he isn’t cooking at home, he seeks out quality. He counts Sagadi, a Basque restaurant in Shoreditch, as a favorite, often visiting to reward himself after professional milestones.
A Curated Final Menu
When asked to construct his ideal final meal, Salim bridges his cultural roots, his travels, and his nostalgia:
- Appetizers: A selection of Swahili mahamris (hollowed-out doughnuts) served with coconut or peas, paired with Kenyan beef kababu—deep-fried, egg-battered kebabs.
- Main Course: A bowl of tonkotsu ramen from Yokato Yokabai in Montreal. Salim notes that he frequented this location while filming Assassins Creed, often traveling through snow to wait in long queues for the dish, which features al dente noodles, pork belly, seaweed, and mushroom.
- Drink: Plain tap water, noting that he avoids alcohol and prefers to experience the unadulterated flavors of his food.
- Dessert: A simple, store-bought warm chocolate cake. Salim describes the choice as an attempt to capture the innocence and simplicity of childhood memories.
Streaming the Latest Performance
Salim’s current performance in House of the Dragon continues to draw audiences. The latest season of the series became available to stream on Sky Atlantic and Now TV on 21 June 2026.