Legal Dispute Over the Term "Sabzi" Highlights Cultural Ownership Issues

In November 2025, Yasmin Khan, a cookbook author of Pakistani and Iranian heritage, faced legal threats from a deli owner in Cornwall who had trademarked the word "sabzi," which means cooked vegetables in several South Asian languages. The deli claimed Khan's cookbook title, "Sabzi: Fresh Vegetarian Recipes for Every Day," infringed on its intellectual property. This dispute has sparked a broader conversation about cultural ownership and the implications of trademarking common culinary terms.

The Guardian

The term "sabzi" is deeply rooted in the culinary traditions of over a billion people across various cultures, including South Asian and Persian cuisines. It is not merely a brand name but a common word that evokes significant cultural heritage, such as in Iran's national dish, ghormeh sabzi. Khan's intention to honor her heritage through her cookbook title underscores the cultural importance of the term.

The Guardian

Yasmin Khan is a prominent food writer known for her advocacy of cultural representation in food. The deli owner, who remains unnamed, has been described as having a background that includes Iranian heritage. However, Khan argues that shared heritage does not equate to solidarity, especially when power dynamics are at play.

The Guardian

The deli's legal action has drawn criticism from various quarters, particularly within the food community. Many food writers and chefs, including Nigella Lawson and Rukmini Iyer, publicly supported Khan, arguing that food culture should be accessible to all and not commodified. Critics have pointed out that the deli's claims were overreaching and lacked substantial evidence of business harm.

The Guardian

Khan's publishers sought legal advice, which indicated that the deli's claims were unfounded, as common cultural words should not be subject to trademark laws. As public pressure mounted, the deli ultimately decided to withdraw its trademark claim, allowing Khan's book to be reinstated for sale. Khan expressed gratitude for the support she received from the food community, highlighting the collaborative nature of the culinary world.

The Guardian

This case reflects a broader trend where companies in the global north attempt to control terms and ingredients from the global south, raising questions about cultural appropriation and ownership. Historical examples, such as the attempts by the restaurant chain Pho to trademark "pho" and the biopiracy cases involving traditional crops, illustrate ongoing struggles over cultural heritage.

The Guardian

While the deli owner framed the dispute as a David-versus-Goliath battle, critics argue that the power dynamics involved complicate this narrative. The involvement of the Duchy of Cornwall, a royal estate, further emphasizes the colonial undertones of the case, suggesting that privilege and entitlement are at the heart of the dispute.

The Guardian

• “When words born in our grandmothers’ kitchens become entangled in legal battles backed by establishment power, something has gone seriously wrong.” — Yasmin Khan, Cookbook Author

The Guardian

• “As the news of the dispute spread, some of the UK’s most respected food writers rallied, with Rukmini Iyer, Rachel Roddy, Catherine Phipps, Olia Hercules, Debora Robertson and Nigella Lawson (among many more) posting clear-eyed arguments about why food culture belongs to everyone.” — Rukmini Iyer, Food Writer

The Guardian

• “Because this case is part of a much bigger pattern.” — Yasmin Khan, Cookbook Author

The Guardian

This legal dispute over the term "sabzi" serves as a critical reminder of the complexities surrounding cultural ownership and the importance of protecting shared culinary heritage.

The Guardian