SHORTLISTED FOR THE JANE GRIGSON AWARD 2025

In this captivating coming-of-age memoir, Aaron Vallance gives you a seat at the enchanting and delectable meals that shaped his understanding of the world growing up in an Ashkenazi Jewish family in 1980s Manchester.

Through exceptional storytelling, Aaron re-creates the particularities of his childhood - one where he would have chicken on a Friday, eat Challah every Saturday, bagels every Sunday, and then a smattering of chopped herring, chremsls, chrain, and latkes in between. With a stomach full, he explores the traditions, rituals, festivals and meaning behind these foods we might all recognise, celebrating the nuances of a tight-knit, if often insular, Jewish community along the way.

Written with warmth and joy, Friday Night Chicken is a one-of-a-kind story for all lovers of food and personal stories to delight in.

'Aaron’s heartfelt memoir will leave your heart and mind full … but your stomach craving latkes.' Tim Anderson, chef & award-winning writer

'Beautifully written. A book which reminds us that food is the language of love.' Asma Khan, chef & bestselling author

'Aaron is such a lyrical writer. I always learn something new.' Ruby Tandoh, bestselling author of Eat Up!

'Full of heart and warmth. A joy to read!' Angela Hui, author of Takeaway

© Aaron Vallance 2027 (P) Penguin Audio 2027