The British Council, in collaboration with the Indo-British Scholars’ Association, The Bhawanipur House, and Peter Hu?, cordially invites you to an enriching panel discussion centred on culinary innovation, cultural storytelling, and food entrepreneurship, at the British Council.
This engaging evening will celebrate the launch of Asma Khan’s latest book, Monsoon. Asma will be joined by distinguished guests: Sneha Singhi, acclaimed pastry chef and influencer (Le Cordon Bleu), and Zareen Desai, chef and founder of Zee's Coffeeshop and Bagan Farm (Le Cordon Bleu alumna). Together, they will explore the intersections of food, identity, narrative, and community empowerment.
About the Author: Asma Khan is an Indian-born British chef, internationally recognised for her culinary prowess and advocacy for social change within the food industry. Hailing from Calcutta, her journey began with a home-based supper club in 2012, eventually evolving into the celebrated Darjeeling Express in London—an all-women-run kitchen rooted in home-style Indian cooking. Asma gained global attention as the first British chef featured on Netflix’s Chef’s Table, with her Emmy-nominated episode in Season 6. In 2019, she was named #1 on Business Insider’s list of the '100 Coolest People in Food and Drink', and in 2024, she was honoured in TIME 100 as one of the most influential people in the world.
About the Book: Monsoon is a vivid and personal culinary journey through India, structured around the six seasons of Asma’s native Bengal. Inspired by the principles of Ayurveda, the book explores the six core flavours—Tangy, Bitter, Hot, Sweet, Sour, and Salty—through evocative recipes and deeply nostalgic essays. Asma reflects on seasonal cravings, the abundance of local produce, and how these elements come together to shape the rhythms of Indian life and cuisine.
Event details: Saturday 23 August from 6.00 pm onwards at British Council, 16 Camac Street, L&T Chambers, Kolkata 700017
Kindly note that registration is mandatory and seating is limited. Please be advised that parking facilities are not available.
For more information, please feel free to write to Praveena.Ireland@Britishcouncil.org