The Politics Of Food
Food is more than just a meal; it’s powerful, political, and it’s a shared bond between people. For Asma Khan, food is also a connection to her roots in Kolkata, India. Asma’s heart, soul, and culture are in every dish she serves, and she’s sharing her story through her home-style Indian cuisine.
Growing up in Kolkata, India, Asma has always had strong friendships, an eye for detail, and a drive for equality. As a chef, author, and restaurant owner, Asma is changing the narrative: she’s communicating across borders and cultures through food. How does she do it, and how can you learn more?
Listen to this episode of the Firebelly Social Show as Duncan Alney talks with Asma Khan, Founder and Owner of Darjeeling Express, about the interconnectedness of food, people, culture, and politics. Asma talks about the inseparability of food and culture, representation within the industry, and how to be fearless, kind, and gracious on social media. Asma also discusses the details of her new book centered around her life, family, and the food of gatherings!
Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
Asma Khan and Duncan Alney discuss the value of Kolkata, India, and the authentic connections they created there
How is food linked to politics and culture?
The power of small businesses — and Asma’s fight for visibility
How Asma fearlessly uses social media to brighten up the lives of others and stand against discrimination
The new delivery model for Darjeeling Express
Asma discusses the details of her new book
The worldwide success of Asma’s Biryani recipe — and her secret for making it perfectly
About Asma Khan
Asma Khan is an iconic chef, Netflix star, and the Founder and Owner of the restaurant Darjeeling Express. For many years, Asma worked in her mother’s catering business in Kolkata, India, which inspired the creation of her restaurant.
Darjeeling Express started as a dinner for 12 guests at home, serving Indian food cooked from family recipes. Now they offer nationwide delivery, supper clubs, private catering, and a wide array of dishes originating from family recipes. Darjeeling Express’ kitchen has been operated by an all-women team of housewives since day one.
In addition to creating a successful restaurant, Asma is the author of the cookbook Asma’s Indian Kitchen: Home-cooked food brought to you by Darjeeling Express, and she was the first British chef featured on the Netflix series Chef’s Table. Asma has been named “Female Entrepreneur of the Year” at the Asian Restaurant Awards and “Entrepreneur of the Year” at the Asian Women of the Year Awards.