Asma Khan’s homecoming to Kolkata this August was marked by the launch of her new book Monsoon. For Asma, monsoon is not just a season but an emotion—awakening memories of comfort food, family traditions, and togetherness. Known for putting Bengali cuisine on the global map with London’s Darjeeling Express, authoring Ammuand Monsoon, and featuring on Netflix’s Chef’s Table, Asma continues to be a trailblazer for women in hospitality. A law graduate from King’s College London, she has also emerged as a powerful advocate for women entrepreneurs.

 

On 23rd August, at a panel discussion moderated by Dr. Debanjan Chakrabarti, Director – East and Northeast India, British Council, and organised with IBSA, Asma urged women to challenge prejudice in kitchens traditionally dominated by men. Joined by Zareen Desai and Fatima Anwar, she spoke candidly about bias in the food industry, gender roles, and the struggles of women professionals.

 

Asma, a UN World Food Programme advocate, calls her work a “battle cry for justice”. For her, food is both a language of love and a bridge across cultures, a reminder that breaking bread together reveals our shared humanity. She also inspired women—especially those beyond 40—to pursue new careers without hesitation.

 

The event, organised by IBSA and the British Council, drew a full house of engaged listeners, who left both entertained and deeply moved by her words.