NPR's Book of the Day
A new cookbook by Darjeeling Express chef Asma Khan was inspired by seasonal cooking
Apr 17, 2025
Asma Khan, the chef and founder of Darjeeling Express in London, shares her remarkable journey from academia to the culinary world. She discusses her new cookbook, Monsoon, which emphasizes the beauty of seasonal cooking and the importance of fresh ingredients. Khan highlights the power of modular cooking, comparing it to musical composition, and passionately advocates for women in the kitchen, promoting an all-female staff at her restaurant. Listeners are treated to insights on personal empowerment and cultural identity shaped through food.
09:10
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Quick takeaways
- Asma Khan's transition from academia to culinary arts illustrates that it's never too late to pursue one's passions and embrace personal reinvention.
- Khan advocates for seasonal cooking, emphasizing its cultural significance and connection to heritage while promoting sustainability in food choices.
Deep dives
The Journey of Culinary Reinvention
Asma Khan shares her transformative journey from academia to the culinary world, emphasizing the potential for change in one's 40s. After completing a Ph.D. in constitutional law, she opened her restaurant, Darjeeling Express, at the age of 45, which highlights the idea that it's never too late to pursue one's passions. Khan believes this age offers a unique perspective where individuals have faced challenges that empower them to make bold life decisions. She encourages listeners to trust their instincts and rediscover their aspirations, reminding them that personal reinvention is always possible.
