SOAS London Alumni Group: In Conversation with Asma Khan
Key information
- Date
- Time
-
6:00 pm to 8:30 pm
- Venue
- SOAS campus
- Room
- SOAS Gallery Lecture Theatre and Paul Webley Wing
- Event type
- Alumni reception
About this event
SOAS London Alumni Group Presents: An Evening with Asma Khan
The SOAS London Alumni Group is delighted to welcome you to an exclusive in-conversation event with SOAS Honorary Doctor Asma Khan, founder of the acclaimed Darjeeling Express.
This special evening invites you into the world of Asma Khan—a woman whose journey from arriving in the UK as a mature student to becoming a world-renowned chef and social change leader is as powerful as it is inspiring. Asma uses food as a force for justice, identity and connection, and her work empowering women in the food industry has earned her global recognition, including being named one of Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People.
In conversation with London Alumni Group Co-Chair Brooke Beardslee, Asma will share stories from her remarkable journey. Expect an intimate and thought-provoking evening filled with warmth, wisdom, and bold storytelling. Join fellow alumni for what promises to be a truly inspiring event.
Ticket fee
Please note there is a £10 ticket fee, which helps cover the cost of running the event, including venue, materials, and refreshments. This fee is not for profit—it simply ensures we can continue to offer enjoyable and well-organised events for everyone.
Image credit: Aron van de Pol via Unsplash
Meet the speakers
Asma Khan is an Indian-born British chef and author, best known for founding Darjeeling Express in London. Asma’s work blends culinary tradition with cultural storytelling, drawing from her heritage and personal journey.
A two-time alumnus of SOAS (BA, 1988/MA, 2018), Brooke Beardslee is a SOAS Global Ambassador and Co-chair of the SOAS London Alumni Network. She also served as President of the American Friends of SOAS (AFSOAS) from 2011 to 2018. Along with her husband, Aziz, Brooke owns Mid Century Maroc, an online ‘souk’ full of vintage European and Moroccan furnishings in Essaouira, Morocco. Previously, Brooke worked in the public health and social justice sector.
