This event is part of the Asia House Bagri Foundation Literature Festival 2019. #AsiaLitFest

Talk followed by a canapé reception.

Renowned food writers Claudia Roden and Yasmin Khan will join Donald Sloan, Chair of the Oxford Cultural Collective, to explore links between Middle Eastern food and personal and collective identities. At a time when media coverage, often focused on politics and conflict, reinforces a one-dimensional image of some Middle-Eastern nations, our guests will discuss how an understanding of food and its place in culture can reveal rich, nuanced perspectives.

Both authors' books (The New Book of Middle Eastern Food by Claudia Roden and Zaitoun: Recipes and Stories from the Palestinian Kitchen by Yasmin Khan) will be available for purchase at the event and both will be signing copies directly after the talk.

This event also forms part of a series entitled Migrations: All Our Voices, from the Oxford Cultural Collective.

This event is also part of the 2019 Converging Paths series, presented by Asia House and The Barakat Trust.

With thanks to Paul Bloomfield and PB Catering for providing the canapés for the event.

About Claudia Roden

Claudia Roden is one of the world’s most respected food writers. Her work, known for being meticulously researched, is focused on the historical and cultural dimensions of national and regional cuisines. A Book of Middle Eastern Food, first published in 1968, was followed by around 20 more books including Mediterranean Cookery, The Food of Italy and The Book of Jewish Food. She has won many awards including six Glenfiddich Awards, two Andre Simon Awards and a James Beard Award in the US.

About Yasmin Khan

Yasmin Khan a best-selling and award-winning author, broadcaster and campaigner, who is passionate about sharing people's stories through food. Her work sits on the intersection of food, travel and politics and her critically-acclaimed books, The Saffron Tales and Zaitoun, use everyday stories to human connection to challenge stereotypes of the Middle East. She's a regular media commentator appearing on BBC R4's Food Programme, Woman's Hour, PBS Newshour and Newsnight and has written for publications including The Guardian, the New Statesman and Saveur.

This event is part of the Asia House Bagri Foundation Literature Festival 2019. Back for its 13th year running, the Festival is bringing some of the biggest names and rising stars from the written word together for a celebration of Asian literature.

Taking place from September to November 2019, the UK’s only pan-Asian literature festival presents words, stories and ideas from Asia and the diaspora. From live performances to public talks and animated discussions, the festival will celebrate Asia – a region that we define as running from Turkey to Tokyo – in all its glory.

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