Bradford, Food & Writing: A Taste from Home
Join writer Shahnaz Ahsan, food writer Radhika Howarth, and publisher Habiba Desai for a heartfelt conversation about food, memory, and storytelling rooted in Bradford’s South Asian community.
In The Jackfruit Chronicles, Ahsan weaves family recipes with personal and historical narratives to explore British-Bangladeshi identity. Desai, co-founder of Fox & Windmill, shares insights from Tales from the Kitchen, a moving collection of food essays by British South Asian writers. Howarth brings her perspective as a food writer and culinary educator, reflecting on the sensory power of food in shaping cultural identity and belonging.
As part of The Big Tasty Read event series, they discuss how food writing can preserve heritage, challenge stereotypes, and connect generations – particularly in Bradford, where culture and cuisine are inseparably linked.
Co-produced by the British Library.
About the Authors
Radhika Howarth
Radhika Howarth is an author, curator of culinary experiences, and the culinary storyteller behind Radikal Kitchen. Her debut cookbook, Flavours Without Borders, explores how food connects cultures and tells global stories through trade, migration, and the movement of ingredients across continents.
Radhika creates story-led culinary experiences that bring history, culture, and flavour to life, from immersive dining events and supper clubs to corporate workshops, food and wine pairings, cooking demonstrations, talks, and festival events.
Through Radikal Kitchen, she collaborates with food and lifestyle brands on creative marketing campaigns, content creation, and live culinary experiences.
She is a member of the Guild of Food Writers UK, Women in the Food Industry UK, Les Dames d’Escoffier International, and The Chef’s Forum. Her television appearances include The World Cook on Amazon Prime and Double the Money with Sue Perkins on Channel 4.
Habiba Desai
Habiba is the publishing director at Fox & Windmill. She produces, edits and handles the marketing for the publications at F&W. She also creates relationships with other industry professionals. She is an Ambassador for First Story and has worked at Waterstones, Penguin Random House and Bradford Literature Festival.
Shahnaz Ahsan
Shahnaz Ahsan is an author, columnist and award-winning food writer. Her debut novel Hashim & Family was an Observer Best Book and was shortlisted for the Guardian Not the Booker Prize. She is also an award-winning writer of short stories and screenplays. She is a columnist for Hyphen Online and regularly writes for Observer Food Monthly. Her articles and recipes have also appeared in Waitrose Magazine, Borough Market Magazine, The Daily Telegraph, and various online publications. She is a member of the Guild of Food Writers and was a finalist in the 2023 Guild Awards. Her work has won grants from the Society of Authors and the Guild’s Futures Fund. Born and raised in West Yorkshire, Shahnaz is of British-Bangladeshi heritage, and has also lived in the USA, Ethiopia and Zimbabwe.
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