Allard Pierson Museum in Amsterdam Honours Asma Khan with Johannes van Dam Prize 2024
Renowned Indian-British chef Asma Khan has been named the recipient of the Johannes van Dam Prize 2024, an honour closely connected to the Allard Pierson Museum in Amsterdam. Known for her innovative approach and social advocacy in the culinary world, Khan will be celebrated for her significant contributions to gastronomy.
According to Louise O. Fresco, chair of the jury, Khan brings a new dimension to culinary culture, emphasizing her work with a bicultural, all-female team who operate as equals. She is also recognized as an advocate for social justice, both within and outside the kitchen.
Originally from Calcutta, Asma Khan moved to Cambridge, UK, where she initially pursued law. Her longing for the flavours of her homeland led her to establish a private supper club, eventually culminating in the opening of her acclaimed restaurant, Darjeeling Express, in 2017. This establishment is notable for its kitchen run entirely by women. Khan gained international recognition as the first Indian-British chef to be featured on Netflix's series Chef's Table. She is also the author of two cookbooks, Ammu and Asma’s Indian Kitchen: Home-cooked food brought to you by Darjeeling Express.
Celebrating Culinary Heritage at the Allard Pierson
The official award ceremony is scheduled for February 16 at 3 p.m. at the Singelkerk in Amsterdam. During the event, Asma Khan will participate in interviews based on items from the museum's History of Food collection. Paulami Joshi, known for De Bijbel van de Indiase keuken, will explore Khan's journey of finding a new home through food. Culinary activist and chef Lelani Lewis, author of Code Noir, will discuss diversity in culinary heritage with Khan.
The prize honours the late culinary journalist Johannes van Dam (1946-2013), whose extensive collection of cookbooks and archive is housed at the Allard Pierson, serving as a knowledge institute for the University of Amsterdam's heritage collections. Van Dam was celebrated for his broad curiosity in gastronomy, introducing diverse culinary topics to a Dutch audience through his writings. Established in 2012, this lifetime achievement award aims to continue Van Dam's work and reflect his wide-ranging interests, as evidenced by the collection. Past recipients include international figures such as Yotam Ottolenghi and Alain Passard, alongside Flemish television chef Jeroen Meus in 2022. The jury comprises prominent figures like Professor Louise O. Fresco, Joris Bijdendijk, Hassnae Bouazza, Jonah Freud, and Hiske Versprille.
The Allard Pierson Museum continues its dedication to cultural and historical exploration, including the rich history of food, through initiatives like the Johannes van Dam Prize. To discover more cultural spots and experiences in Amsterdam and beyond, Musemap (musemap.art) offers a platform to explore diverse locations. You can browse other museums or discover new places on the map.
