British food writer unveils her unique new cookbook
By Asjad NazirApr 15, 2024
A PASSION for highlighting the recipes and food traditions of Bangladesh has led Dina Begum towards becoming an author of two widely acclaimed cookbooks.
The British culinary expert has followed up Brick Lane Cookbook with the recently published Made inBangladesh, which has also received a great response. The new book celebrates traditional Bangladeshi cooking, culture and the country, adding to a food journey that has enabled her to reach cross-cultural audiences with delicious recipes.
Eastern Eye caught up with the talented London-based food writer to talk about her new book and top cooking tips.
How do you reflect on your culinary journey?
It’s been a very positive and enlightening journey. It’s rewarding sharing recipes passed down from previous generations and educating people on Bangladeshi food and food history.
What led you towards writing your latest book, Made in Bangladesh?
It was important for me to document and preserve the traditional and regional recipes of my heritage for a wider international audience.
Bangladeshi food is very much underrepresented, and I wanted to change that. Often, it’s included under the umbrella of Indian food, so I wanted to highlight how it is a cuisine in its own right and deserves recognition. The breadth and depth of Bangladeshi food is vast, offering many unique flavours and techniques
Tell us about the book.
The book is a collection of regional recipes, based around the six seasons of Bangladesh.
It provides a snapshot of Bangladeshi home cooking, the dishes I grew up eating and personal essays and anecdotes, as well as beautiful location photography and images of the dishes. It’s part cookbook, part travelogue.
How did you select the recipes for the book?
I’ve been writing recipes since I was very young and watched my mother and grandmother cook family recipes, which are the backbone of the book. I drew on these recipes first, then built up recipes I’ve learned along the way, making sure to highlight regional specialties.
Many dishes are presented exactly as I’ve been taught to cook them, and some have been minimally adjusted for ease of cooking in a modern kitchen. However, I have ensured the true essence of traditional recipes is not lost. There is no dialling down of flavours.
Do you have any personal favourite recipes in the book?
My personal favourites are the pitha recipes – which are sweet and savoury rice based delicacies and a defining factor of Bangladeshi cuisine. I also love the bhortas (mashes of usually vegetables with mustard oil, chillies and onions) – another staple.
How important was it for you to create recipes that are healthy?
I believe in eating a balanced diet, so my recipes include healthy options with many vegetarian and vegan dishes. I do have special occasion dishes which tend to be richer – but of course these are not meant for everyday eating.
What do you love about Bangladeshi cuisine?
I love the huge variety of fish (especially ilish/hilsa) and rice dishes and have a special spot for Bangladeshi sweets, which are very unique and delicious.
I also love that our meals are usually eaten in courses, so you really get to savour each dish. This begins with vegetables/ pulses, fish, meat/poultry and ends with something sweet.
How does the new book compare to your previous book?
I don’t think I can compare my two books as they are very different, and special in their own right. While Brick Lane Cookbook celebrated the diverse heritage of the area and my personal memories of growing up around Brick Lane, Made in Bangladesh is a cookbook which focuses on the art of traditional Bangladeshi cooking, celebrating the culture and vibrancy of the country. It’s more of a travel and food book through which people can gain an insight into Bangladesh, reading about the many festivals, seasons and regions.
What keeps you connected to your culture?
My parents did a wonderful job ensuring that we remained connected to our Bangladeshi heritage. This was through the cooking and sharing of food, family gatherings and enjoying the richness that the culture has to offer, through literature, films, and music. We also celebrate traditional festivals such as Boishakhi - the Bangladeshi new year festival.
You must like the fact that there has been an increase in home cooking since the global pandemic?
I do love that people appear to be cooking more. It’s such an important life skill as well as an act of love and service.
In your opinion, what’s one tip every cook should know?
I would say, if you don’t already, learn to have fun in the kitchen and enjoy it as much as you can. Whether cooking for yourself, family or friends, cooking should be joyful. Food always tastes better when you put love into it.
Can you give a cooking tip for beginners?
Prep ingredients in advance to save time and don’t worry about getting everything perfect. You’ll get better with time.
If you could learn something new in the culinary world, what would it be?
I would love to master some more complicated Bangladeshi sweet making techniques.
Why should we pick up your new book?
Made in Bangladesh is the first mainstream Bangladeshi cookbook and provides an insight into Bangladeshi food as well as its culture, food history and the country as a whole.
It’s a book for people who love to eat, love travelling and discovering new flavours.
There are recipes in it to suit everyone, from amazing fish and meat dishes to vegetarian and vegan dishes, as well as lots of snacks and desserts to choose from.
INDIA is committed to efforts to develop Jammu and Kashmir, prime minister Narendra Modi said last Friday (6), accusing Pakistan of seeking to destroy livelihoods there with April's deadly attack on tourists.
He was speaking on his first visit to the Himalayan region since Islamist attackers targeted Hindu tourists in the popular Pahalgam area, killing 26 men, triggering hostilities between the countries that ended in a ceasefire last month.
"The atmosphere of development that emerged in Jammu and Kashmir will not be hindered by the attack ... I will not let development stop here," Modi said in remarks after inaugurating infrastructure projects.
Key among these was a $5-billion rail link between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of India, which has been more than 40 years in the making and features the world's highest railway arch bridge.
Others include highways, city roads and a new medical college.
"Pakistan will never forget... its shameful loss," the prime minister told crowds.
"Friends, today's event is a grand festival of India's unity and firm resolve," Modi said after striding across the soaring bridge to formally launch it for rail traffic.
"This is a symbol and celebration of rising India," he said of the Chenab Bridge, which connects two mountains.
New Delhi calls the Chenab span the "world's highest railway arch bridge", sitting 359 metres (1,117 feet) above a river.
While several road and pipeline bridges are higher, Guinness World Records confirmed that Chenab trumps the previous highest railway bridge, the Najiehe in China.
Modi said the railway was "an extraordinary feat of architecture" that "will improve connectivity" by providing the first rail link from the Indian plains up to mountainous Kashmir.
With 36 tunnels and 943 bridges, the new railway runs for 272 km (169 miles) and connects Udhampur, Srinagar and Baramulla.
It is expected to halve the travel time between the town of Katra in the Hindu-majority Jammu region and Srinagar, the main city in Kashmir, to around three hours.
The new route will facilitate the movement of people and goods, as well as troops, that was previously possible only via treacherous mountain roads and by air.
Trains run in the Kashmir valley, but the new link is its first to the wider Indian railway network. Apart from boosting the regional economy, it is expected to help revive tourism, which plummeted after the April attack.
Pakistan's foreign ministry, in a statement, said India's "claims of development... ring hollow against the backdrop of an unprecedented military presence, suppression of fundamental freedoms, arbitrary arrests, and a concerted effort to alter the region's demography".
Around 150 people protested against the project on the outskirts of Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistani Kashmir.
"We want to tell India that building bridges and laying roads in the name of development will not make the people of Kashmir give up their demand for freedom," said Azir Ahmad Ghazali, who organised the rally attended by Kashmiris who fled unrest on the Indian side in the 1990s.
"In clear and unequivocal terms, we want to say to the Indian government that the people of Kashmir have never accepted India's forced rule."
More than 70 people were killed in missile, drone and artillery fire during last month's conflict.
Modi also announced further government financial support for families whose relatives were killed, or whose homes were damaged, during the brief conflict – mainly in shelling along the heavily militarised de facto border with Pakistan, known as the Line of Control.
"Their troubles are our troubles," Modi said.
Pakistan aimed to disrupt the livelihoods of the poor in Kashmir, who rely heavily on tourism, Modi said, adding that he would face down any obstacle to regional development.
Last month, Islamabad said a just and peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute was essential to ensure lasting peace in the region, known for its snow-topped mountains, scenic lakes, lush meadows, and tulip gardens.
The region drew more than three million visitors last year.
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Director Sukumar could reunite with Mythri for a record-breaking project with SRK
Rumours are swirling that Shah Rukh Khan may soon headline India’s most expensive film yet, with a whopping £28.5 million (₹300 crore) offer reportedly on the table. The production house behind the buzz? Mythri Movie Makers, the banner that backed Pushpa and Rangasthalam. If true, this would be SRK’s biggest payday ever.
Mythri Movie Makers eye massive collaboration with SRK for their next big ventureGetty Images
A historic pay packet or just industry chatter?
Multiple outlets suggest that Mythri is in talks with SRK for a £28.5 million (₹300 crore) deal, a figure unprecedented in Indian cinema. The film is also said to be directed by Sukumar, whose skill in bringing together commercial appeal with deep storytelling made Pushpa a national sensation.
Early reports estimate the film’s overall budget could touch £95 million (₹1,000 crore), factoring in Khan’s fee, large-scale production elements, and a full-blown pan-India marketing campaign. If accurate, this would make it the most expensive Indian film ever made, surpassing RRR, Ramayana, and Adipurush in terms of scale and ambition.
But there’s a twist: according to sources, no meeting has yet taken place between Shah Rukh and Mythri. Sources close to the actor claim he is entirely focused on King, his upcoming action film with daughter Suhana Khan and director Siddharth Anand. As per this report, SRK will only start exploring new projects towards the end of 2025.
Shah Rukh Khan may become India’s highest-paid actor with this upcoming filmGetty Images
Sukumar’s direction, Mythri’s ambition, but what’s next for SRK?
If the project with Mythri Movie Makers does move forward, it could redefine how pan-India films are conceived, taking advantage of Bollywood’s reach with South India’s storytelling prowess. Sukumar’s directorial vision paired with SRK’s stardom might be the crossover moment Indian cinema has long awaited.
However, it’s important to note that nothing has been officially announced. The speculation may be premature, especially since SRK is currently tied up with King, expected to start production in early 2026. Until he wraps that, other projects remain on hold.
Pan-India film with ₹1000 crore budget reportedly being planned with Shah Rukh KhanGetty Images
For now, fans are watching closely. Whether or not this massive collaboration materialises, the very idea that Indian cinema is inching toward £95 million (₹1,000 crore) productions, with actors commanding £28.5 million (₹300 crore) fees, is itself proof that the stakes have never been higher.
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Experience the Vibrant Spirit of odissi in Birmingham
Lovers of classical Indian dance and culture will be drawn to a mesmerising evening of performance as Odissi Sandhya takes the spotlight at The Bhavan, London, on Saturday, June 21, 2025. Located at 4A Castletown Road, London W14 9HE, The Bhavan is one of the UK's premier institutions for Indian arts, and the perfect venue to host this celebration of heritage and artistry. The event will be led by the talented dancers of Nritya Alaap, who are renowned for their commitment to preserving and promoting Odissi — one of the eight recognised classical dance forms of India.
Odissi, which originated in the temples of Odisha in eastern India, is celebrated for its lyrical grace, expressive gestures (mudras), and devotional themes rooted in mythology and poetry. Through elegant body movements, dramatic storytelling, and rhythmic footwork, the dancers convey narratives from ancient scriptures and folklore, making the performance both spiritual and artistic.
The evening will not be limited to Odissi alone. In a rare opportunity for audiences, Odissi Sandhya will also feature guest artistes performing a range of other Indian classical dance forms such as Bharatanatyam, Kathak, or Kuchipudi. Each of these styles brings its own history, technique, and regional flavour, adding depth and variety to the evening’s programme.
Nritya Alaap has built a reputation in the UK and abroad for presenting authentic Indian classical dance with contemporary relevance. Their performances not only maintain the integrity of traditional form but also connect with audiences through creativity, expression, and precision. For students, enthusiasts, and newcomers to Indian culture, this event offers an ideal entry point into the world of classical dance, performed by skilled artists who bring years of training and passion to the stage.
The Bhavan, officially known as Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, is a cornerstone of Indian cultural education in the UK, offering classes, concerts, and exhibitions year-round. Hosting events like Odissi Sandhya underscores its role in sustaining cross-cultural appreciation and dialogue, especially in a global city like London.
Whether you're an experienced patron of the arts or someone curious to explore classical Indian traditions for the first time, this evening of dance will be a powerful reminder of how ancient art forms continue to inspire, inform, and enthral contemporary audiences.
Bryan Johnson, a 47-year-old tech entrepreneur from California, has become a prominent figure in the global longevity movement, attracting both fascination and criticism for his intense health regime. Known for creating the “Don’t Die” project, Johnson has turned his body into a human laboratory, experimenting with extreme methods to delay ageing and boost long-term health.
From tech success to health obsession
Johnson made headlines in 2013 after selling his company, Braintree, to PayPal for $800 million. Following years of depression and personal upheaval, including leaving the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and divorcing his wife, Johnson redirected his focus to health and longevity.
Now, he claims to live with a singular goal: to be the healthiest and most biologically youthful person alive. He documents his journey on social media, where he has 1.8 million Instagram followers, and recently appeared in the Netflix documentary Don’t Die: The Man Who Wants to Live Forever.
A day in the life of Bryan Johnson
Johnson’s daily routine is strict and meticulously planned. He wakes at 4:30am and begins his day with light therapy to regulate his circadian rhythm, followed by exercise, sauna sessions, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. He wears a red-light cap for hair growth and consumes a carefully measured breakfast.
He takes around 40 supplements each day, including vitamin D, magnesium, creatine and collagen peptides. His calorie intake is limited to 2,250 per day, with a focus on plant-based ingredients and healthy fats such as olive oil, which he includes in his shakes and meals. His final meal is consumed at least four hours before bedtime.
His bedtime is 8:30pm, following a wind-down routine involving reading, journaling and family time. He avoids evening exercise and limits screen time in the evening to promote better sleep.
Tracking health by the numbers
Johnson tracks an extraordinary range of metrics. He takes over 33,000 internal images daily via colonoscopy, monitors his heart rate and organ performance, and even uses the presence of night-time erections as a marker of biological health. He believes these physiological signs indicate whether the body is functioning at an optimal level.
His health data includes:
Heart health comparable to a 37-year-old
Skin age estimated at 28
Lung capacity of an 18-year-old
Body fat consistently between 5 and 6 per cent
One hour of daily exercise plus several high-intensity sessions weekly
Longevity as a lifestyle
For Johnson, rejuvenation is not a hobby but a competitive pursuit. “Rejuvenation is my sport,” he explains. “I feel energetic, clear-headed and my mood is stable. That’s my reward. It’s just a really great way to navigate life.”
He argues that most people begin by criticising his lifestyle but often reconsider once they see results. “People are initially critical, then they want to feel good too – and then they change their habits.”
Despite his regimented lifestyle, Johnson makes space for community. He hosts early morning dance parties and evening gatherings to maintain social connections, which he views as essential for health and longevity. He describes socialising as “one of the most important things anyone can do.”
Parenting and personal life
Johnson shares his health principles with his teenage son, Talmage, and the pair enjoy outdoor sports such as hiking, biking and running. He has previously undergone plasma transfusions involving his son, although he has since moved on to other treatments.
He discontinued taking rapamycin after research suggested it could accelerate ageingNetflix
His approach to relationships and dating is less straightforward. He admits that his tightly structured life can make romantic partnerships difficult due to scheduling demands.
Treatments he’s abandoned
Johnson is open about treatments that have not worked. He discontinued taking rapamycin after research suggested it could accelerate ageing, despite initial promise in anti-ageing studies.
He also avoids environmental pollutants by minimising plastic use in his home and kitchen, testing water monthly for contaminants, and even manufacturing some of his own food to control for heavy metals.
A controversial but influential figure
While his methods may appear extreme, Johnson says he is motivated by a desire to avoid the health decline he experienced during his depression. “The greatest joy in my day is that I don’t feel depressed,” he says. “Even though I take so much heat in the world… I feel great, I’m having fun and I enjoy life.”
Rather than aiming to live forever, he says his focus is simply not wanting to die now. “We all want to wake up tomorrow and feel great, for our body to move, and to have no aches and pains. It’s about being your best, moment to moment.”
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Chief adviser to the government of Bangladesh Professor Muhammed Yunus speaks during a live interview at Chatham House on June 11, 2025 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images)
BANGLADESH interim leader Muhammad Yunus said on Wednesday (11) that there was "no way" he wanted to continue in power after elections he has announced for April, the first since a mass uprising overthrew the government.
The South Asian nation of around 180 million people has been in political turmoil since a student-led revolt ousted then prime minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024, ending her 15-year rule.
Speaking in London, Yunus, asked if he himself was seeking any political post, the 84-year-old Nobel Peace Prize winner said there was "no way", waving his hands in the air for emphasis.
"I think none of our cabinet members would like to do that, not only me", he said.
Yunus was answering questions after speaking at London's foreign policy thinktank Chatham House, the Royal Institute of International Affairs.
He also said he wanted to unveil a "big package" of proposals next month that he dubbed a "July Charter" -- one year on since the students launched the demonstrations that toppled Hasina.
"We want to say goodbye to the old Bangladesh and create a new Bangladesh", Yunus said.
The charter is being drafted by a government "consensus commission", talking to political parties to "find that which are the recommendations they will accept", he added.
Yunus has long said elections will be held before June 2026, but says the more time the interim administration had to enact reforms, the better.
But after political parties jostling for power repeatedly demanded he fix a timetable, he said earlier this month that elections would be held in April 2026.
"Our job is to make sure that the transition is managed well, and that people are happy when we hand over power to the elected government," he said.
"So we want to make sure that the election is right, that is a very critical factor for us. If the election is wrong, this thing will never be solved again".
Yunus is also expected to meet in London with Tarique Rahman, acting chairman of Bangladesh Nationalist Party, which is widely seen as likely to sweep the elections.
Rahman, 59, the son of former prime minister Khaleda Zia, has lived in London since 2008 after being sentenced in absentia under Hasina -- convictions since quashed.
He is widely expected to return to Dhaka to lead the party in polls.