Asma Khan, a renowned British-Indian chef from Kolkata, hosted King Charles and Queen Camilla at her restaurant, Darjeeling Express. She has a unique background, having transitioned from law to culinary arts without formal training. Her restaurant employs South Asian nannies, providing authentic cuisine. Khan is an accomplished author and was named one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in 2024.
Asma Khan, the celebrated British-Indian chef and author of London’s Darjeeling Express, recently hosted a distinguished event, welcoming King Charles and Queen Camilla to her restaurant. During their visit prior to Ramadan, the royals participated in charitable food preparations. King Charles was particularly taken with the aroma of Khan’s biryani, requesting a takeaway to enjoy later.
Originally hailing from Calcutta, Asma Khan relocated to the United Kingdom in 1996 to pursue law at King’s College, ultimately earning a PhD in 2013. Despite lacking formal culinary training, she nurtured her passion for cooking after becoming a mother of two. Her culinary journey commenced in 2012 with a home supper club, rapidly evolving into a successful restaurant business.
In 2017, Khan established Darjeeling Express, distinguished for employing South Asian nannies as chefs, offering authentic and varied Indian cuisine. TIME magazine characterizes her as “a ball of energy with a wicked sense of humour” and likens her to the favorite aunt any childhood would have cherished. Her approach to Indian cooking is praised for its diversity, standing apart from standard Indian restaurants in the West.
Khan is also an accomplished author, having published her first cookbook, “Asma’s Indian Kitchen,” in 2018, which shares family recipes. Her second book, “Ammu,” released in 2022, honors her mother’s culinary traditions. She garnered worldwide attention in 2019 as the first British chef featured on “Chef’s Table” on Netflix, and has appeared on BBC’s Saturday Kitchen and Celebrity MasterChef. In 2024, she was honored as one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People.
In summary, Asma Khan is a remarkable British-Indian chef whose culinary journey reflects her rich heritage and passion for food. Hosting King Charles and Queen Camilla underscores her prominence, while her unique restaurant concept and published works highlight her contributions to the culinary landscape. Khan’s influence continues to grow, as evidenced by her recognition among the most influential figures globally.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
