Asma Khan: Celebrated British-Indian Chef Hosts Royal Visit at…

Asma Khan, a noted British-Indian chef, recently hosted King Charles and Queen Camilla at her restaurant, Darjeeling Express. Originally from Calcutta, Khan transitioned from law studies to culinary arts, launching her restaurant in 2017 with South Asian nannies as chefs. She is also a published author and the first British chef featured on Chef’s Table, garnering international acclaim and recognition as one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People.

Asma Khan, a distinguished British-Indian chef and author, recently welcomed King Charles and Queen Camilla to her esteemed restaurant, Darjeeling Express, in London. This occasion involved the royals participating in charitable food preparations before the onset of Ramadan. King Charles expressed immense satisfaction with the aroma of Khan’s biryani, which prompted him to take some home as a takeaway.

Khan’s culinary journey began after she relocated from Calcutta to the United Kingdom in 1996 to study law at King’s College. Although she lacked formal training in cooking, her passion flourished after becoming a mother, leading her to establish a supper club in 2012 that transitioned into a successful restaurant. In 2017, she officially opened Darjeeling Express, which employs numerous South Asian nannies who had previously worked for local families.

TIME has lauded Khan as “a ball of energy with a wicked sense of humour” and likened her to the beloved aunt you wished to have during childhood. Unlike many Indian restaurants in Western culture that serve similar-tasting dishes, TIME commended her unique culinary approach, deeming it “the highest compliment.”

In addition to her restaurant endeavors, Asma Khan is a noted author, having released her debut cookbook, Asma’s Indian Kitchen, in 2018, featuring cherished family recipes. Her second book, Ammu, published in 2022, celebrated her mother’s traditional home cooking. Khan gained international acclaim as the first British chef to appear on Chef’s Table on Netflix in 2019 and has appeared on programs such as BBC Saturday Kitchen and Celebrity MasterChef. Furthermore, she was honored in 2024 as one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People.

Asma Khan exemplifies a remarkable culinary journey that not only celebrates her heritage but also seeks to uplift her community through her restaurant and charitable efforts. Her rise to prominence, including her recognition in TIME’s influential list, underscores her impact on the global culinary scene. Khan’s innovative approach to Indian cuisine distinguishes her in the culinary world, while her published works highlight her dedication to family and culture.

Original Source: www.ndtv.com