USA (Commonwealth Union)_ Asma Khan, a renowned British-Indian chef and restaurateur, recently had the honor of hosting King Charles and Queen Camilla at her popular London restaurant, Darjeeling Express. The royal visit, which took place just ahead of Ramadan, saw the monarch and his consort interacting with staff and helping pack biryani and dates for charitable purposes. The highlight of the visit was when King Charles, visibly delighted by the aroma of Khan’s signature chicken biryani, was sent home with a takeaway of the dish. This gesture encapsulates Khan’s reputation as a chef who blends cultural heritage with modern culinary innovation.
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Khan shared a heartwarming video of the royal visit on her Instagram, where she captured the King and Queen interacting with her staff and herself. In the post, Khan humorously wrote, “Today the King and Queen joined us at @darjeelingldn for a pre-Ramadan gathering where they packed dates and biryani – and yes, they took some biryani home! ‘Deliver-who?’” The moment when King Charles packed the biryani himself was particularly memorable, reflecting his appreciation for the meal and for Khan’s charitable efforts. Khan also noted that the royal couple saw how the restaurant was cooking for charity, underscoring the significant role food plays in bringing communities together during special occasions like Ramadan.
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Asma Khan’s journey into the culinary world has been nothing short of remarkable. Born in Calcutta, India, she moved to the United Kingdom in 1996 to pursue a law degree at King’s College London. Despite earning a PhD in 2013, Khan’s passion for food eventually led her to a career in cooking. After becoming a mother, she decided to follow her culinary dreams, despite having no formal training. In 2012, Khan began hosting a supper club in her home, which quickly became a thriving business. This success paved the way for her to open Darjeeling Express in 2017, a unique restaurant where many of her chefs are nannies from South Asia who had worked for local families.
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Khan’s food stands out for its authenticity and bold flavors. According to TIME Magazine, she is “a ball of energy with a wicked sense of humor,” praising her for creating dishes that don’t simply resemble the standard offerings of Indian restaurants in the West. “Asma’s food is surprising. It doesn’t taste like restaurant food, and that is the highest compliment,” the publication added. Aside from running her restaurant, Khan is also a respected author. In 2018, she published her first book, Asma’s Indian Kitchen, which features recipes passed down through her family. In 2022, she released Ammu, a tribute to her mother and the home-cooked meals she prepared. Additionally, Khan’s culinary expertise and passion for food also earned her international acclaim when she became the first British chef to appear on the Netflix series Chef’s Table in 2019. She has also appeared on BBC’s Saturday Kitchen and Celebrity MasterChef.
Furthermore, Khan’s contributions to the culinary world and her advocacy for empowering women in the kitchen were recognized when she was named to TIME’s 100 Most Influential People list for 2024. Khan’s story is one of perseverance, passion, and cultural pride, and her recent interaction with King Charles and Queen Camilla is just one more example of her influence in the global food scene. Asma Khan continues to inspire countless chefs and food enthusiasts worldwide, demonstrating that a passion for food, along with hard work and dedication, can turn a dream into reality.
