Asma Khan is a pioneering Indian-born British chef,

Asma Khan is a pioneering Indian-born British chef, restaurateur, and advocate for social change in the culinary world. She is best known as the founder of Darjeeling Express, a celebrated restaurant in London’s Soho that features an all-female kitchen staffed predominantly by South Asian women without formal culinary training. Her approach challenges traditional norms in the restaurant industry and has garnered international acclaim.Financial Times+2Wikipedia+2King’s College London+2 BBC+2Time+2Wikipedia+2

Early Life and Career

Born in Kolkata in July 1969, Khan grew up in a family with royal Bengali and Rajput roots. Despite her privileged background, she faced societal challenges as a second daughter, a position often undervalued in Indian culture. She pursued a PhD in British Constitutional Law at King’s College London and later taught law. However, homesickness led her to explore cooking, learning from her mother and family cook during a visit to India. This experience ignited her passion for food and led her to transition into the culinary world in her 40s. reportergourmet.com+6Wikipedia+6Food & Wine+6 Great British Chefs+1Condé Nast Traveler+1 Borough Market+1Wikipedia+1

Darjeeling Express: A Culinary Revolution

In 2017, Khan opened Darjeeling Express in London’s Soho, named after a childhood train journey. The restaurant offers a menu inspired by her Bengali and Rajput heritage, featuring home-style dishes prepared by an all-female team. Many of these women, including grandmothers and nannies, were trained informally and joined the kitchen to share their culinary traditions. Khan’s inclusive and non-hierarchical approach fosters a supportive work environment where all staff are equally compensated. Darjeeling Express+11Wikipedia+11Chefs for Impact+11 reportergourmet.com+1Wikipedia+1 Condé Nast Traveler+1Financial Times+1

Advocacy and Recognition

Beyond her culinary achievements, Khan is a vocal advocate for gender equality and social justice. She serves as a Chef Advocate for the United Nations World Food Programme and has been recognized for her contributions to the food industry. In 2024, she was named one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people. Her efforts extend to philanthropy, including the Second Daughters Fund, which celebrates the birth of second daughters in India. Wikipedia+2CityLab+2King’s College London+2 The Guardian Wikipedia

Culinary Works

Khan is the author of two cookbooks:YouTube+2NPR+2CityLab+2

Asma’s Indian Kitchen: A collection of traditional recipes that reflect her heritage.InTouch Online – InTouch Magazine+4Chefs for Impact+4Borough Market+4
Monsoon: Her latest work, released in 2025, focuses on seasonal cooking and the cultural significance of monsoon cuisine. NPR

Media Appearances

Khan gained international recognition as the first British chef featured on Netflix’s Chef’s Table, where she shared her journey and culinary philosophy. She has also appeared on various platforms, including Top Chef and Celebrity MasterChef, further solidifying her status in the culinary world. Great British Chefs+5Wikipedia+5King’s College London+5 CityLab

📰 Recent News

In February 2025, King Charles and Queen Camilla visited Darjeeling Express, assisting in packing dates for local hospitals and preparing biryani for a community organization, highlighting the restaurant’s community involvement. People.com

Asma Khan’s journey from law to culinary arts exemplifies her dedication to authenticity, empowerment, and social change. Through Darjeeling Express, she continues to challenge industry norms and inspire future generations of chefs.Condé Nast Traveler+7King’s College London+7NPR+7