Chef Asma Khan turned her London restaurant, Darjeeling Express, into a haven for women by assembling a workforce of entirely women. And the legendary British-Indian chef needs no introduction. For Indian food such as mutton kosha, raita, biryani, korma, haleem, and pani puri to become increasingly popular in London, credit goes to Darjeeling Express and Chef Khan. The British restaurateur and cookbook writer of Indian descent is named one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People of 2024.
Chef Asma On TIME’s 100 Most Influential People
View this post on Instagram
The treasured family traditions gave rise to a menu that honours the variety of Indian cuisine. Darjeeling Express promises a voyage of flavours and textures that showcase the essence of Indian food, from the streets of Calcutta to the royal food of Hyderabad. The author of the critically acclaimed book Asma’s Indian Kitchen and the first British cook to feature on the well-liked Netflix series Cook’s Table, Khan began her career in Kolkata as an advertising executive before migrating to the UK to marry and pursue a career in journalism.
In Soho, London, Chef Asma established Darjeeling Express. Additionally, it was the first restaurant in the UK to be featured on the Netflix series Chef’s Table, which stars and documents world-class chefs. The fact that Darjeeling Express employs only female Indian workers, the majority of whom are over 50, and that none of them have received professional culinary training is another intriguing aspect of the company. Remarkably, Khan didn’t begin cooking until 1991, when she relocated to England. In Khan’s Time’s profile, Padma Lakshmi wrote, “Asma’s food is surprising. It doesn’t taste like restaurant food—and that is the highest compliment.”
Also Read: Started As Home Dining, Asma Khan’s Darjeeling Express Is An All Women-Run Thriving Restaurant
A Voice To Reckon
View this post on Instagram
Asma Khan, who was born in Kolkata, is bringing back home cooking in the royal Mughlai and Bengali styles. Her moving story is igniting a global movement about the experiences of immigrants, Muslims living in the UK, Indian food, and women in the culinary community who are home cooks.
In an industry often dominated by ego and competition, Asma Khan stands out as a beacon of authenticity and humility. Her unwavering commitment to her craft, coupled with her generosity of spirit, has earned her the admiration and respect of peers and patrons alike.
Cover image credits: Instagram/Darjeeling Express