Asma Khan: The Indian Restaurateur Who Charmed King Charles with Her Biryani
Royal Visit to Darjeeling Express
With Ramadan approaching, King Charles III and Queen Camilla made a special visit to London’s renowned Indian restaurant, Darjeeling Express. Owned by British-Indian chef Asma Khan, the restaurant is known for its authentic and flavorful Indian cuisine. The royal visit took place on February 26, where Khan shared a heartwarming video on Instagram showcasing the King and Queen actively participating in packing dates and biryani for donation to local hospitals.
Royal Involvement in Charity
The video captured King Charles and Queen Camilla inside the restaurant’s kitchen, surrounded by restaurant staff, as they packed the traditional dishes. The King could be seen inhaling the aroma of the freshly cooked biryani, showing his appreciation for the culinary tradition. As they packed the food, King Charles humorously asked, “Can we take some?” It was evident that the royal couple thoroughly enjoyed the experience and the delicious food.
In the caption of the video, Asma Khan mentioned the King’s efficiency in packing dates, jokingly suggesting that he could have a job there every year. The King, displaying his wit, responded with a playful remark, “I may be past my sell-by date.” The interaction between the royals and the restaurant staff highlighted a fun and charitable moment before the start of Ramadan.
About Asma Khan
Born in July 1969 in Kolkata, Asma Khan is a prominent British-Indian chef, restaurateur, and author. She gained recognition as the founder of Darjeeling Express, a restaurant known for its delicious Indian cuisine and unique all-female kitchen. Khan’s journey into the culinary world began after she moved to the UK in 1991 and pursued her passion for food, despite initially studying law at King’s College London and completing a PhD in British Constitutional Law.
Asma Khan’s restaurant, Darjeeling Express, stands out for its empowering approach, with a kitchen primarily staffed by South Asian immigrants. This initiative not only delivers authentic Indian flavors but also supports women who may not have had formal culinary training. Khan’s contributions to the culinary industry have earned her global recognition, including a spot on TIME’s 100 Most Influential People list in 2024.
Besides running her successful restaurant, Asma Khan is also known for her advocacy work for social change. She has been featured on popular cooking shows like Netflix’s Chef’s Table and BBC Saturday Kitchen, showcasing her culinary skills and inspiring story. Her influence extends beyond the kitchen, as she has been named among Vogue’s 25 Most Influential Women, solidifying her impact on both the culinary and social spheres.