A force in London’s culinary scene and an outspoken activist, Indian-born, British restaurateur Asma Khan has always been a disruptor. Her Michelin Guide-listed restaurant Darjeeling Express, best known for its revolutionary all-female kitchen, has become a favourite of Hollywood A-listers whilst being an oasis and safe space for all women. Through serving authentic, homestyle food in the heart of London, her restaurant has reached the upper echelons of the food scene whilst, at its core, retaining Khan’s unwavering commitment to grassroots social and environmental causes.

TIME magazine recognised her as one of 2024’s 100 most influential people in the world for her pioneering business ethos. She is the chef advocate for the UN World Food Programme and a member of the Mayor of London’s Business Advisory Board. Khan has been awarded honorary fellowships by Queen’s College, Oxford University and King’s College London where she also holds a PhD in British Constitutional Law.

Khan was the first British chef to be profiled on Netflix’s Emmy-nominated Chef’s Table and has appeared in shows such as Celebrity Masterchef and Top Chef. She is currently working on Tiffin Stories a six-part series on food and memories. Asma has written two award-winning cookbooks and is currently working on a third. She is a sought-after international keynote speaker.