King’s chef teams up with Olympic diver at the World Economic Forum 2025

Dr Asma Khan FKC is an award-winning chef, entrepreneur, and founder of the Darjeeling Express restaurant (where she recently hosted His Majesty the King). From a PhD in Law to becoming a restauranteur, Asma’s talents have led her down many unexpected paths.

Asma’s latest adventures led her to the World Economic Forum in Davos, where she sat on a panel alongside Olympic diver Tom Daley and journalist Richard Quest. Here, she fills us in on her highlights from the Forum.

Cooking up conversation

‘Our panel session focused on the importance of being a trailblazer and forging your own path, particularly when you’re an outsider in your industry.

‘Tom and I, on the surface, may not seem to have much in common. He is an Olympic athlete, and I am a chef and entrepreneur. But as our conversation unfolded, we found striking similarities in our journeys.

‘As an openly gay athlete, Tom has had to challenge norms and fight for his place in professional sports. Similarly, as an older South Asian woman in a space often dominated by younger male entrepreneurs, I have had to carve out my own way, often in the face of dismissiveness and scepticism.’

Food as a vehicle for change

‘For me, food is more than just sustenance. It is a vehicle for change. My goal has always been to create opportunities for the next generation of women who aspire to be entrepreneurs, particularly those from marginalised backgrounds. I want them to see that it is possible - from them to be able to say, “Asma did it, so can I.”

‘During the talk, I shared a defining moment from the early days of my entrepreneurial journey. When I first approached my local bank to secure funding for a tea shop, the group of men assessing my proposal chuckled. They told me my hobby was ‘cute’ and suggested that I invite them for tea.

‘That moment of condescension fuelled my determination to succeed. I made a promise to myself then and there: I would soar, and I would make sure no other woman felt as belittled as I did in that moment.’

Embracing the power of storytelling

‘Being in Davos among world leaders, industry pioneers and changemakers was an extraordinary honour. The World Economic Forum is a space where ideas have the potential to shape policy and influence global narratives, and I was humbled to be a part of it. The event was a reminder of the power of storytelling, and how sharing our struggles and triumphs can inspire others and foster meaningful change.

‘One of the highlights was hearing David Beckham speak about his love of bees and the great care he takes in raising them. His reverence for nature, and the tenderness with which he spoke about raising his daughter, struck a chord with me. I have always known that leadership and influence are not just about success but about empathy, care, and responsibility.’

Food for thought for fellow alumni

‘For alumni embarking on a similar journey, my advice is simple: seize every opportunity, but do not make it just about yourself. Every opportunity you get should also be an opportunity to uplift others like you. Never, ever kick away the ladder once you have climbed it. Bring others with you.

‘This year has already been a whirlwind - from hosting the King at Darjeeling Express to the upcoming release of my new cookbook, Monsoon, and my new series on Food Network, Secrets of the Curry Kitchen.

‘With all this visibility, my focus remains clear: to use my platform to amplify the voices of marginalised communities and to continue to pave the way for those who come after me. That, above all, is what drives me forward.’