"I’ve seen firsthand how recognition opens doors and creates momentum. Throughout my own journey, the moments when my work was acknowledged led to new opportunities, collaborations and confidence. I know so many women in food whose talent deserves the same lift. Women are running kitchens, creating brands, feeding communities and holding up this industry, often without the spotlight that can help them grow. The Women in Food & Drink Awards help change that. Highlighting and celebrating these women not only honours what they’ve already built, but also makes space for more of us to step forward, be seen and shape the future of food."
Aida Khan is a London-based restaurateur, chef and creative director best known for founding Shola – Karachi Kitchen, a Pakistani, South Asian, female-led hospitality brand founded in 2019. Her professional journey in food spans nearly two decades, beginning with food television and cultural storytelling in Pakistan, followed by formal culinary training in London in 2016 and extensive experience across restaurants, events, catering and media.
Aida has led operations across restaurant concepts, pop-ups, large-scale catering and hospitality collaborations, including culinary partnerships with Soho House London. She has collaborated with global brands including Disney, Netflix and L’Oréal, and her work has been featured on ITV’s Lorraine, John & Lisa’s Kitchen, BBC Good Food and Food & Travel Magazine. Alongside her commercial work, Aida actively supports emerging leaders in food and is developing community-focused initiatives centred on skills and access.
