Khalid Dahbi
| Khalid Dahbi | |
|---|---|
| Born | Rabat, Morocco |
| 🏳️ Citizenship | Moroccan-British |
| 💼 Occupation | Chef, entrepreneur, philanthropist |
| Known for | Fusion of Moroccan cuisine with luxury gastronomy; founder of KD Luxury, KD Foundation, and 7 Fuegos Marrakech |
| 🌐 Website | khaliddahbi |
Khalid Dahbi is a Moroccan-born British chef, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. He is known for combining traditional Moroccan flavors with international fine-dining techniques, as well as for founding businesses focused on luxury ingredients and charitable initiatives.
Dahbi has worked in various high-end kitchens in Europe, collaborated on culinary events, and promoted Moroccan culinary heritage through pop-up dinners, diplomatic engagements, and his memoir.
Early life and education
Dahbi was born in Rabat, Morocco, in a family that valued food; his late father influenced his interest in cooking.[1]
At age 16, he left Morocco for Europe to pursue independence and build his own career, initially spending time in Switzerland.[1]
He originally aspired to become an actor and applied to film school in Rome, but after rejection turned to culinary arts. He trained and worked in restaurants in France (including the Michelin-starred Le Meurice and L'Arpège), Italy (Venice area), and Switzerland.[1][2]
Career
Culinary career
Dahbi moved to London in 1999, and worked in several high-profile London kitchens during the late 1990s and early 2000s, including stints at Gordon Ramsay at Claridge's (Gordon Ramsay), with Jamie Oliver, and under Marco Pierre White.[1][3]
He later served as an executive chef and consultant for luxury clients, including through the Quintessentially concierge group, and founded KD Hospitality in 2014 to offer bespoke culinary services.[4]
Dahbi has emphasized simplicity in high-end cuisine, drawing from his time in Italy (particularly fresh, producer-focused cooking) and his Moroccan background. He has organized pop-up events such as "BABOUCH" and "Stories from Morocco" to highlight authentic Moroccan dishes, including seasonal salads and historical recipes, while expressing concern about overly simplified or fused representations of Moroccan cuisine abroad.[5]
He opened 7 Fuegos in Marrakech, a farm-to-table restaurant that combines Argentine open-flame asado traditions (influenced by his experience with gauchos and the Gaucho Group in London) with Moroccan ingredients.[6]
Entrepreneurship
In 2016, Dahbi launched **KD Luxury**, a business specializing in premium ingredients such as caviar, edible gold (referencing the meaning of his surname "Dahbi"), and products from small-scale producers. The brand also arranges exclusive culinary experiences for high-profile clients.[1]
He has been involved in hospitality and cultural events connecting Morocco and the UK.
Philanthropy
Dahbi established the **KD Foundation** in 2016 to support charities in the UK and Morocco. Activities have included assistance after the Grenfell Tower fire (noted by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex), providing meals to frontline workers and the homeless during the COVID-19 pandemic through the "Together Thank You" initiative, and sponsoring events such as Queen Elizabeth II's birthday celebrations at the British Embassy in Rabat in 2019.[7]
Publications
In 2025, Dahbi published his memoir Mektoub: A Life Seasoned with Gold, which recounts his journey from Rabat to London's culinary world, incorporating personal stories, Moroccan recipes, and reflections on fate, family, and cultural identity.[8]
Personal life
Dahbi holds dual Moroccan and British citizenship and maintains connections to both countries, often promoting cultural exchange through food-related events.[1]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 "Diaspo #76 : Khalid Dahbi, London's Moroccan chef and luxury entrepreneur". Yabiladi. Retrieved 4 January 2026.
- ↑ "Heart Of Gold: Khalid Dahbi On Luxury, Charity, And Mozzarella". Italics Magazine. 19 November 2020. Retrieved 4 January 2026.
- ↑ "British Royal Couple to Receive Moroccan Culinary Artist Khalid Dahbi". Morocco World News. February 2019. Retrieved 6 January 2026.
- ↑ "About". Khalid Dahbi. Retrieved 4 January 2026.
- ↑ "Interview with Khalid Dahbi: a successful Moroccan gastronomy chef in London". The Moroccan Times. 2017. Retrieved 4 January 2026.
- ↑ "About". 7 Fuegos Morocco. Retrieved 4 January 2026.
- ↑ "Moroccan-British Chef Khalid Dahbi Showcases Richness of Moroccan Gastronomy". Morocco World News. 2021. Retrieved 4 January 2026.
- ↑ "Amazon Executive to Make Special Appearance at Moroccan Chef Khalid Dahbi's Book Launch". Morocco World News. 9 November 2025. Retrieved 4 January 2026.
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