From Wall Street to the White House

At Riverstone, we collaborate with Saima, founder of The Hampstead Kitchen, to bring thoughtful, tailored catering to some of our private events.

Read on to discover her exclusive cooking advice.

The secret to president worthy food

What began as a chance encounter with Warren Buffett and Bill Gates in 2012 soon transformed Saima from a Wall Street strategist into one of the world’s most sought-after private chefs.

Since then, she’s hosted unforgettable dinners for the Obamas, the British Royal Family, and many other global leaders who prefer to keep their anonymity.

In a world filled with noise - fake headlines, airbrushed images, and AI content - it’s no wonder we crave authenticity. Saima believes that the heart of any good dish lies in being true to yourself, your ingredients, and the people you’re serving. Her philosophy is simple yet powerful: good food doesn’t come from following trends or using rare ingredients; it comes from listening - to yourself, to the guests you’re looking to connect with, and to the story you want to tell through your cooking.

Make It Personal

Good chefs accommodate preferences, but great ones uncover hidden desires. Saima listens past requests, noting reactions and asking open-ended questions like “What flavours bring back memories?” to craft menus that feel truly personal.

Embrace the Experience

Saima’s creativity extends beyond the plate - she curates edible tablescapes that engage all the senses, setting the stage before a single bite is taken. “Cooking isn’t just about food,” she says. “It’s about the entire experience.” Every element serves a purpose: crafted with care, enjoyed fully, and never wasted.

Cook for Connection

Saima says food isn’t about impressing - it’s about creating something others will genuinely enjoy. Whether preparing a feast for world leaders or a simple family meal, Saima’s focus is on sparking connection and emotion. While technique matters, getting too caught up in how things should be done can drain a dish of its soul. As Saima puts it, “Authenticity isn’t about following a recipe to the letter - it’s cooking with heart.”

Moments That Matter

Much like Saima’s transformative journey at The Hampstead Kitchen, at Riverstone, we believe authenticity is at the heart of meaningful connections - whether it’s in the kitchen or the decisions that shape our lives. Moving home is a lot like cooking: it means stepping outside our comfort zones and embracing short-term discomfort. Letting go of the familiar isn’t always easy, but it’s in those moments of change that we grow - and discover what truly matters.

The secret to president-worthy food

What began as a chance encounter with Warren Buffett and Bill Gates in 2012 soon transformed Saima from a Wall Street strategist into one of the world’s most sought-after private chefs.

Since then, she’s hosted unforgettable dinners for the Obamas, the British Royal Family, and many other global leaders who prefer to keep their anonymity.

Want to cook like Saima?

Master the art of cooking with three simple tips...

Think about the flavours that evoke memories for you.
Perhaps it’s the lemon drizzle cake your grandmother used to bake or the earthy aroma of roasted aubergines from your travels. Use these as a starting point for your next dish.

Stop striving for picture-worthy plates and instead focus on the joy of cooking.
Experiment with techniques, embrace mistakes, and remember that the best dishes are often the ones with a little personality.

Consider the people around the table.
You might want to impress with that bold, spicy lamb dish — but will they truly enjoy it? Understanding your guests' tastes turns a good meal into a memorable experience.

Discover her recipe, created especially for the Obamas

Click here to explore her exclusive recipe.