Nikita Pathakji, the recent Champion of Champions winner on Great British Menu, is set to open her first ever solo restaurant in south London next month. The new establishment, named Maai, will launch on Abbeville Road in Clapham on May 20.
A Chef with an Impressive Background
Pathakji has built a stellar culinary career, having worked at renowned restaurants such as Bibendum by Claude Bosi, Core by Clare Smyth, and Kitchen W8. She also ran her own supper clubs and served as head chef at The Princess of Shoreditch. Her talent was recognized when she won MasterChef: The Professionals in 2022, and she later triumphed on Great British Menu as Champion of Champions.
What to Expect at Maai
The menu at Maai will focus on seasonal produce and feature dishes that Pathakji showcased on her television appearances. Highlights include her octopus 'takoyaki' doughnut from MasterChef: The Professionals and her Malaysian fish head curry from Great British Menu. The restaurant will offer a tasting menu, a set menu, and a weekly Sunday roast.
The name Maai means 'mum' in Gujarati, and the restaurant will be a family affair. Pathakji's mother Rima and sister Isha are also involved in the project, which will take over the site of the former Brook restaurant on Abbeville Road.
Chef's Vision
Speaking about the restaurant, Pathakji said: 'My food is made for sharing around a dining table. My cooking uses the classical techniques I’ve learned from working in Michelin starred kitchens, but the flavours reflect the food we love to eat; bold, expressive, and shaped by the cultures and cuisines from the diasporas of London.'
Maai is located at 33-35 Abbeville Road, Clapham, SW4 9LA. The opening is scheduled for May 20, and reservations are expected to fill quickly.
