Double-winning TV chef Nikita Pathakji (centre in picture) launches her debut restaurant next week – MAAI by Nikita in Clapham, south London, a family- and female-run business with her mother Rima (left) and sister Isha (right) at her side.
Nikita, now 28, won MasterChef: The Professionalsin 2022 and followed that up by being crowned Great British Menu Champion of Champions in March this year, with a Malaysian-inspired dish of halibut and fish head curry.
Her mother and sister describe Nikita as “an absolute powerhouse” – “It’s amazing what she’s done, she’s the first person to have won both MasterChef: Professionals and Great British Menu Champion of Champions! We’re not going to sit here and pretend that we’re not going to exploit her for that. Go girl go, make us proud, you talented little thing.“
Born and brought up in Derby, Nikita has been working as a private chef after tours of duty under some of London’s top chefs including Claude Bosi at Bibendum, Clare Smyth at Core and Mark Kempson at Kitchen W8. She says: “My training has been in Michelin-starred kitchens, but the food at MAAI reflects how we truly like to eat; bold, expressive dishes influenced by the cultures and cuisines that have shaped us, and by the diversity of London itself. This is our take on modern British dining: personal, ingredient-led, and rooted in family.”
Rima, who has a successful 20-year career in finance behind her, is on board as financial and operations director. It was she who sparked Nikita’s interest in cooking as a “hostess with the mostest”. “If you’re lucky she’ll be the one pouring your wine,” the chef says. “MAAI means mum. So yeah, she’s an important lady.”
Isha, who has a master’s degree in chemical engineering, has quit her safe job to take on the role of general manager, with a focus on the drinks offer. “Isha probably has the best palate out of all of us,” Nikita says. “She has a talent for mixing incredible cocktails. She’s been our in-house mixologist for years, and has been serving up delicious cocktails and fun wines at our supper clubs, to rave reviews.“
