BiBi

The story

BiBi London: Progressive Indian Dining by Chef Chet Sharma

The chef and the kitchen

BiBi in London stands as a reference point for progressive Indian cuisine, led by chef-patron Chet Sharma. His path diverged from academia; after completing a physics doctorate at Oxford, he trained across some of Britain's most demanding kitchens, including Moor Hall, Mugaritz, and The Ledbury. Now back in Mayfair, Sharma applies this scientific rigour to a menu that evolves daily. The kitchen sources heritage grains and artisan spices directly from India while prioritising British coast and countryside producers. A daily-printed menu reflects this commitment to provenance, ensuring every service highlights the peak of seasonal availability.

Flavours and foundations

Modern Indian cooking at BiBi bridges traditional techniques with precision, often drawing on family memory for inspiration. Sharmaji's Lahori Chicken remains a permanent fixture, translating a grandfather's recollection of a Lahore kebab vendor into a dish marinated in yoghurt and cashew sauce. Seasonal plates shift regularly; an Orkney scallop might appear ceviche-style alongside Kaji lemonade, echoing the refreshing quality of nimbu pani. Every element serves a purpose, from ghee produced by cows grazing wild herbs to chaat and garam masala blends crafted in-house. Even the dessert programme reimagines classics, featuring items like Wookey Hole cheese papad that honour local craft while playing with familiar textures.

The room and hospitality

The dining space rejects colonial tropes in favour of a warmer, distinctly feminine aesthetic rooted in Sharma's upbringing. Textiles echo his grandmother's collection of pashminas, while contemporary Indian artwork adorns the walls. Guests can sit at the kitchen counter to watch dishes take shape around the custom-built sigree, offering a direct view of the team's meticulous plating. Service is guided by restaurant director Millie, whose background includes roles at Core and Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, ensuring a rhythm that balances professionalism with genuine warmth. The restaurant operates as part of JKS Restaurants, maintaining a relaxed energy that feels current rather than constrained by Mayfair conventions.