Celebrated table

Bauji

Chef Dayashankar Sharma brings the comfort food of his Rajasthan upbringing to Worthing, earning a Very Good guide recognition for generous portions and vibrant spice profiles.

Call restaurant

The story

Bauji in Worthing Celebrates Rajasthani Flavours and Regional Indian Cooking

The chef and regional roots

Bauji in Worthing channels classic Indian cooking through the lens of chef proprietor Dayashankar Sharma. He grew up with these recipes and now adapts them for a British coastal town without losing their essential warmth. The kitchen favours straightforward techniques over modern reinterpretations, letting slow roasted spices and fresh aromatics carry the plate. This grounded approach earned the venue a Very Good rating in the latest Good Food Guide, which noted how well the menu balances familiar comforts with unexpected texture.

Signature plates and spice balance

Diners consistently order the signature shatkora jhinga, where massive prawns absorb sharp citrus notes before finishing on the grill. The chicken biryani remains another reliable choice, built on layered basmati rice and tender meat cooked until the spices meld completely. Portions stay generously sized across the longer menu, allowing guests to sample multiple preparations during a single visit. A restrained wine selection starting at thirty three pounds offers crisp whites that cut through the richer curries without masking the heat.

Neighbourhood atmosphere and service

The dining room sits just five minutes west of the main town centre, offering a quiet retreat for locals and visitors alike. Simple furnishings and open sightlines to the kitchen create a relaxed environment where conversation flows easily between courses. Staff move with a calm efficiency that matches the unhurried pacing of a traditional Indian dinner. Guests often remark on how the space feels like a proper local favourite rather than a polished destination spot.

Recognition

Awards & accolades

2026
The Good Food Guide
Very Good

Details

At a glance

The Good Food Guide 2026 — Very Good
Cuisines Indian

History

On the record

2026
The Good Food Guide — Very Good

‘Bauji bears comparison to places like Gunpowder, Kricket and Cinnamon Kitchen … I would absolutely kill to have it as my local,' is praise indeed for this charming neighbourhood restaurant, a five-minute walk west of Worthing town centre. The cooking reimagines the comfort food of Rajasthan, where chef-proprietor Dayashankar Sharma grew up, and he hits the target with a longish menu that delivers well-judged spicing and a kaleidoscope of flavours and textures. We like the mainstream dishes – the signature shatkora jhinga (huge shatkora citrus-infused grilled prawns), an ‘absolutely fantastic’ chicken biryani – more than the contemporary interpretations (we suggest swerving the cranberry-stuffed paneer). But a meal here will impress. Portions are generous, and prices are reasonable. As for drinks, the brief, spice-tolerant wine list opens at £33 for a bottle, £8 by the glass.

Established

Location

Find us

67 Rowlands Road, Worthing, West Sussex, BN11 3JN
Worthing, United Kingdom
01903 962911
Map showing Bauji