Great British Menu winner to launch in Clapham

Nikita Pathakji, the winner of Great British Menu 2026, is set to open her debut restaurant in Clapham this month.

Opening in south west London on Wednesday 20 May, MAAI has been created alongside Pathakji's mother Rima and sister Isha.

MAAI, which means Mum, is located on Clapham’s Abbeville Road. 

The menu begins with smaller plates such as Chaat Tartlet, Sea Bream with Kalamansi Ponzu and the Octopus 'Tako Yaki' Doughnut, a dish that has followed Pathakji from her time on MasterChef: The Professionals, which she won in 2022, through to her supper clubs.

Larger dishes include BBQ Paneer with Palak Purée, Seared Halibut with Malaysian Fish Head Curry (which won the Champion of Champions title on Great British Menu), and Spring Lamb Rump with Pea and Coconut. Desserts include Strawberry and Elderflower Choux, Banana Pudding and a selection of British cheeses. 

Bold and expressive

"MAAI means ‘Mum’, and she is at the centre of everything we do," says Pathakji. "Our mother, Rima, shaped the way we cook and host, with generosity, warmth and an instinct to make people feel completely at ease. Our home was always full, lively, and open, and that spirit is what we’ve brought into the restaurant.

"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."

Guests will also be able to choose to dine from a tasting menu, priced at £85, with a vegetarian tasting menu option which will run alongside, with dishes such as Asparagus Gomae with Scorched Mackerel, Grilled Hispi Cabbage with Kimchi Mayo and Glazed Tofu with Malay Sauce.

A shorter set menu will also be available at £32 for two courses and £36 for three courses.

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