Alim Patel – Head Chef at Maharaja of India, Soho

How long have you been at the restaurant?

16 years.

Which was the first restaurant you worked in?

Masala City in Portsmouth.

What was the last London restaurant you went to, apart from your own?

The Red Fort in Soho.

What or who has been the biggest influence on the way you cook and why?

The biggest influence for me becoming a chef was my grandmother. I grew up watching her cook every meal from scratch — no recipes, just instinct. The way she brought people together with food made me realise how powerful cooking can be. She taught me that food isn’t just about taste – it’s about love, tradition, and storytelling. That’s what made me fall in love with the kitchen and choose this as my path.

What is your personal signature dish?

Rubi chicken.

What’s the best part of your job? .

Creating new dishes.

What would your last meal be?

Fried rice.