The formal South Asian translation is “woman of the home,” and the colloquial Urdu derivation means “grandma”; Chef Chet was impressed by the latter when naming his hotspot within the coronary heart of Mayfair.
BiBi is an homage to the equal love Chef Chet possesses for each of his grandmothers––one, a stickler for substances and course of, the opposite adaptable and creative. Born with a lung situation, Chef Chet was pressured to spend the vast majority of his childhood inside, the place he spent many hours within the kitchen beneath his grandmothers’ tutelage honing his cooking abilities and resourcefulness.
His tutorial achievements, together with levels in Chemistry and a DPhil in Physics from Oxford College, ran parallel to his culinary ascent. From Michelin-starred kitchens to collaborating with tastemakers like Simon Rogan and Giorgio Locatelli, Chef Chet’s path led him to the top of London’s hospitality scene.
In 2021, amidst the worldwide pandemic, Chef Chet realized his dream with BiBi. Sometimes called a “Fashionable Indian” idea, Chef Chet as a substitute encourages friends to mirror on what makes BiBi conventional––Every dish is infused with the smoky essence of tamarind hardwood from the sigree grill. Whereas he resonates extra deeply together with his British upbringing, he honors his household heritage by inserting nice emphasis on historic accuracy and sourcing.
One such plate is the Ex-Dairy Goat Galouti. Legend has it that when Nawab Asad-ud-Daula misplaced most of his dentures as a result of outdated age, his intelligent khansamas (cooks) created a kebab that melts within the mouth. BiBi’s is served with roti created from Paigambari wheat, simply as on Chef Chet’s household farm.
From hand-dived scallops from Devon for the Orkney Scallop and Tomato Salaad to Buffalo milk from Lancashire for Sharmaji’s Lahori Rooster, every ingredient is chosen for its high quality and moral provenance.
Embracing zero-waste ideas, BiBi implements sustainable kitchen practices. Strategies like fermentation, preservation, and pickling guarantee most utilization of every ingredient. As an illustration, in-season mangoes should not solely served recent and preserved but in addition remodeled into butter and seasonings.
Complementing the gastronomic delights is BiBi’s thoughtfully curated beverage choice. British imperialism through the Victorian period formed a lot of India’s historical past in imbibing, inspiring a penchant for spirits and combined drinks. No cocktail higher exemplifies this than the “Gin and Tonic,” the staple of colonial-era cocktail tradition––which is strictly why it’s not served.
As a substitute, reinvented traditional cocktails and a concise wine listing guided by professional sommeliers harmonize with the seasonal menu. The Calamansi Margarita (Calamansi tequila, mango ginger, inexperienced chili) is extremely beneficial.
Housed in a historic neighborhood constructing, a lavish velvet curtain separates the eating room from the cosy entryway. As soon as inside, a heat, serene ambiance awaits. The open kitchen, clad in stainless-steel, is contrasted by gentle lighting, vintage glass, and polished mango wooden furnishings. Delicate nods to Chef Chet’s grandmothers’ model––paisley-patterned shawls and bespoke artworks––additional enrich the surroundings.
BiBi is unquestionably the form of place one would go in hopes of impressing their very own grandmother (or anybody, actually!).
High Takeaways
Location: Mayfair, London
Tackle: 42 N Audley St, London W1K 6ZP, United Kingdom
Delicacies: Indian
Value Level: $$$
Takes Reservations: Sure–SevenRooms
The vibe: The eating room is paying homage to a tasteful grandmother’s parlor by which family and friends collect to take pleasure in Chef Chet’s scrumptious menus.
Our favourite factor on the menu: The Nimbu Pani is so particular––sometimes a lemonade-like drink with a savory edge, it’s massively well-liked in India. At BiBi, the nimbu pani acts as a Leche de Tigre for the seafood beneath. We by no means skip dessert, and you shouldn’t miss the Pondicherry Chocolate & Lengthy Pepper.
The apparel: Good Informal
Breakfast, Lunch, or Dinner: Lunch: Tuesday to Saturday, 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM; Dinner: Tuesday to Saturday, 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM