SANJAY DWIVEDI
Chef-Patron, Zaika Restaurant

Sanjay Dwivedi, originally from Delhi, grew up in the middle of The Sun and Sea Hotel, a coastal hotel in South India, which was owned by his family. A young Sanjay was immediately thrust into the world of catering, of kitchens and of restaurants. The family business encompassed all members of the Dwivedi household but it wasn't long before a desire to explore and travel overcame this young man and at the tender age of 16 years he was sent to live with his elder brother in London.

Sanjay began his studies at Thames Valley College, London where he qualified in Hotel Management and received his 706/3 - the only Indian person at that time to achieve a distinction in this qualification. The ferocious London restaurant scene soon snapped him up, always quick to spot a talented hard worker. On many occasions he was the only Indian working in the kitchen as French and Italian chefs dominated the restaurant scene at that time.

Sanjay's influences came from some of London's greatest kitchens; The Caprice, The Atlantic, The Ivy, The Lanesborough, Turners. By mixing his knowledge of spices and Indian cuisine, and yet still adhering to the strict training of the western kitchen, Dwivedi's style started to form.

In 1998 Sanjay toured as chef for The Rolling Stones 'Bridges of Babylon' world tour, followed by a 6-month consultancy at the Soneva Fusshi Indian Ocean resort in the Maldives.

In 1999 Sanjay was part of the opening team at Zaika which marked his complete return to his native Indian cuisine - Zaika at the time was under the stewardship of Michelin-starred Vineet Bhatia. Since opening its doors Zaika has received a string of industry accolades including the first Indian restaurant obtaining a Michelin star and the Best Indian Restaurant in the London Restaurant Awards.

Under Bhatia's guidance, Sanjay also spent 6 months consulting for Tantra in Los Angeles, and 2 months at Tabla in New York, adding to his global experience. Now back at Zaika, chef patron Sanjay has managed to make the menu his own and the dishes offered, truly represent his unique skills and experience, offering the diner an unforgettable gastronomic journey.

Zaika Restaurant, 1 Kensington High Street, London W8 5NP.
Tel: 020 7795 6533, Fax: 020 7937 8854, www.zaika-restaurant.co.uk

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