1 Michelin Star Chefs: Sanchit Kapoor, head chef, Amaya

Sanchit Kapoor is the head chef at Amaya, one of London’s most celebrated modern Indian restaurants.

• Other Michelin star chefs in London
• Other Michelin-starred Indian Restaurants

BIOGRAPHY

Known for his innovative approach to traditional Indian flavours, Sanchit has carved a niche in the culinary world by blending authentic techniques with contemporary presentation. 

Amaya, located in the heart of London’s Knightsbridge, holds a Michelin star and is famed for its open-grill kitchen concept, where Sanchit and his team craft dishes that highlight India’s diverse regional spices and cooking styles.

Sanchit's journey into the culinary arts was deeply influenced by his upbringing in India, where food is integral to family and culture. From a young age, he was fascinated by the complexity of Indian spices and techniques, and this curiosity drove him toward a career in the culinary world. After training at some of the top culinary schools and gathering experience in renowned kitchens across India, Sanchit made his way to the global stage. His transition to London was marked by an ambition to introduce authentic Indian flavours to a broader audience while adding his personal touch to traditional dishes.

At Amaya, Sanchit has pioneered a menu that marries traditional Indian ingredients with innovative techniques and modern flair. His philosophy centres on using the freshest ingredients and locally sourced produce, which he complements with spices imported from India to maintain authenticity. This approach allows him to stay true to Indian culinary roots while crafting dishes that cater to an international palate. Under his leadership, the menu at Amaya has evolved to include signature dishes like tandoor-grilled meats, kebabs, and curries that retain traditional Indian flavours but are presented in a sophisticated, contemporary style.

Sanchit’s culinary vision has been instrumental in maintaining Amaya’s Michelin-star status, which the restaurant first achieved in 2006 and has held it since then. His focus on precision and creativity extends to every dish served at Amaya, from appetisers to desserts. One of his hallmarks is his ability to balance robust flavours with subtle notes, creating a memorable dining experience for patrons. His keen understanding of spices and seasonings allows him to construct dishes that reflect India’s rich culinary heritage while also appealing to London’s diverse and discerning diners.

Beyond his role as a chef, Sanchit is an advocate for sustainability in the kitchen. He emphasises reducing food waste, using ethically sourced ingredients, and minimising the restaurant’s carbon footprint. His commitment to sustainability aligns with the growing demand for environmentally responsible dining, making Amaya a leader in this movement within the fine-dining sector.

The Restaurant 

This modern Indian restaurant delivers a dining experience where the emphasis is on different-sized dishes designed for sharing, delivered as and when they are prepared from the tawa, tandoor and sigri grills. The smaller portions allow you to try more dishes from the impressively varied menu, with smoked chilli lamb chops a standout and plenty of vegetarian choices. Staff are friendly, the atmosphere is lively, and the vibrant, original cooking remains in the memory long after you've departed.

Having opened in 2004, Amaya is the ancestor of many of London’s and the world’s most recognised Indian restaurants in both food and design. The open kitchen, cuisine dedicated to showcasing the diversity of grilling techniques in India, and commitment to using seasonal British produce were groundbreaking in 2004 and remain fundamental to this day.

Its theatrical open kitchen was one of the earliest of its kind in the city, especially in an Indian restaurant, and it has become the dominant aesthetic in modern restaurants today.

So, too, did the focus on grilling, with the dedicated tawa, sigri, and tandoors in one kitchen, has set a trend for many modern Indian restaurants around the globe.

Co-owned by Ranjit Mathrani, Amaya is part of the MW Eat group, along with Chutney Mary , Veeraswamy (Britain’s Oldest Indian Restaurant, established 1926); and Masala Zone.