Bring the best of London’s Indian cuisine into your own home, without the noise, time limits, or travel. A private Indian chef designs a menu around your tastes (and dietary needs), shops for premium ingredients, cooks on-site, serves each course, and leaves the kitchen spotless.
It’s intimate, tailor-made, and far more personal than dining out, perfect for anything from an anniversary to a dinner with friends.
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What to expect from the experience?
Initial brief & menu design. Share your vision (regional style, spice level, allergens, vegan/vegetarian preferences, kids’ portions). Your chef proposes a bespoke, seasonal menu, think Delhi street-food canapés, a South Indian seafood course, or a plant-forward Gujarati thali.
Pre-event prep & shopping. The chef sources ingredients (often from trusted London suppliers and spice merchants), preps key elements off-site, and brings any speciality kit needed on the day.
On-site cooking & service. Expect aromas of toasted cumin, crackling mustard seeds, and slow-simmered sauces. Chefs plate, serve, and pace the meal so you can relax with your guests.
Tidy kitchen at the end. Surfaces cleaned, waste removed, and leftovers boxed, so the only thing you “do” is enjoy.
Menus that go beyond the takeaway
Indian cuisine is a tapestry of regions, textures, and techniques. Our private chefs can showcase that breadth with polished, modern plating or family-style sharing.
- Signature canapés: Pani puri “shots”, Malabar prawn bites, beetroot tikki with mint chutney.
- North Indian classics, refined: Awadhi lamb korma, tandoori cauliflower “steaks”, dal makhani slow-cooked overnight.
- South Indian flavours: Pepper crab, lemon-rice arancini with coconut chutney, appam with Kerala vegetable stew.
- Coastal and Goan: Kingfish recheado, prawn balchão, kokum-bright salads.
- Vegetarian & vegan feasts: Paneer tikka, smoked aubergine bharta, jackfruit biryani, mixed thali with seasonal sabzis.
- Modern Indian desserts: Cardamom crème brûlée, saffron-rose panna cotta, pistachio kulfi terrine.
Everything can be adapted for halal, Jain, gluten-free, dairy-free, or low-spice preferences, “just say the word”.
Pricing: how much does a private Indian chef cost in London?
Pricing is typically per person, with ingredients, menu planning, cooking, service, and clean-up included. As a ballpark for London:
- 2 guests: from £110 per person
- 3–6 guests: from £77 per person
- 7–12 guests: from £55 per person
- 13+ guests: from £55 per person
What affects price?
Group size, number of courses, premium ingredients (e.g., Scottish lobster, hand-dive scallops), staff required, equipment rentals (plates, glassware), travel/parking, and peak dates (Fri–Sat, bank holidays). Your quote will itemise inclusions, so you can tune the menu to your budget.
- Tip: Larger groups often reduce the per-person cost. If you’re a couple, consider adding a canapé course or wine pairing to maximise value.
When to hire a private Indian chef in London?
Date night at home.
Skip the taxi, the queue, and the noisy tables. A private chef crafts a three-course (or tasting) menu around your favourite flavours, from silky dal to tandoor-style mains. With candles, a curated playlist, and restaurant-level plating, your living room becomes the most romantic table in London.
Birthday or anniversary.
Mark the occasion with a personalised regional menu, think coastal Goan seafood or a North Indian feast, paired with a signature dessert and a message on the plate. Your chef can build in surprises, from canapés on arrival to a toast course. No clock watching, no set menus, just a celebration designed for you.
Family gatherings.
Bring everyone to the table with shareable thalis, biryanis, and flexible spice levels so kids, grandparents, and foodies all eat happily. Chefs can create vegetarian, vegan, or allergen-safe options without compromising flavour. Family-style service keeps the mood relaxed while the kitchen stays spotless.
Dinner with clients.
Host in a quiet, private setting that encourages conversation and connection. A polished, paced service with refined Indian plates signals attention to detail and hospitality. It’s an effortless way to impress without the distractions (and noise) of a busy dining room.
Pre-theatre or post-match.
Tight schedule? Your chef can design timed courses that align with curtain-up at the West End or the final whistle at the Emirates. Enjoy light, high-impact dishes before the show, or wind down after with warming curries and a spiced chai finale, no rushing, no compromises.
Bring local flavors to your kitchen
From market-fresh ingredients to traditional recipes, a private chef turns your home into a true local experience.
Top neighbourhoods in London for hosting a private chef dinner
Mayfair & Marylebone. Spacious flats and elegant dining rooms suit multi-course fine dining and wine pairing.
Shoreditch & Hoxton. Open-plan lofts are perfect for interactive canapés and live plating at the island.
Notting Hill & Kensington. Character homes add warmth to family-style thali nights and celebratory biryanis.
Greenwich & Canary Wharf. Modern kitchens with great extraction, ideal for tandoor-style finishes and seafood.
Richmond & Wimbledon. Garden terraces set the scene for summer grills, chaat stations, or chai-dessert bars.
South Bank & Bermondsey. Contemporary spaces pair well with modern Indian tasting menus and cocktail service.
What’s usually included in the price?
Most bookings include bespoke menu planning, ingredient sourcing, on-site cooking, plating/serving, and kitchen clean-down. Chefs bring essential tools and selected silverware when needed.
Optional add-ons, extra waiting staff, curated wine pairings or a sommelier, crockery/glass hire, décor, or extended service hours, are available at an additional cost.
Hosting tips to keep your dinner stress-free
Book early, Fridays, Saturdays, and bank holidays fill up fast. Finalise dietary notes in advance, listing allergens and preferences next to each guest. Set the mood with candles, a simple floral arrangement, and a light playlist. Plan tableware; if you’re short on plates or glasses, ask about rentals. Keep courses balanced by pairing richer dishes (e.g., butter chicken) with lighter sides like kachumber or lemon rice. Leave time for a signature chai or digestif to anchor the evening and signal a relaxed finale.
Find the right Indian chef in London with Take a Chef
Browse verified chef profiles, compare menus and prices, read transparent reviews, and request custom proposals all in one place.
Booking is secure, communication is centralised, and support is on hand before your event. Whether you want home style Punjabi comfort, contemporary small plates, or a coastal seafood showcase, you’ll find the right fit in minutes.
FAQs about hiring a private Indian chef in London
Do chefs bring all the ingredients?
Yes. Your quoted price typically includes shopping for fresh produce, spices, and proteins, sourced the same day when possible. Chefs also handle pantry staples and bring any speciality items required by the menu.
Can I book for 2–4 guests?
Absolutely. Intimate dinners are common, with a higher per-person rate reflecting the bespoke prep and service. The upside: more menu customization and a restaurant-level experience at home.
Do I need special kitchen equipment?
No. Chefs work with standard home kitchens and bring any speciality tools they need (thermometers, burners, plating gear). A clear workspace, oven, and hob are usually sufficient.
Can my menu be halal, vegan, or Jain?
Yes. Share your requirements in advance and the chef will tailor sourcing, prep, and utensils to avoid cross-contamination. Expect thoughtful substitutes that preserve flavour and authenticity.
How far in advance should I book?
Two to three weeks is ideal; longer for peak weekends and holidays. Short-notice bookings can work, but menu range and chef availability may be tighter.
Will the chef clean up?
Yes. Kitchen surfaces are wiped down, equipment packed away, and waste removed or bagged. You’re left with a tidy space and nothing to do but enjoy the after-dinner glow.
