Champion of Champions, Family, and Building a Restaurant from Scratch

On this episode of Chefs on the Pass, Phil sits down with 2026 Great British Menu Champion of Champions, MasterChef: The Professionals winner, and chef owner of Maai by Nikita, Nikita Pathakji.

What follows is a refreshingly honest conversation about ambition, self-doubt, family, competition, creativity, and the reality of building a restaurant from the ground up.

From making afternoon tea sandwiches at the Lanesborough and working in some of the UK's most respected Michelin starred kitchens, to backpacking across Southeast Asia, winning MasterChef The Professionals, competing on Great British Menu, and opening her own restaurant alongside her mother and sister, Nikita shares a story that proves success is rarely a straight line.

Full of warmth, humility, determination, and a healthy dose of reality, this episode is a fascinating look at what happens when talent meets persistence—and when family backs a dream completely.

In this episode, you'll hear about:

• Why Nikita abandoned a planned university path in science to pursue a career in professional kitchens.
• Learning the craft at the Lanesborough and the importance of creating opportunities by simply showing initiative.
• Working at Michelin starred restaurants including Bibendum, CORE by Clare Smyth, and Kitchen W8.
• How travelling across Southeast Asia shaped her understanding of flavour and continues to influence her cooking today.
• The importance of finding mentors who listen, support development, and help chefs grow.
• Why being ambitious doesn't always mean chasing stars and how defining success for yourself changes everything.
• The unexpected journey onto MasterChef: The Professionals and how family helped her create dishes under pressure.
• What it really feels like to win one of the UK's biggest culinary competitions.
• The reality of life after MasterChef, from private dining and collaborations to stepping into leadership roles.
• Experiencing uncertainty and career doubt, despite outward success.
• Being invited to represent the Central Region on Great British Menu and the emotional rollercoaster that followed.
• Coming agonisingly close to multiple banquet dishes before ultimately cooking at the banquet and being crowned Champion of Champions.
• Why imposter syndrome can still exist even after major success.
• Opening Maai by Nikita with her mother and sister and creating a restaurant that feels like an extension of their family home.
• The challenges, excitement, and lessons of launching a new restaurant business.

Memorable Quotes

"As soon as I stepped foot into my first kitchen, that was it." – Nikita Pathakji

"I just wanted to cook for the critics and have them enjoy it." – Nikita Pathakji

"You always see what you don't achieve rather than what you do." – Nikita Pathakji

"Just say yes and see what happens." – Phil Street

This episode is for:

• Aspiring chefs looking to build a career in professional kitchens.
• Anyone considering apprenticeships as an alternative to university.
• Hospitality professionals navigating career uncertainty or transition.
• Fans of MasterChef: The Professionals and Great British Menu.
• Restaurateurs and entrepreneurs launching independent hospitality businesses.
• People interested in the role family can play in building something meaningful.
• Anyone who enjoys stories of resilience, creativity, and determination.

Links & Resources

• Phil Street (Host): LinkedIn & Instagram @hospitalitymeets
• Craft Guild of Chefs
• Maai by Nikita
• Nikita Pathakji Instagram @chefnikita.p

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