In the heart of London, Maharaja of India stood as a modest yet inviting eatery, celebrating Indian culinary heritage. It wasn’t just any Indian restaurant; it was one of the pioneers, opening its doors in 1960, long before Indian cuisine became a staple of British dining culture.
Rajiv Kapoor arrived in London in 1958 with nothing but his grandmother’s spice blends and a dream. A former chef in Delhi, he longed to bring the true flavours of home to an unfamiliar city, where Indian food was still a novelty. After two years of saving every penny from his job as a kitchen assistant, Rajiv secured a small space in Soho – a humble beginning for what would become a London institution.
The restaurant’s menu was simple yet bold – fragrant butter chicken, slow-cooked lamb Rogan Josh, smoky tandoori kebabs, and the now-legendary dal makhani that simmered overnight. At first, customers were hesitant, unfamiliar with the spices, but Rajiv had a secret weapon – his storytelling. He walked from table to table, explaining the origins of each dish. Additionally, he shared stories of Delhi’s spice markets and Mughal kitchens.
Word spread quickly. By the late 1960s, The Maharaja of India had become a favourite among Londoners, drawing in everyone from young students to celebrities and politicians. Even The Beatles were rumoured to have dined there after a late-night recording session at Abbey Road.
The 1970s brought challenges. Economic struggles and a wave of anti-immigrant sentiment made survival difficult for many Indian businesses. But Rajiv refused to let his dream fade. He expanded his menu, introduced a lunchtime thali for office workers, and even started home delivery – one of the first Indian restaurants in London to do so. His resilience paid off.
By the 1980s, Indian food had become a beloved part of British culture, and Maharaja of India was at its heart. It was no longer just a restaurant; it was an institution, a place where generations gathered, where first dates turned into anniversaries, where Londoners came for a taste of something both foreign and familiar.
Rajiv’s son, Amit Kapoor, took over in the 1990s, modernising the restaurant while keeping its soul intact. He introduced fusion dishes like masala and expanded the wine list, but the core flavours remained untouched. When celebrity chefs and food critics hailed Maharaja of India as “a place where history meets flavour,” Amit knew he had honoured his father’s legacy.
Today, more than 60 years later, Maharaja of India still stands in Charing cross road , Soho, its walls adorned with black-and-white photos of its journey. It still stands as a living testament to a young immigrant’s dreams. Moreover, food continues to unite cultures and inspire.