This March, award-winning Chef Dayashankar Sharma brings his vibrant, contemporary Indian cooking to the south coast with the opening of BAUJI. Having previously led kitchens at Michelin-starred Tamarind and Kensington favourite Zaika, the Worthing restaurant follows the success of his restaurant, Heritage Dulwich, which opened to glowing reviews and has been listed in the Michelin Guide since 2022.
Just a short stroll from the seafront, BAUJI offers the refined flavours and confident use of spice that define Sharma’s cooking, reimagined in a relaxed, neighbourhood bistro designed for everyday dining. The restaurant’s name “Bauji” draws on the Hindi word for “father”, and the menu is a reflection of Sharma’s interpretation of Indian comfort cooking. Each dish is a personal expression, rooted in the nostalgic flavours of his childhood in Rajasthan and shaped by cherished family recipes and memories gathered around the table.
That sense of comfort food runs throughout the menu, where nostalgia meets modern creativity. Desi Handi Murgh is a punchy chicken curry inspired by the roadside eateries of Sharma’s childhood, while Konkani Fish Tikka (stone bass in coconut and curry leaves) evokes the seaside stories Chef Sharma’s family used to tell at dinner. Lal Maas – slow-cooked lamb – delivers the deep distinctive flavours of Rajasthan.
Joining the move to the seaside are some guest favourites from Heritage Dulwich. There’s Shatkora Jhinga –prawns infused with rare Bangladeshi citrus – alongside Gunpowder Broccoli (tandoor-grilled florets with fiery spice) and smoky, charred Lamb Chops made for sharing. The menu is rounded off with fragrant biryanis – a dish his father cooked and one of Chef Sharma’s most cherished culinary memories. An extensive drinks menu spans wines, craft beers and cocktails, designed to complement the spice-led menu.
The 45-cover restaurant balancing minimalism with warm texture. Dusty-pink tiled interiors are inspired by the sandstone cities of Jaipur, with natural materials including wicker, stone, straw and greenery creating a warm setting rooted in Rajasthan’s earthy palette. Handmade pottery and artwork dotted throughout add character and a sense of place. A private dining room seating 10 is ideal for celebrations and intimate gatherings.
Chef Dayashankar Sharma commented: “We were drawn to Worthing’s charm, strong sense of community and flourishing independent food scene – we felt it was the perfect place for BAUJI and a more relaxed expression of our cooking. The enthusiasm we’ve already felt from the town has been incredible, and I’m excited to share our flavours with a new audience.”
Worthing Station is just 1 hour and 15 minutes by train from London Victoria. The restaurant is a convenient 20-minute walk from the station, with off-road parking available for guests.
Opening 25th March, BAUJI brings contemporary Indian comfort cooking with character and flavour to Worthing.
For news on the opening and reservations, sign up to the newsletter via www.bauji.co.uk.