Interview with Sham Mahabir - Chef and Founder of Limin

This week we caught up with Sham Mahabir, Chef and Founder of LIMIN, one of our favourite caribbean restaurants in London! To talk about the inspiration behind LIMIN, the new must-visit LIMIN winter lodge and much more.

Can you tell us a little about LIMIN and the inspiration behind the restaurant?

Originally we wanted to run a bar but then we decided why not make it a restaurant? We really wanted to showcase traditional food from Trinidad and Tobago and now I feel like it’s become my destiny, to create Caribbean dishes in Central London like never before that you really can’t get anywhere else in the city. LIMIN has come to life in more ways than I ever could’ve imagined and now people can eat and drink and experience the Caribbean as if they’re actually there.

We love the food at LIMIN, for those who have never been, how would you describe dining at LIMIN?

No two days are the same at LIMIN. The atmosphere is electric, immersive and it’s a kaleidoscope of flavours. The food is inspired by honest homemade village cooking but with a flair. The must-haves are definitely the Doubles but also on the new menu the fried chicken, croque monsieur with Trini ham, the freetas and obviously the curry if you want really warming Caribbean flavours.

Is there anything exciting you’re working on that you can spill the beans on?

The next big thing happening that we are SO excited about is the LIMIN Winter Lodge. We are bringing the best of both the Caribbean and the Alps together, resulting in a unique après ski lodge like nothing else in the city. LIMIN has been transformed into a magical alpine retreat complete with a private ski lodge and a new menu with spiced up mountain bites: think Scotch Bonnet and Christmas Spice Glazed Ham; and a delicious Croque Monsieur with Trini ham, melted cheese and truffle oil.

Entertainment for the season includes London’s best DJs who will be providing funky tunes and there will also be steel pans, candy cane limbo; and fire breathers, chalet hostesses, burlesque shows and so much more.

If you keep your eyes peeled, you’ll also be able to get your hands on our very own LIMIN rum next year!

What’s been your biggest achievement?

Although I’m extremely proud of what we’ve achieved with LIMIN, one of my proudest achievements is the work we do with a charity called Conflict Women which works with women who are survivors of domestic violence. We created a group and brought the Trinidad and Tobago community together here in London to raise funds and give back to the charity.

We absolutely love your food, any chance of any cooking classes in the future?

No plans for cooking classes but we may be working on a cookbook so you can try the dishes for yourself at home!

What would your ideal day in London be like?

My ideal day in London would be waking up early and walking through London uninterrupted. Then I would go to trinity in Clapham for a long lunch with lots of red wine. I’d go for another long walk around Hyde Park, and have a coffee in Italian Gardens.

I also love walking in Waterloo Park. I moved to London 26 years ago so I love retracing my steps and exploring areas I used to live in. It reminds me to never forget where I came from and to be mindful of the journey that has gotten me to where I am today. I’d finish up with dinner in Peckham Bazaar followed by a drink in The Montpellier.

For more information on LIMIN, visit https://limin.co.uk/

Photography by Nyla Sammons