Sonoran Food Guide: A Love Letter to Tepary Beans
Chefs Nigel Lobo and Tandoor Master Ajay Negi both draw inspiration from the traditional Indian cooking of their upbringing. The two met while working as fine-dining chefs at The Taj in Dubai, where they formed a lasting friendship rooted in a shared culinary vision.
Drawn to the distinct landscapes and native ingredients of the Sonoran Desert, Chef Nigel later relocated to Arizona and invited Ajay to join him in opening a restaurant together. That vision came to life with Indibar, an Indian-inspired restaurant shaped by indigenous Sonoran Desert ingredients. In 2026, Indibar was a semifinalist nominee for a James Beard Award for Best New Restaurant.
In this episode of the Sonoran Food Guide, Chef Nigel and Tandoor Master Ajay focus on the tepary bean and showcase two dishes that celebrate the natural synergy between the Sonoran Desert and Indian culinary traditions. Through Indibar, the chefs aim to bring India closer to you, blending heritage, technique, and local ingredients into every dish.
SEND this to someone who DESERVES ✅ some amazing Indian food! 😍
This elevated modern Indian restaurant is a needed addition to the Scottsdale restaurant scene!
Sophisticated and warmly stylish, with theatrically presented cocktails and bold Indian flavors with a modern twist. The perfect blend of welcoming and culinary excitement!
Don’t miss the Murgh Khatta Pyaaz Kulchette, a tandoor-baked flatbread crowned with marinated chicken and beet-pickled onions that’s equal parts smoky and vibrant. The Ragi Papdi Chaat is a stunning reimagining of Indian street food, while the Homestyle Butter Chicken is the kind of deeply satisfying classic that reminds you why this dish became iconic in the first place.
The Severi cocktail is a must with a smoky, bourbon-forward tribute to the founders’ heritage, layered with curry leaf, mint, and hickory. For something richer, the Tripling weaves ghee-washed whisky, Old Monk rum, jaggery and dates into something mellow and deeply complex, while the Tarbooze keeps things bright and playful with watermelon tequila, jaljeera and a black salt air finish.
This Paradise Valley gem is a James Beard Semi Finalist and is headed by chefs Nigel Lobo and Ajaypal Singh. Leading award-winning kitchens in India, Dubai, Maldives and worldwide, they are now brilliantly melding tradition with modern creativity and boldly showcasing flavors of both Northern and Southern India for Scottsdale restaurant lovers to enjoy!
🍸HAPPY HOUR
Tuesday - Sunday
4:00PM - 5:30PM
📍INDIBAR
6208 N Scottsdale Rd
Paradise Valley, AZ 85253
#indianfoodies #indianrestaurants #scottsdalerestaurants #paradisevalleyaz #scottsdalefoodie
We made the cover 📔
Honored to be featured on the cover of @phoenixnewtimes ‘Top 50 restaurants’
What started of as an idea has grown into something so much bigger..
Thank you! ✨
#topnewrestaurants #phoenixnewtimes
We’ve got big smiles in the restaurant! 😊🌵
We’re so excited and grateful to be named one of the Top 50 Restaurants in Phoenix by Phoenix New Times (@phoenixnewtimes )! 🎉
This recognition truly means the world to us. ❤️
We’re proud to be part of Phoenix’s amazing food community and can’t wait to keep serving you all the dishes you love.
Come celebrate with us soon!
#PhoenixNewTimes #Top50Restaurants
A couple of weeks ago the team was at the Foodist Awards and we’re incredibly grateful to have been nominated for Most Creative Handcrafted Cocktail Program.
We didn’t take home the win, but being recognized alongside such talented peers means a lot to us. Thank you to our amazing guests, friends and community for the constant support-it truly means everything to the team.
Huge congratulations to @highballphx for leading the way and a very well deserved win. 👏
Back to the bar! Onward and upward for the INDIBAR team. ✨
#INDIBAR #craftcocktails
INDIBAR’s first time at the 17th Annual Devour Culinary Classic(@devourgoodfood ) and we’re proud Gold Medal winners! 🥇✨
Hosted at the beautiful Desert Botanical Gardens(@dbgphx )made it even more special as we connected with guests, chefs, wineries, artists and friends supporting Arizona’s vibrant food scene making it a destination food and dining scene. 🏜️🌵
A special shoutout to our incredible violinist for the soulful Bollywood tunes that set the perfect vibe 🎻
Thank you to everyone who came out to support us and the team for making it happen! 🙏✨
#Devourculinaryclassic #arizonaeats
On March 4, we come together in New York to honor Holi through contemporary Indian cuisine.
Holi is about colors, energy and shared celebration. For one night - Ajay Singh of INDIBAR, Sarabjit Singh Assi of Sanjh, Neel Kajale of Adda and I unite to translate that spirit into a multi course experience rooted in regional depth and modern technique.
Each chef brings a distinct point of view shaped by their restaurant, memory and craft. The result is a collaborative menu that reflects the richness of Indian cuisine today, layered with thoughtful beverage pairings and conversation.
📍 Pier 57, New York City 🗓 March 4, 2026 | 6:30 PM 🎟 Tickets:
#Indiainspired #Indiaunited #indiatotheworld
The team did a thing…✨
Between the long days, the late nights and an unreasonable amount of passion, we were just named Restaurant of the Year by USA Today.
Just an incredible group of humans showing up every day, cooking, crafting and serving with intention, taking care of people. Making it all look easy..
Endless thanks to our guests who fill the room night after night and to the farmers, fishers and suppliers who trust us with their beautiful products. This belongs to all of you, too.
So proud. So grateful. Same energy, same hustle just with a shiny new recognition.
See you tonight. 🍽️✨
🌟 ⭐️ 🌟 ⭐️ 🌟 ⭐️ 🌟 ⭐️ 🌟 ⭐️
#Indiainspired #bestofthebest
