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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.