Eran Tibi – Executive Chef at Bala Baya and Kapara One of the most exciting chefs of the moment, Eran Tibi is the epitome of a modern chef. Full of energy and firmly rooted in Tunisian and Syrian ancestry, his restaurants are authentic reflections of himself – fun and flamboyant fine dining destinations that span a spectrum of Eastern Mediterranean flavours, with influences from Tunisian, Syrian and Greek cuisine.

From his grandfather’s restaurant and bar to his father’s family bakery, Eran’s earliest memories and influences are anchored in food. Eran undertook formal culinary training at Le Cordon Bleu, before spending four years mastering his craft and expanding his knowledge of with Sami Tamimi at Ottolenghi; after, he joined Nopi and then went onto work with Josh Katz at Made in Camden. In 2017, Eran fulfilled his dream of opening his own restaurant with the launch of Bala Baya in Southwark, followed by Kapara in Soho. Both Bala Baya and Kapara’s menus offer exciting and vibrant Eastern Mediterranean dishes reflective of Tibi’s roots.

In March 2025, Eran also competed on the Great British Menu, representing London and the South East in the heats for the show’s 20th anniversary season.