Michelin-starred Alfred Prasad reveals the soul of modern Indian dining in South West London.
Just a few minutes’ walk from the Thames, in the heart of Twickenham, Shiuli has become one of South West London’s most exciting Indian restaurants.
I was invited to a special dinner hosted by Michelin-starred chef Alfred Prasad to sample his new spring menu. Alfred brings a fresh perspective to British-Indian cuisine — putting flavour first while focusing on seasonality, sustainability, and balance. His cooking is thoughtful and refined.
With windows full of fairy lights inviting you in, the atmosphere inside is warm and buzzy, yet relaxed. At the centre of the restaurant is a bar offering a wide range of drinks including cocktails, mocktails, and a silky mango lassi.
To start, we shared three small plates: the burrata chaat, with chickpeas, pomegranate and crisp sev; a golden, crisp soft-shell crab koliwada; and grilled scallops in tomato thokku, topped with delicate coconut milk pearls. Each dish was beautifully presented and full of layered, memorable flavour.
The staff at Shiuli are friendly, knowledgeable and welcoming, happy to guide you through the menu. Alfred explained to our group that his menu is designed with lightness in mind — dishes are generous but not overdone, comforting without being overly rich or heavy. There are plenty of vegetarian and vegan options, too.
For mains, I chose the Old Delhi butter chicken which was smooth, fragrant, and light using yoghurt instead of cream. My guest had the generous Shiuli lamb chops, marinated in warming spices and grilled until perfectly tender and pink.
On the side, we enjoyed the restaurant’s popular roasted broccoli, served with hazelnut, kumquat and cranberries, alongside saffron berry pulao rice and a rich, truffle-infused naan made with ingredients sourced from a local deli. If you’re a fan of truffle, this bread should not be missed.
For dessert, we shared the textures of chocolate — a warm fondant paired with chocolate gelato and a chocolate ‘soil’ crumb. It’s rich, smooth, and just the right size to end the meal.
Whether you’re in the mood for a group lunch, intimate dinner, or special event featuring the spring tasting menu, Shiuli brings something genuinely fresh to Twickenham’s dining scene.
Shiuli
83-84 London Rd, Twickenham TW1 1BD
www.shiulirestaurant.com
@restaurantshiuli
