Shiuli – A Jewel in Twickenham’s Crown – Shiuli has now been open in Twickenham for four years. It was launched during the pandemic by chef Alfred Prasad, who had previously maintained the Michelin star at Tamarind restaurant. It opened quietly, without fanfare, since when it has continued to build a loyal customer base locally. It serves contemporary, healthy, Indian food, and I was delighted to be invited recently to a special press event, where we were treated to a fabulous evening with Chef Prasad showcasing his signature dishes.
First of all though, we were treated to a gin tasting with Robert Blackwood, of The Gin Chronicles fame, where he explained the wealth of botanicals in the bespoke Shiuli gin, created by Bone Idyll Distillery in Kingston. The gin is superb and a testament to the skill of the distillery team headed by Sam Berry.
But we were there for the food too, and what an amazing spread ensued. We started with an assortment of starters to share: Grilled Scallops, Burrata Chaat and Soft-shell crab Koliwada.
The Seared scallops (on tomato thokku with mixed peppercorns; coconut milk pearls) were cooked to perfection. The Burrata Chaat…what can I say? India meets Italy! It was an absolutely delicious medley of flavours and textures with chickpeas, pomegranate and sev all enhanced by the richness of the burrata. And the soft-shell crab was a triumph – the last time I tasted one as good as this was cooked by chef Atul Kochhar, quite a few years ago.
Our main courses were equally delicious…I had Malabar Prawn & Mango and my husband had Skinny Makhni Chicken. Both were incredibly fragrant, and surprisingly light, due to Alfred’s healthy take on Indian cuisine. These were accompanied by Alfred’s signature roasted broccoli. I can honestly say it was just packed with flavour, and cooked to the ideal state of crispiness, then sprinkled with a hazelnut crumble. It lifted this veg to new heights. Also served was grilled okra (a veg I rarely choose, as it can be so slimy) but again this was crispy and totally divine.
The Truffle sea salt naan that I tasted had layers of spicy deliciousness and was incredibly light and fluffy.
Not surprisingly, we were pretty ‘pogged out’ with this fabulous array of food, and while there were a number of options offered from the dessert menu, we were given the chance to try a new dessert from the Spring menu. We shared this: It was a wonderfully light and flavoursome ode to the Alphonse mango. And, like the rest of the meal, it was so good.
The prices at Shiuli aren’t cheap, but you do get a tip top level of Indian food (and Shiuli is also highly rated by my Indian friends).
If you’re watching your budget, there is a great value set menu at £18 for two or £22 for three courses available at lunchtimes Friday and Saturday and early dinner (5-6 pm) Monday to Saturday.
And, of course, you can add many of those delicious side dishes as extras …and I’d urge you to do so!
The Seasoned Gastronome