Chef Avinash (Avi) Shashidhara made his UK restaurant debut working under Claude Bosi at Hibiscus followed by an 11 year stint at The River Cafe. He decided then to branch out on his own, getting recipes from family members in India for a pop up which would eventually become the permanent restaurant Pahli Hill Bandra Bahi in Fitzrovia. A resident of Shepherd's Bush he's agreed to share his best food and drink recommendations in the area with Hot Dinners readers.
Shepherd's Bush Market
Uxbridge Road, Shepherd’s Bush, London W12 8DF
I love the market - it’s my go-to for sourcing ingredients. The range of produce is incredible, especially for Asian and Indian ingredients. One of the gems there is Brothers & Cousins, a fishmonger with excellent, fresh wild fish. The owner knows his stuff and always recommends the best catch of the day. I can even give him a call when I’m after something specific. Another favourite in the market is The Falafel Hut. They serve incredible Syrian-style falafel wraps, and the one with fried fish is especially good.
Tian Fu
37-39 Bulwer St, London W12 8AR
When it comes to Chinese food, my absolute favorite is Tian Fu. It’s a Sichuan restaurant that’s become my go-to spot, especially on Sundays when I’m craving something spicy. The pork with Sichuan chilies and cabbage is a standout dish, and their “Ma-Po” tofu is absolutely excellent. Every time I go, I discover a new dish I haven’t tried before, and it always surprises me how consistently great the food is.
Esarn Kheaw
314 Uxbridge Rd, London W12 7LJ
For Thai food, it has to be Esarn Kheaw. It’s been run by the same family for over 20 years. Apparently, it’s a favourite spot for a lot of well-known chefs from famous Thai restaurants, and it really is excellent there.
Next Door Records
304 Uxbridge Rd, London W12 7LJ
I’m not really a coffee drinker but I quite like a decaf coffee sometimes, and Next Door Records is great for that. It’s a cool space that transforms into a wine bar and it’s also a record shop.
HG Walter
51 Palliser Rd, London W14 9EB
For meat, I swear by HG Walter, a brilliant butcher close to Baron’s Court. Their quality is unmatched, and they’re my go-to for everything from everyday cuts to something special. It’s the kind of place where you can trust the provenance of the meat and get expert advice on what to cook.
The Hawk's Nest
Goldhawk Rd, Shepherd's Bush Market, London W12 8DF
My favourite pub has to be Hawk’s Nest. They brew excellent beers through Birdhouse Brewery near Herne Hill, and the pizzas are phenomenal—they’re the only food they serve, and they’ve perfected it. Will, the owner who used to work at Soho House, has done an excellent job in converting the arches into a beautiful space for drinks, with amazing skylights that keep the space really bright.
For more of these local area guides, visit the My Manor page.
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