If you are looking to experience the vibrant tapestry of Indian Flavours with a fresh, modern, stylish, fusion take, where every bite tells a story…then look no further! Pravaas in the plush South Kensington hood of London, by acclaimed Chef patron Shilpa Dandekar is a refreshing addition to the capital’s culinary landscape. Pravaas’s culinary journey began with a deep respect for the roots of Indian cuisine. Chef Shilpa draw inspiration from the diverse regional flavours and time-honoured recipes passed down through generations. It’s a celebration of the culinary heritage that makes Indian food a tapestry of tastes. A feature by columnist Riccha Grrover for Asian Lite International.
Every dish that leaves their kitchen and arrives on the table is evidently a labour of love. The chefs pour their expertise and passion into each creation, ensuring that it not only tastes exceptional but also carries the soulful essence of Indian culinary traditions. The are embracing traditional cooking techniques that have stood the test of time. The result is a harmonious fusion of tradition and innovation on the plate.
Just as the seasons change, so do their menus. They celebrate the bounty of each season, incorporating seasonal produce to enhance the freshness and authenticity of their dishes. It’s a nod to the age-old Indian tradition of cooking with the rhythms of nature.
Every single dish which comes out of Chef Shilpa’s kitchen seems to have been made with love, which is clear with every mouthful. To Shilpa, spices are so much more than just ingredients – they’re the beating heart of every dish, no matter which menu discerning diners plan to indulge. Enjoy this truly exclusive experience in the luxury of these private surroundings.
Chef Shilpa’s time time tested creations are now the signature dishes of PRAVAAS and include Wasabi Chicken Tikka, Venison Dalcha or Red Snapper and Palourde Moilee. Make sure you leave room for dessert because the rendition of Shahi Tukra is not one to miss. There is also an impressive menu of delicious signature cocktails to choose from and great wines are carefully selected to complement the food offerings.
A meal experience at Pravaas is an extraordinary one, with a side of impeccable service by professionally trained staff. The decor is charming as is the ambiance. The vibe is relaxing too, music is soothing and food which is not only well presented but also tastes great, with generous portion sizes. All in all Highly Recommended!
Looking for the perfect venue to host a private dinner? Look no further than Pravaas in South Kensington. With just 30 covers upstairs, the restaurant already boasts a suitable air of intimacy, but if you’re looking to push the boat out that bit further, head on downstairs to the private dining room.
Offering the ultimate fine dining experience, their private dining room seats 20 guests. The space offers an intimate, exceptional dining experience – perfect for meetings, special occasions or private dinners.
The private dining room bursts with character. While ceramist Colin Johnson’s interactive Moonflower installation cleverly plays with both light and form, the large chef’s window really steals the show, giving diners unprecedented access to head chef Shilpa Dandekar’s kitchen and the magic her team creates.
About Shilpa Dandekar: Chef Patron and owner of Pravaas, South Kensington
Taking years to meticulously hone her craft, Shilpa Dandekar has developed a reputation as one of London’s leading female chefs.
Her wealth of experience spans more than 4,500 miles, igniting with impressive beginnings learning her trade as a trainee chef with India’s famed Taj hotel group. A move from her home city of Mumbai to the UK in 2005 resulted in a discovering a new, previously unexplored talent for cooking modern British food. Various pubs shaped Shilpa’s modern British techniques and until she found herself revisiting her roots and embarking as a sous chef at London’s renowned Michelin-starred Indian restaurant Quilon.
While Shilpa’s time working for Chef Sriram Aylur taught her everything she needed to know about precision, it was through her next star chef employer, Raymond Blanc, that she developed her passion for the intricacies of European cooking that had been absent from her younger years. Quickly recognising her potential, Shilpa was appointed as Head Chef of the first Brasserie Blanc (near Bank) which she credits as a real starting point for her career.
As her exploration of the capital’s culinary scene continued, Shilpa found herself increasingly mystified by the lack of creativity on offer in contemporary Indian dining. She wanted to finally marry her two culinary loves together – the pairing of (ancient) traditional Indian dishes with more modern flavours and techniques found across dishes in Europe. In 2014, Shilpa took the plunge and started her own business with husband Faheem Vanoo. First came a successful takeaway and home delivery unit in South West London before launching her first bricks and mortar restaurant PURE INDIAN COOKING in Fulham.
Now, 10 years on, Pravaas in South Kensington is the realisation of all Shilpa and her family wanted to achieve. A destination shaped by years of expertise. Somewhere that her unyielding passion for the culinary arts and her insatiable desire to explore various kitchen styles allow her to create some truly exceptional dishes. Remaining steadfast to the essence of authentic fine Indian cuisine, Shilpa and her team extend a warm invitation for you to embark on a new culinary venture, where the flavours resonate with the very heart of India.
