Chishuru

"Had a really memorable dinner at Chishuru near Oxford Street in London, and it genuinely felt like one of the most interesting Michelin-star experiences I’ve had in the city. It’s a modern West African restaurant, and what makes it stand out immediately is that there’s no à la carte menu at all — just a set tasting menu (with optional wine pairing). You don’t have to think or choose anything, you just trust the chef and go with the flow, which actually makes the whole experience feel much more relaxed. The menu builds really nicely from start to finish. The opening dishes were already super distinctive — things like fermented rice cakes with white crab that had this really nice contrast of crisp outside and soft, slightly tangy interior, plus a rich, comforting bean-based dish with egg yolk that felt simple but really memorable. There was also a West African-inspired spicy soup course that stood out a lot — it wasn’t just “spicy”, but layered and aromatic, with corn-based elements and squid that had a noodle-like texture. Very unexpected, but in a good way. The main courses were where things really peaked — especially the cod with a dark, deeply spiced sauce and a leafy stew paired with chicken mousse. Everything looked quite bold and earthy on the plate, but the seasoning was actually very controlled. Nothing felt overpowering — instead, it lifted the natural flavour of the ingredients and made everything feel intentional. Before dessert there was a really refreshing palate cleanser, and the final dessert was light and creative — using tiger nut as a base with blood orange, kola nut, crunchy textures and vanilla cream. It was fresh rather than heavy, which made for a really nice finish. Overall, Chishuru feels like more than just a Michelin-star meal — it’s a really unique flavour journey rooted in West African cuisine, but presented in a very modern, thoughtful way. Definitely worth a visit if you’re looking for something different in London."