The colossal white structure of the Neasden Temple is revered as the UK’s first purpose-built Hindu temple. A regal product of limestone and marble, its flag-flying domes cut an ornate section of the London skyline. However, the temple is not just a place for worship and religion. Neasden Temple houses traditional Indian food that draws in thousands of guests, including Michelin inspectors. Padded leather chairs and smart, square, wooden tables stretch in perfect order to the far side of the room. Chandeliers hang, illuminated from a cream ceiling. Along the walls, floor to ceiling panelling of deep brown frames bright Indian décor. Shown to your table, you sit – taking in the warm ambience and the occasional waft of rich spice as waiters and waitresses serve other diners their food. Welcome to Shayona.

Shayona has amassed an impressive reputation, attracting the attention of Michelin inspectors back in 2017. Now, Shayona is the deserved recipient of a Michelin Guide recommendation – an ode to the passion and skill behind the culinary magic. Their website proudly reinforces their dedication to the provision of exceptional dining experiences, stating: “We aim to serve our customers with warmth and grace and transport them to a world where flavours are exquisite and unforgettable”.

Sat in the Northwest London suburb of Neasden, Shayona’s menu inspiration comes chiefly by Indian sub-continent cuisine. However, you can excitedly expect a few dishes of East African Indian food to creep onto the menu. Shayona caters entirely to sattvic, vegetarian dietary requirements, meaning no use of onion, garlic, or meat products on the premises. The restaurant’s focus on specialist cuisine provides delicious options for individuals who may typically face limitations in menu choices at restaurants and exciting chances for others to sample alternative styles of dishes. Shayona advocates dining as the exciting, indulgent experience that it should be.

Guests are welcomed with an extensive a la carte menu. Vast defines Shayona’s selections of starters, where guests can choose from over twenty dishes. From the starters, you could opt for classic Samosas or Bhindi Kur Kure, which consists of fried okra in neat papad cones. For a slightly larger snack, you can head to the light meal section. The light meals consist of an assortment of Dosa, South Indian crepes, cooked from a mix of rice and urid flour and served stuffed with a choice of filling. You may wish to sample the Dosa Paneer or the Dosa Mysore Masala – each Dosa also comes with a side of lentil soup and sweet coconut chutney.

In the curry section, you reach an age-old conundrum of deciding between your usual favourite dish and the temptation of a delicious, new dish description. Is the grass greener, you wonder? Fortunately, at Shayona, the grass is bright green on all sides. Taste ‘tandoor roasted aubergine’ in the Ringan Oro, ‘spiced chickpeas’ in the classic Chana Masala, or ‘spicy soya mince’ in the Shayona Soya Mince Curry. To accompany your curry, check the menu for a further assortment of rice, rotis, and accompaniment such as masala papadums. Shayona also offers a wide selection of traditional beverages, including delicious variations of a lassi – a flavoured yoghurt drink that effortlessly balances the spice of curry. Guests can try sweet, salted, rose, or mango flavoured lassi. Alternatively, indulge in a purchase of a few large jugs of each.

After the satisfaction of quality food and attentive service, you can enjoy the benefits of Shayona’s multi-cultural location and further culinary tasting opportunities. You will pass Shayona’s vibrant sister venue on exiting the restaurant – a sweet and savoury focused Indian food shop. Here, you can extend your authentic exploration of Indian food with the option to indulge in a homemade takeaway dessert such as the Shayona Mohanthal or Churma Ladoo.

Within the temple complex, guests can explore a permanent exhibition dedicated to ‘Understanding Hinduism’ – the oldest living faith. Explore the displays and colourful craftwork or watch a short documentary for a cinematic immersion into Hindu cultures and beliefs. Practisers also welcome guests to join in mediation, prayer, and the daily Arti and Abhishek ceremonies. Outside, Neasden Temple offers visitors a garden of sculpted topiary and colourful flowerbeds – a blissful after-dinner stroll on a late summer evening.

Shayona offers an authentic, educational immersion into both Hinduism and Indian food. The restaurant’s unique temple locale creates a multifaceted dining experience, genuinely reflecting Shayona’s mission to transport guests to another ‘world’ of exquisite unforgettability. A valuable, luxurious addition to London’s culinary scene, dining at Shayona is hospitality to be experienced.