Putney’s food scene has a new addition this month with the opening of Rasoi, an Indian restaurant offering authentic, freshly made dishes from across the subcontinent.
The new eatery takes over the former Calowries sandwich shop, and is already drawing in curious locals with its warm welcome, bold spices, and a 10% launch discount for customers collecting their meals.
The man behind the restaurant is chef and co-owner Kulraj Ahluwalia, who brings over 25 years of family experience in the Indian restaurant business. Having previously worked in his father’s restaurant in the Republic of Ireland, Rasoi is his first independent venture in the UK.
“I’ve been in the kitchen since I was a teenager,” says Kulraj. “I started properly working in our family restaurant around six or seven years ago. This is the next step for me – my own thing.”
Although he lives in West London, Kulraj says Putney stood out as a promising spot for Rasoi. “London is incredibly competitive when it comes to finding good locations. This is a smaller space but it’s close to central London and has a great local community,” he explains. “People here are friendly, supportive – and they love a good takeaway.”
Despite being a newcomer to the area, Rasoi aims to stand out with its focus on traditional Indian dishes made fresh daily. “This isn’t Indian fusion or watered down. It’s proper, authentic food,” says Kulraj. “My favourite dish is the butter chicken – it’s creamy and a little sweet – but if you like something spicier, the chicken madras with coconut cream is amazing. And we have loads of vegetarian and vegan options too – lentils, chickpeas, mixed veg, paneer. Something for everyone.”
The restaurant offers both table service and takeaway, and is available on delivery apps – though Kulraj encourages customers to collect where possible: “The food stays hotter and fresher when it’s collected directly. Deliveries sometimes get delayed and by the time it gets to you, it’s not how we intended it.”
Like many small businesses, Rasoi has opened amid rising costs and economic uncertainty. “Costs are going up – taxes, National Insurance, everything,” Kulraj admits. “But we’re committed to keeping the quality high. We won’t cut corners on food – that’s the heart of the business.”
With plans to eventually open more branches if Rasoi proves successful, Kulraj is optimistic. “I want this to be a place people in Putney love – somewhere they can always count on for a good meal.”
Rasoi is open Tuesday-Sunday, closed on Mondays, at 174 Lower Richmond Road. Rasoi is Hindi for ‘kitchen’ but also refers to the act and art of cooking.
