Shu La La - Review - Holloway - London - The Infatuation

"For a hot pot experience that feels more like a banquet than a casual dinner, go to Shu La La on Holloway Road. This Sichuan dry spicy hot pot spot is a whole experience. Sit under the watchful gaze of a giant ‘Journey to the West’ mural, sleeves rolled up, steam rising, and construct your meal like a spicy, savoury wedding cake. Start at the base with your protein of choice—maybe frog legs, maybe brisket—and build upwards with layers of vegetables, noodles, and whatever else you fancy, all doused in scarlet-red oil and loaded with Sichuan peppercorns. The numbing heat creeps up on you and pulls you back in for more. Still hungry? Add a side of smoky barbecue skewers: the chewy tofu skin and tender beef slices are non-negotiables. It’s messy, intense, and theatrical in the best way." - Angela Hui