Tirak: A Bright New Chapter in Clapham’s Dining Scene
Clapham High Street has gained another gem with the arrival of Tirak, a new pan-Asian restaurant bringing colour, flavour, and personality to South West London’s ever-evolving food scene. Opened in August 2025 by local hospitality duo Natalie and Matt, Tirak embodies the spirit of modern dining, unpretentious, energetic, and filled with dishes that celebrate both comfort and curiosity.
From the outside, Tirak fits naturally into the lively rhythm of Clapham High Street, but stepping inside feels like entering another world. The interiors are washed in warm terracotta tones, creating an inviting glow that changes with the light throughout the day. Two walls of full-length windows flood the room with sunshine, while hessian drapes and sculptural light fixtures add a soft, rustic touch. The effect is both transportive and grounding, a little pocket of escapism right in the middle of London.
In the kitchen, Head Chef Marcus Kong leads the charge. His impressive background includes time at Nanyang Blossom under Chef Patron Daren Liew, as well as at Borough Market’s acclaimed Khao Bird with Luke Larsson. At Tirak, he’s joined by menu consultant Daisy Beale, best known for her beloved Magic Momo brand and her residency at Chelsea institution Nam Long. Together, they’ve created a menu that reflects their shared love for Asia’s vast culinary diversity while paying tribute to Natalie’s Nepalese heritage and Matt’s travels across the region.
The result is a menu that’s bright, bold, and full of surprises. There are dishes that feel instantly familiar, and others that invite exploration. Highlights include a crispy deep-fried seabass served with a fresh herb salad and a lively nam jim jaew sauce that balances heat and tang beautifully. The Crying Tiger dish delivers melt-in-the-mouth pork belly laced with Thai spices, lifted by tamarind and coriander chutney. Vegetarians are equally well cared for, with plates like charred oyster mushroom choila – smoky, spicy, and aromatic with mustard oil and tomato – standing out as a must-try.
The chicken khao soi is a showstopper: silky egg noodles in a creamy coconut broth, topped with crispy fried chicken and a tangle of golden noodles. It’s comforting yet complex, the kind of dish that lingers in your mind long after you’ve left. To finish, the pistachio and gulab jamun cheesecake bridges cultures with finesse, a clever, sweet finale that nods to South Asian tradition through a modern lens.
Tirak feels like the kind of restaurant you could visit on a whim and end up staying for hours. It’s lively but never rushed, stylish but not showy. Whether you’re catching up with friends, celebrating, or simply exploring, there’s a sense of discovery woven through every bite and every detail.
As Clapham continues to evolve as one of London’s most exciting food neighbourhoods, Tirak fits perfectly into the mix, a fresh, confident addition that captures the best of pan-Asian cooking without losing its soul.
Find out more > www.tirak.co.uk
