Nigella Lawson eats at Torrensville restaurant Parwana Afghan Kitchen and Fugazzi in CBD

British culinary queen Nigella Lawson’s food tour of Adelaide has continued with a surprise visit to Laura Sharrad’s city restaurant and an impromptu stop on Henley Beach Rd.

British culinary queen Nigella Lawson’s food tour of Adelaide has continued with a visit to Laura Sharrad’s CBD restaurant, Fugazzi Bar and Dining Room.

Lawson arrived unannounced on Monday night, telling former MasterChef star Sharrad she was lured in by the “delicious” smells emanating outside her Leigh St eatery.

After dinner, Sharrad said Lawson described the steak frites dish, prepared by headchef Max Sharrad, as “one of the best” she’s ever had.

“She said she’d walked past Fugazzi the past few days and thought it smelt delicious,” said Laura, who came runner-up on MasterChef in 2014, and opened Fugazzi with her husband Max in April 2021.

“We gave her drinks on arrival and I introduced myself and had a lovely chat while we got a booth ready for her. Max and I had a great chat with her after her meal too, and she raved about the staff and the fit out and Max’s food.

“I was always disappointed that she wasn’t on my season of Masterchef, but this was far better than meeting her on the show. She was so easy and fun and down to earth, we had a great connection.”

Nigella Lawson with Laura Sharrad at Fugazzi on Monday night. Picture: Supplied/ Laura Sharrad.

Lawson also made a brief visit to Paladino’s Cucina on Henley Beach Road on Saturday night.

Co-owner Danii Paladino spotted the foodie walking by the restaurant, quickly racing outside to see if Lawson would come back and pose for some photos.

Ever the gracious star, Lawson returned to the packed venue to raucous cheers.

“We were completely starstruck, lost for words,” Danii said.

“She’s absolutely gorgeous, just like she is on TV and we’re so grateful she indulged us with her time.”

Nigella Lawson with Makenzie Paladino and Danii Paladino at Paladino's Cucina on Saturday night. Pic: Supplied.

Earlier that night, Lawson surprised the owners and staff at Parwana Afghan Kitchen, also on Henley Beach Road, popping into the venue to taste the menu.

The British cook and author surprised the restaurant’s owners, the Ayubi family, when she arrived at the Torrensville restaurant to taste the menu.

It comes 18 months after Lawson posted a glowing review on her website of the Parwana cookbook, released in October 2020.

Durkhani Ayubi, one of five daughters to Zelma and Farida – the restaurant’s cook – said Lawson’s arrival was a surprise.

Nigella Lawson at Parwana Afghan Kitchen with Cook and owner Farida Ayubi. Picture: Instagram

Kabuli palaw (traditional rice dish) at Parwana. Picture: Ftema Ayubi

“She just came in with somebody from her team and said, ‘hello’,” said Ms Ayubi, who authored the Parwana book.

“I just said, ‘hello’, and mum said, ‘hello’, and she was really lovely and happy to be there.

“She loved the food. She said she had been really looking forward to trying the food and meeting mum.”

Parwana opened in 2009 and has built a legion of fans over the years. Its run by the Ayubi family, who migrated from Afghanistan in 1987.

The family behind Parwana restaurant. (Back) Adrian Iandiorio, Fatema Ayubi, Zainab Ayubi, Richard Liminhen, Durkhanai Ayubi, Raihanah Ayubi, Yusra Ashna and Sayed Ayaz Achna. (Front) Zahra Ayubi, Isaac Iandiorio (9 Months) Zakariya Iandiorio (4), Farida Ayubi, Zelma Ayubi, Yaqub Ashna (7), and Zelaikhah Ayubi. Picture: Tom Huntley

Ms Ayubi said Nigella tried the restaurant’s famed palaw (rice), dahl and meat dishes.

“Obviously we were all really excited, but she was left to enjoy her meal,” she said.

“Mum invited her over to her house but she didn't have time. Mum did a mum move!

“They actually made a follow-up call to us about how thrilled they were to have been there.”

Of the cookbook, which explores the Ayubis’ journey to Australia, Lawson wrote: “Parwana is more than an elegy, it is a celebration: the recipes in it bulge with colour and flavour and life. It’s as rewarding to cook from as to read.”

It’s not the first time Lawson has sampled South Australia’s dining scene. She dined at restaurant Shobosho in 2019 with Barossa food legend Maggie Beer, while in town for a show at Adelaide Festival Centre, as well as Jock Zonfrillo’s former Adelaide restaurant, Orana.

It’s understood Lawson was in town while filming for Channel 7’s new season of MKR, of which she is a judge.