Dishoom London

Dishoom derives from the Hindi word for “pow”

Which makes sense as Dishoom packs quite a punch. The UK has had a love affair with Indian cuisine for centuries. In fact, the UK’s first Indian restaurant opened in Mayfair back in 1810. The Hindostanee Coffee House was opened by Sake Dean Mahomed. Described as a soldier, traveller, surgeon and entrepreneur. Sounds like a busy man. Under those circumstances, I don’t know how anyone would have the time to run a restaurant. Then, very few people ate out. Consequently, Sake Dean Mohamed went out of business just two years later. Moreover, the British public had tasted Indian cuisine and liked it. Fast forward 200 years to 2010. Katy Perry and Justin Bieber are riding high in the charts. Fabio Capello’s England team crashed out of the World Cup against Germany, and Dishoom opened its doors in London. Specifically, Covent Garden.

Dishoom London Covent Garden opens its doors

Dishoom opened its first spot in Covent Garden. Modelled on the Irani style, post-colonial cafes in Bombay. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, the restaurant became an instant hit with queues around the block. Not just your typical Indian restaurant, Dishoom takes you on a journey. Carefully considered yet beautiful curated decor tells an imaginary story. The artefacts at every turn make you smile. Black-and-white framed photos of strangers. Retro adverts for South Asian products of yesteryear. Bold yet glamorous Art Deco furnishing. All of which makes you feel as if you have stepped onto a Bollywood film set.

The staff are always so friendly. Service is paramount here. There could be a queue out the door, come rain or shine, someone will beam at you with a huge smile and offer you a lemonade, tea or chai whilst you wait. Almost unheard of for a London restaurant where nine times out of ten a snooty maître d will turf you back out onto the street should you dare turn up without a booking.

Feel good food

Of course, people came for the food: breakfast is bacon naan rolls, chocolate chai, date and banana porridge, fresh fruit, yoghurts, and akuri. Additionally, the masala beans are a must-try. The all-day menu is glorious Bombay comfort food. Traditional with innovative twists: jackfruit biryani, anyone? From small dishes to full meals, with plenty of roti, grills, biryanis and curries. The curries are affectionately called “Ruby Murrays”. Sharing is encouraged. Dishoom is a great place to take a date and relax; unpretentious and no-frills, yet still chic. The menu is so well-loved that it has only been altered once in 14 years. Please bring back the old popadoms.

To really get the party started, you cannot miss the colourful selection of cocktails. The Bollybellini is a superstar. The whole experience warms your soul (and your tongue if you choose the Nalli Nahari). The “Thums Up” cola imported from India is interesting. A real feel-good restaurant, plus a stunning woman and you have got the perfect date.

From Bombay to London with Love

15 years after Covent Garden’s success, the Dishoom family consists of 10 restaurants and 3 “Permit Rooms”. Specifically, Permit Rooms are cosier, all-day cafe concepts with a neighbourhood feel. Located in Brighton, Oxford, and Cambridge, expect coffee, craft beers and DJ sets. The Dishoom restaurants cover Battersea, Canary Wharf, Carnaby Street, Kensington, Kings Cross, Shoreditch, and, of course, Covent Garden in London. While beyond the capital, Birmingham, Edinburgh and Manchester all have a Dishoom.

Dishoom London and beyond

Each location seamlessly blends into its surroundings. For example, Dishoom Kings Cross is located in a repurposed railway shed. The scene is set for Dishoom’s story or “founding myth”. Each venue has a backstory that explains the restaurant’s theme. Granary Square once served as a hub for goods from London to the rest of the world. Hence, there is an antique set of industrial scales on a counter and a large clock as props. To add weight to the scene, each location has its own story and audio book on Dishoom’s website. Kings Cross’s protagonist is an Irani lad arriving in Bombay with big ambitions, serving chai and food to railway workers.

Dishoom Shoreditch tells the story of Ruby, a vivacious Bollywood singer wearing a flamboyant green-and-gold sari. The Shoreditch branch is a glamorous and intimate setting where you can well imagine Ruby sashaying through.

Each location is both intimate yet vast. Frosted glass partitions and smaller rooms, often off a large dining room, break up the large restaurants. Perfect for a romantic date. Importantly, the booth-like seating means it is nice and private. After all, we all want a good atmosphere. No one wants a soulless eatery. However, it is important that you get close and have a good conversation.

A Date at Dishoom

In summary, this is like no other chain restaurant you have visited. Each location stands on its own, but all share the Dishoom ethos. Dishoom really does have the most hospitable yet hip staff. Guaranteed a comforting meal surrounded by chatter and laughter. Big fans, wicker furniture, dark wood, and fun props (like a giant rice scale) give the place a fresh, cheerful atmosphere. It really is an “East meets West” moment, from the décor to the food and the crown, it’s a mixed bag. Furthermore, I see affluent university students, businessmen and women, friends, but also families. Everyone is welcome at Dishoom. Vegetarian and vegan options abound. Do not miss Dishoom London, take a date and see for yourself.

If you’d like to invite one of our beautiful girls to Dishoom for a date, just give us a call on 0207 183 194 and we’ll be happy to arrange it.