Following its tantalising assault on Covent Garden’s collective palate, Dishoom has brought its Bombay café concept to Shoreditch.
Upon passing the cosy veranda on the way in, you will immediately felt like you’ve been transported to somewhere far more beautiful than East London.The interior design is inspired by India’s Irani street cafés’ of late twentieth-century Bombay. A sign reading ‘permit room’ greets you at the entrance – Indian English for ‘alcohol-licensed premises’. The giant clock suspended from the ceiling is a small copy of the one at Victoria Terminus in Bombay. The tiled floors and bentwood chairs are also faithful to true Bombay style.
Split into various areas – the capacious site has an engaging buzz, with a courtyard for alfresco meals and a more exclusive ‘kitchen dining room’ downstairs where you can watch the Indian chefs at work.
The all-day menu focuses on small plates designed for sharing (think crisp veggie samosas and delicately spiced, crispy-yet-tender calamari), alongside grills such as smoky, aromatic chicken tikka and a deliciously moreish signature dish of lamb raan.
Seekh kebabs arrive well spiced, the minced lamb juicy, served piping hot from the grill. The masla prawns are succulent and tender while the chicken biryani with cranberries is surprisingly delicious. Many more distinctively Bombay dishes are also on the menu, including bhel (a spicy puffed-rice snack) and pau bhaji (spicy vegetables in a bread roll).
Home-made sweet or salted biscuits, pastries and puffs are served from the Dishoom bakery, located on the ground floor
Desserts are a cut above your average local Indian, too – don’t miss the pineapple and black-pepper crumble and the Kala Khata Gola ice – a mind-melting blend of salt, hot chilli, ice and blueberries.
The bar knocks out a fine assortment of Indian-tinged cocktails, such as the bay-infused viceroy’s old fashioned, the 1948 Sour, made with Amrut whisky, and the East India Gimlet with lime and celery bitters, while abstainers will equally enjoy the selection of spicy chais and lassis.
All-in-all, Dishoom is great for the atmosphere, the friendly and welcoming staff and the impeccable taste creations whether you’re visiting for breakfast, lunch, dinner or drinks.
| 7 Boundary Street, London, E2 7JE | Transport: Shoreditch High Street rail |
| Telephone: +44 020 7420 9324 | Opening Hours: 9:00-23:00 daily |
| Price: Meal for two with drinks and service: around £55 | Website |
