THE OLD IRANI CAFÉS of Bombay have almost all disappeared. Their faded elegance welcomed all: courting couples, sweaty taxi-wallas, students, artists and lawyers. These cafés broke down barriers by bringing people together over food and drink. Bombay was more welcoming, more cosmopolitan, for their existence. Dishoom pays homage to the Irani cafés and the food of all Bombay.
Bombay breakfast, lunch, afternoon chai, dinner and late tipples. Available for delivery.
Food & Drink
Neatly wrapped presents sitting patiently under the tree. Excited hands, a quick tug of the string, a sharp tear of paper, the reveal of a thoughtful gift, a smile and soft contented sigh. For those after such gifts that fill the room with joy, may the Dishoom Store be your guide. Brimful with barmy gifts and sundries, contents that guarantee that no one is left displeased. For inspiration, have a little scroll.
The trees are going up – topper included, strings of sparkly lights are being strung and festive tunes are starting to gently waft around amidst busy kitchen clattering. In our cafés, Christmas is almost here and with it, copious amounts of cheer. Behind the scenes, our Chef-wallas are busy introducing a hint of Bombay to this year’s festive delights, including the never-seen-before Bacon, Brie and Cranberry Naan Roll!
Thursday 12th April – 1973, BOMBAY. It is almost light outside. It must be about six. He’s been awake half the night trying to figure out what to do. Lying on his bed, he stares through the rotating blades of the ceiling fan which only serve to stir the close warm air of his room. He needs to think – he’s running out of time. But his eyes feel salted and his head throbs.
This chicken biryani is our homage to Britannia’s chicken berry pulao, using cranberries in place of the more authentic Persian barberries, which are tricky to find. (Despite much cajoling, Mr Kohinoor has never shared his wife’s famous recipe.) It is prepared in the kacchi style, originating from Hyderabad, in which marinated raw meat goes into the pot, to be cooked at the same time as the rice.
Dishoom was a game-changer: stylish, affordable and with a defiantly youthful outlook that was more focused on how Londoners wanted to eat in the 21st-century than outdated British attitudes to both Indian cuisine and India itself.
The staffers are friendly, the prices are low and the food is first-class. I had one of my most enjoyable meals of the year here. Dishoom well encapsulates the current trend for quality without fuss.
If you’re a big-hearted person looking for a first-class career in hospitality, read on.
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