March 1953
BOMBAY
Crisp and organised, Roda Irani leads her daughter through the narrow gullies of Swadeshi Market. “Come, let us get to the café.” They begin to walk the length of the market, shoulder to hip. Each gully is lined with stalls separated by thin partitions or simple thick cloth. Roda and Farah navigate past shoppers haggling over the price of scissors, padlocks, bolts of cloth – an array of products with one thing in common: all made by Indian hands on Indian soil.
Freedom through trade. Bombay, like Birmingham, is a city of a thousand trades. Through its markets and manufacturers, craftsmen and commerce, India forged a proud new identity built on the principle of Swadeshi (self-reliance), and gained its independence.
At Dishoom Birmingham, we pay homage to all who laboured for India’s freedom. Open all day, every day, serving Bombay comfort food for breakfast, lunch, dinner and evening tipples. All are welcome.
Begin your day at Dishoom with breakfast, which might be a Bacon Naan Roll, a Kejriwal or The Big Bombay. Then, lunch deliciously on a Paneer Roomali Roll and fancy Salads, or linger with a feast. Refresh your afternoon with a drop of Chai and a small plate or two. Dine early or dine late. Or just join us for a tipple – perhaps an India Gimlet, and a Pitaya-Papaya Colada, if free-spirits prevail.
Birmingham Specials
Royally magnificent. Tender pieces of lamb leg cooked slowly with rich keema and roasted spice. Much stirring and vigour were used in the making of this dish. Dip the soft handkerchief bread. Eat the onions. Nibble the chillies.
A new myth to celebrate. Much-favoured spirit of India, Jack Daniels Triple Mash, is lengthened with Dishoom Chai spices, fiery ginger beer and dashes of grapefruit bitters. Dependable, refreshing and feisty, for independent spirits.
Reservations
at Birmingham
Dishoom is mostly a walk-in café. All are welcome, any time, no reservations needed. However, if you'd like to make a reservation, groups of any size may book.
Bombay, March 1953. Mother and daughter make their way through the narrow gullies of Swadeshi Market, following the delicious aroma wafting sweetly from their café. Roda laments her Father, who passed away just before India became free. She looks down at her daughter: “I have a story to tell you. It’s a story of our independence and how we gained our freedom through a thousand trades.” A story that’s told on our walls.
ABOVE: Aruna Asaf Ali was an Indian educator, political activist, publisher and an active participant in the Indian independence movement
ABOVE: These are Chef Rishi’s parents
ABOVE: Durgabai was an Indian freedom fighter, lawyer, social worker, politician and a keen follower of Gandhi’s and took part in his Salt March during the Civil Disobedience Movement
ABOVE: Mangaldas Nathubhoy belonged to the Bania community and was a cotton mill magnate who endowed the Mangaldas Market (a neighbouring market to Swadeshi)
ABOVE: In 1907, Madame Cama (also known as the 'Mother of Indian Revolution') addressed the delegates of the International Socialist Congress at Stuttgart and unfolded the Indian Tricolour Flag - the first time an Indian flag was ever displayed in a foreign country
Bombay via BirminghamPlanning your visit
Dishoom Birmingham
One Chamberlain Square
Birmingham
B3 3AX
Tel: 0121 809 5986
Monday–Thursday 8am to 11pm
Friday 8am to 12am
Saturday 9am to 12am
Sunday 9am to 11pm
Nearest Train Station: Birmingham New Street, Birmingham Snow Hill
Nearest Metro Station: Town Hall, Grand Central,
Nearest Bus Stop: Birmingham Summer Row Great Charles Street, Baskerville House
Outdoor seating
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Step-free access to the front door
Loo on the same floor as the dining area
Disabled loo
We accept bookings online up to four months in advance for up to 30 guests and accept enquiries for 30+. For larger parties or for specific event requests, do get in touch with us directly to book.
Once again, the loss of her father presses on her heart, almost physically. She thinks of how he never witnessed the birth of free India; never felt the elation at the stroke of that midnight hour; never saw the sun rise on India’s freedom.
The story continues
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