Bombay, March 1923
Everyday people all sitting, working and sleeping, cheek by jowl. And amongst them, of course, sits Geddes, a big-hearted Scot of excitable character. Bombay has been his home since 1917. He is meeting his friend Khambatta in a favourite place: Kyani & Co., a so-called ‘Irani’ café opened by some of the Zoroastrian immigrants who had been arriving in Bombay since the turn of the century. On seeing his friend – a jovial Parsi with a remarkable talent for theatre – Geddes reflects for a moment. How welcome and refreshing a space like this would be in Edinburgh…
Scottish botanist, sociologist and town planner Patrick Geddes (1854–1932) was invited to Bombay in 1915. While there, he founded the department of Sociology & Civics at Bombay University, and continually sought to better society by improving civic facilities and creating shared environments.
At Dishoom Edinburgh, we pay tribute to Geddes’ big-hearted character, his visionary thinking and his humanist ideals. 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 Kerjiwal or The Big Bombay. Then, lunch lightly on a Paneer 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 the 1948 Sour, shaken with Amrut whisky founded in the year between India’s Independence and Bombay’s Prohibition.
Edinburgh Specials
This is a first-rate Parsi classic, a notable example of which is served in the inimitable Britannia & Co. Tender lamb is braised in a rich and flavoursome gravy then finished with crunchy salli crisp-chips. Served with buttered Roomali Roti.
Muddle of best rum, pineapple syrup and bitters, named for the upstanding editor of the Bombay Chronicle, fervent supporter of Indian Independence. The paper had a strong anti-colonial voice and became a mouthpiece for the freedom movement under Horniman.
CHAI
PUNCH
by the Peg
Reservations at Edinburgh
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 during the day. After 6pm, we accept bookings for groups of six or more.
A twinkle in Geddes’ eye. How welcome and refreshing a space like this would be back in Edinburgh: a space away from the hubbub of the city – sharing the experience of daily living. Always conscientious in his observations, he climbed out of his chair towards a book exposed on the shelf. One of the many artefacts to nestle inside our café.
ABOVE: Mehru Madon, Pheroze Antia in Mehera ne Khatar
ABOVE: Jerry Kumana, Aban Patel and Ruby Patel as three stewardesses having an affair with the same man in Tirangi Tehmul
ABOVE: Bellin Map of Bombay, 1764
ABOVE: Ruby and Burjor Patel in Kataryu Gap
ABOVE: Dinshah Daji Hilla and Nariman Piroja Bhavan
ABOVE: Dinyar Contractor in Taru Maru Bakalyu
ABOVE: The cast of Lafra Sadan gathered around the bar in a dramatic scene
Bombay via Edinburgh
Planning your visit
Dishoom Edinburgh
3a St Andrew Square
Edinburgh
EH2 2BD
Tel: 0131 2026 406
Monday–Wednesday 8am to 11pm
Thursday–Saturday 8am to 12am
Sunday 8am to 11pm
Nearest Bus Stop: South St David Street (Stop PL)
Nearest Tram Stop: St Andrew Square
Outdoor seating
Please note, collection orders are unavailable during the Edinburgh Fringe.
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Step-free access to the front door
Loos on the same floor as the dining area
Disabled loos
We accept bookings online up to four months in advance for up to 20 guests and accept enquiries for 20+. For larger parties or for specific event requests, do get in touch with us directly to book.
“By living we learn”, he would say to his students from the University of Bombay. And so he would walk, observe, ask, listen – a cheerful nomadic flâneur buoyed by curiosity.
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