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All Welcome
All Welcome
There’s something rather special about a chutney. Dipped, dabbed, daubed, nicely spicy or slightly sharp-biting yet pleasantly sweet. They enhance lots of dishes, and not just with their unique flavour. They remind us of dear memories previously past: a family recipe (always secret before you ask), an ingredient or even a moment in time. The Dishoom Chutney range is rooted in rainy monsoon days when Chef Naved would eat spiced warm pakoras with a dot of chutney; of co-founder Shamil’s mother’s tangy-sweet Apple Chundo recipe; of snacks-a-plenty on Chowpatty at sunset.
From lunchtime onwards, chutneys are at the centre of Dishoom tables. A little trio of pots are offered to every guest as they sit down to tuck into delicious Bombay fare. Some of these much-loved condiments are now available for at-home dining, be it individually or together as a lovely little Chutney Gift Set (complete with three small stainless steel spoons and bowls for serving).
The Apple Chundo, tangy yet delicately spiced, lifts a humble papad nicely. The Tamarind & Date Chutney is an excellent accompaniment for anything that calls for a bit of sour and spice. It’s used in Dishoom favourites including Vada Pau, Aloo Tikki Chaat and Soft-shell Crab Masala plus it goes most well with fried snacks. Then there’s the Chilli Chutney – intense, provocative and complex. A little goes a long way. One of Chef Naved’s favourite ways to enjoy it is mixed into fresh butter and spread on warm makki ki roti.
Available individually, or in a neat gift set, these moreish chutneys can make more or less any dish sing. A lick of any of them wouldn’t go amiss in your work-day sandwiches (or even better, a hot grilled cheese sandwich) whilst Tamarind & Date adds a little tang when mixed into a dressing for grain salads or roasted vegetables. Pair them as well with a Sunday roast – we suggest Apple Chundo for pork, lamb or even goose whilst the Tamarind & Date is optimal with lamb shoulder. And, of course, it would be remiss of us not to mention leftover roast sandwiches! In some people’s opinion, they are even better than the main centrepiece itself. Dab or dollop the chutneys on what remains from your feasts to discover your own flavour combinations. Do let us know what you find. Then there’s the majestic cheese board. The secret to a good one is variety and the Dishoom chutneys are a first-class accompaniment to ripe cheeses, crackers, fresh fruit and other delights. All guaranteed to leave you thoroughly full.
Wonderfully versatile and flavoursome, chutneys are an excellent addition to any table. For those of you who wish to bring a little of our cafés into your own home, be sure to peruse our range of delectable chutneys and preserves on the Dishoom Store.
The origins of chintz can be firmly – and humbly – traced back to 16th century India. The word ‘chintz’ is derived from the Hindi word ‘chint’, meaning spotted or splattered. These intricate designs and endless patterns were traditionally hand-printed using wooden blocks - kalamkari - and brilliantly coloured natural dyes.
We often find it too easy to hurtle through the days, in an attempt to outpace the bustling city – be it London or Bombay – which always seems to be running away like a steam-engine train on a rickety track. Occasionally, it does us good to pause for thought, to disembark the carriage and sit on the platform awhile.
How does one create a space where people can truly connect over food? How can a host make their guests feel relaxed, at ease, and suitably cared for? Since launching our all-new Dishoom Crockery, we have been pondering the answers to these questions even more than usual. We recently discussed them with Creative Director - and frequent dinner party hostess - Kirthanaa Naidu when we invited her to create a first-class tablescape in our Canary Wharf café.
Each year, the spring equinox – when day and night are equal length – marks a transition in earth’s relationship with the sun. This event, sacred to many cultures throughout history, today thrives as a new year celebration for hundreds of millions.
In Bombay, London, and throughout the South Asian diaspora, you’ll find many folks of the Zoroastrian faith (amongst others) celebrating this new year, or Navroz as we like to call it.