A selection of stories: there’s Bombay magic within

Dishoom stories

Here, you’ll find tales that delve into the origins of our beloved recipes, the traditions that inspire them and the culture in which they are embedded.

From the bustle of Bombay’s streets to the timeless charm of the old Irani cafés, we invite you to explore the stories that have shaped our menu and celebrate the city that we hold so dear.

story

Bombay: a delicious melting pot

Bombay is a delicious melting pot, where cultures continually mingle and evolve. Read on for the history of Bombay’s cuisine, with its Portuguese, Parsi and Goan influences.

Dishoom Battersea's Bhatti Chicken special

Also once known as Mr Khatri's Chicken

Celebrating 20 million meals

20 million meals for children

The Art of Mango

Dishoom Impact Report 2024

People, community and planet. Read the Dishoom Impact Report 2024 - the things we're proud of and our plans for the future.

Leopold's café

The Magic of Breakfast

Food for Thought, Fuel for Learning

Discovering the theatre and café culture of 1950s Bombay

Theatre and café culture of 1950s Bombay.

The story of Diwali and Ramayana, by Vayu Naidu

A guest blog post by master storyteller, Vayu Naidu

The ritual of Zakat

Ramadan, The Month of Giving

What is Ganesh Chaturthi?

A celebration of oneness

Dishoom x Magic Breakfast: More than a partnership

Thoughts from Carmel McConnell MBE

A love letter to Bombay

A love-letter-of-sorts to the city of Bombay

What is Vaisakhi?

Britannia café, a vintage classic

Britannia Café is a lovely piece of vintage Bombay which is slowly disappearing. We visit for a berry pulao and Thums Up, and are greeted by proud owner Mr Kohinoor.

Taking the Scenic Route with Sudha Bhuchar

Sudha Bhuchar sat down with us to chat all things Ed Fringe, her 40 year career and life as a middle-aged, middle-class, multicultural mother of dual-heritage.

What is Navroz?

A new year celebration of spring, life, and renewal

What is Ramadan?

A time for reflection

A celebration of chutneys

Dip, dab or daub to your heart's content

Bombay’s Modern Art scene meets Dishoom Canary Wharf, by Mortimer Chaterjee

A guest post by dear friend, Mortimer Chatterjee

Reflections from Bhawani Singh Shekhawat, CEO at Akshaya Patra UK

We are so fortunate, still.

Celebrating Homai Vyarawalla

Preserving moments and memories

The Dishoom Shoreditch Verandah

On a sunny day, somewhere in East London

Dishoom x Dialogues of Diaspora – Shamil Thakrar and Shalina Patel

Identity. Representation. History. Evolution. Diversity.

Fasting and Feasting – Notes on Ramadan & Eid, by Rida Bilgrami

A guest post by Rida Bilgrami

The History of Dishoom Chai

Why this spicy-sweet cup of comfort is so important to us

A Night at the Bombay Roxy

What is Eid Al Fitr – The celebration of breaking fast (Iftar)

Eid-al-Fitr is welcomed with great joy after a month of austerity.

Celebrating Women in Indian Cinema

with 'Not Just Bollywood' film season

The History of Raksha Bandhan

A Celebration of Brotherhood

Dishoom x Dialogues of Diaspora – 'An Unexpected History' by Shalina Patel

Suffragette Indian princesses, espionage agents and a complimentary tour of the Egyptian pyramids

What is Holi?

BURA NA MANO, HOLI HAI!

A Dishoom Covent Garden poem, by Joe Winter

A poem on Dishoom Covent Garden, by Joe Winter

Designing Dishoom – Irani café inspration

Bombay's 'hot' Jazz scene by Dom James

Welcome to Dishoom Permit Room Cambridge

The vibe never dims

From Bombay to London, by Pooja

Before I moved to London I was told often how similar it is to Bombay.

Dishoom's Christmas Turkey

Unlimited food for education by Bhawani Singh Shekhawat

By Bhawani Singh Shekhawat

Serving suggestions for our Permit Room Old Fashioned

Our chief Daru-walla expertly guides us on the perfect serve of our Permit Room Old-Fashioned cocktail at home

Bademiya Grill House

Every Bombayite knows Bademiya...

What is Raksha Bandhan?

The Knot Of Protection

What is Martyrs Day?

Martyrs’ Day is a sombre day for Indians

The History of Chintz

Bringing charm to every table

Chef Rishi shares his grilling and barbecue tips

Rich memories of grills

Preserving memories on plates

In a way, all that we are is a bundle of memories.

Welcome to Dishoom Permit Room Brighton

(It involves bootlegging Aunties)

What is Republic Day?

Republic Day marks the passing of India's constitution. It celebrates the diversity and vibrancy of India - central to everything we do at Dishoom.

Thoughts from Rachael Anderson, Head of Schools at Magic Breakfast

10 Million Meals for Hungry Children

Learning more about Indian Independence

77 Years on, there is still much learning to be done

Celebrating 10 million meals

Reflecting on a momentous milestone with Magic Breakfast and Akshaya Patra

Making House Chai at home with our Naan Roll Kits

What is Indian Independence Day?

On Independence Day, we reflect on the journey from Partition to the rich identity of India today. It is this deep, valuable diversity which we celebrate today.