Dishoom

I have wanted to try out Dishoom since it first landed in London. There are now a few outlets of this well-loved chain of Irani cafes which mimic those of Bombay. However, it is notoriously difficult to get a table. You can book for breakfast (the menu looks amazing!) and lunch, but not for dinner unless you're a big group. This means an inevitable queue. Having tried and failed to get into the Kings Cross branch on a Saturday evening, we tried the Covent Garden restaurant straight after work on a week day. Success! We still had to wait for 20 mins (at 6pm!) but we were given a hot chai in the queue, and then seated at the bar to wait for our tables.

The good news is that the cocktails are delicious. Unique and innovative, and at a fairly reasonable price too! 

Once seated in this really beautiful restaurant - they really do have the decor just right - we had a look at the menu, and asked the waiter for recommendations. Everything comes once it's cooked, rather than as starters and mains, and it was all ready really quickly.

My favourite dish of the meal was the okra fries. I know these don't sound all that appetising, but the really pack a punch! Citrusy and spicy and crunchy. Yum. We also shared a portion of the Pau Bhaji. The menu says 'A bowl of mashed vegetables with a hot buttered pay bun, Chowpatty Beach style. No food is more Bombay.' So I had to try it. And it was delicious - an absolute must if you pay Dishoom a visit.

We also tried Dishoom's star dish 'Black House Dahl'. This was rich and flavoursome, and the perfect accompaniment to a spicy curry. Which is what I had. He opted for the Murgh Malai, a grilled chicken dish.

I honestly can't recommend Dishoom enough. Once you get over the initial hurdle of getting into the place, you really can't fault it. Beautifully decorated, helpful and well-informed staff, quick service, and delicious food which genuinely feels authentic. I can't wait to go back and try the rest of the menu.

Rating 9.5/10 (because of the queue!)
www.dishoom.com