Designed to look like the library of Patrick Geddes, founder of the Sociology & Civics department of Sociology and Civics at Bombay University, Dishoom creates an elegant and relaxing dining experience.
Sitting in the atmospheric upper dining room, we were framed by vast windows and academic memorabilia lining the dark walls. The dining experience was perfectly designed to ensure that we were comfortable and happy, and we were well looked after by the team.
Dishoom is known for their scrumptious breakfast naan rolls, a twist on a typical breakfast sandwich. As vegetarians, we were pleased that there was such a wide variety of options. The Egg Naan Roll was our first meal of the day and we were obsessed from the moment we tasted it. The light and fluffy naan was perfectly paired with a runny fried egg that had our mouths watering. The Vegan Sausage Naan Roll was a mix of sweet and salty, tied together by a delicious savoury jam. The portion sizes were generous, but left us wanting more, purely because of how unique and delectable they were. We were already planning our next visit so we could get our next Naan Roll fix!
The Kejriwal offers an experience of a typical breakfast, and it was a perfect meal for those who prefer a lighter, simpler breakfast, without sacrificing on flavour and spice.
When we visited, the Chole Puri Halwa was making its long-awaited debut on the Dishoom breakfast menu, having previously only been available on the A La Carte menu. It did not disappoint. The dish was made of four components, a puri (traditional Indian fried bread), chole (chickpea curry), halwa (dessert made from sweet semolina), and a carrot and chilli pickle. The puri was fluffy and went spectacularly well with the spices in the chole, whilst the pickles added an extra burst of flavour.
For avid spice lovers, this dish was perfect as it provided just the right amount of kick. For a milder option, try the Naan rolls or the Vegan Bombay Breakfast. Having said this, the sweetness of the halwa complimented the flavours and spices of the meal well, making it the perfect end to an already delicious breakfast dish.
Dishoom sets out to create a genuine experience for its diners, with the aim of transporting them to the buzzing atmosphere of an Irani cafe in Bombay. Through the introduction of this dish, they have captured a truly authentic Indian breakfast (which I can attest to!) along with all of the flavours and spices that Indian families know and love.
The House chai was much better than any kind of chai you would find in a regular Edinburgh coffee shop. The ingredients were perfectly balanced to make it flavoursome without being too overwhelming, and the smooth, milky consistency was extremely comforting, reminding me of the kind my Dad would make at home. It’s also refillable!
The iced coffee was fruity and refreshing. Despite the rain pattering the windows, this drink felt like summertime.
Dishroom offers a dining experience that is unique without being overpriced. Breakfast dishes are typically around £10, so this makes Dishoom a perfect location for an end of the week treat, without breaking the student bank.
Image via Anni Hodgkinson