"I am always down for Dishoom" - Sachelle.W
Did I really just open this post quoting myself? Yes - fight me!
No, but really, this post is a description of probably my fourth visit to Dishoom and I can honestly say that each visit is just as good as the last.
Now, I am aware that I haven't written a review in a while, but I also haven't stopped eating out.
When planning to revisit Dishoom, I knew I had to write a piece about the visit. I say planning because due to just how popular this Indian chain of restaurants are, you are likely to be left with one of two options; to book in advance or settle with waiting in long cues. As keen as I am of the branches founded in 2010, I'm not much of a fan of cueing. Hungry Sach, isn't pleasant Sach - just ask my pals.
The motivation behind my visit was for a small celebration with my Mum as a couple weekends back, I completed a half marathon for Cancer Research's: Shine Night Walk. And ever since I brought home a takeaway portion of Dishoom's Chicken Biriyani last year, my Mum's been itching to visit.
After a busy morning running errands and paying a much needed visit to the hairdressers, I met Mum for our 4.30pm reservation. As we scurried out of our Bolt into the restaurant, we were pleasantly greeted by a ever so gracious host who got us seated.
Whilst I got to snapping photos and slow motion videos of the decor, Mum got to reading over the cocktail menu. I had made her take a look at the food menu exactly 24 hours prior to ensure we were beyond ready for the pending chow down, and within moments we were attended to by one of many servers for the evening.
We were also seated right by a waiter station, and so, got to witness the fine art of attentive table service. Which, in true Dishoom fashion, was completely flawless!
For drinks we ordered a BollyBelini £7.90 and Viceroy's Old Fashion £9.90 to start, followed by a carafe of Shiraz £22.40. I was particularly pleased with how refreshing the Belini was, as it wasn't as sickly sweet as I expected it to be, compared to standard Bellinis often made with over-poured syrups. The Old Fashion wasn't something I'd typically order, yet once it had rested in it's tumbler of ice, I found it to be rather enjoyable.
To start, we ordered a portion of Pau Bhaji £4.90 and the Lamb Samosas £5.20 to share which, funnily enough, I wasn't too interested in eating. But after hearing Mum's praise on how flavoursome the mince was, I knew I had to know for myself and I wasn't at all disappointed.
After munching those down swiftly, we were presented with the mains that we ordered:
- Chicken Ruby £10.90
- Adwahi Lamb Biriyani £11.90
- House Black Daal £6.50
- "A bowl of greens" £3.90
- Roomali Roti £3.20
As a Black Briton of Trinidadian descent, I am still working on my poor attempts to handle spicy food. So I was most delighted with the delicate balance of aromatic flavours. As we scooped up a mix of the Daal and Chicken Ruby with the Roti skins, we were reminded of our heritage. As cliche as it sounds, the lamb was so tender that we developed an impatience for each mouthful, smiling ever so often at the similarities between Indian and West Indian cuisine.
Our table was almost silent, with an exception of the smacking of our lips and the short sounds made to tell each other to pass over different dishes.
Dishoom's menu is comforting, serving bowls of food for the soul. The building's decor would make even a novice want to snap a pic to share on social media.
- Roomali Roti £3.20
As a Black Briton of Trinidadian descent, I am still working on my poor attempts to handle spicy food. So I was most delighted with the delicate balance of aromatic flavours. As we scooped up a mix of the Daal and Chicken Ruby with the Roti skins, we were reminded of our heritage. As cliche as it sounds, the lamb was so tender that we developed an impatience for each mouthful, smiling ever so often at the similarities between Indian and West Indian cuisine.
Our table was almost silent, with an exception of the smacking of our lips and the short sounds made to tell each other to pass over different dishes.
Dishoom's menu is comforting, serving bowls of food for the soul. The building's decor would make even a novice want to snap a pic to share on social media.
A cuisine perfect for sharing and flavours that leave you wanting more!
It would take a major crisis for me to stop revisiting Dishoom, and I hope to visit more often as we prepare for the arrival of winter.
Vibe - For me, this particular branch (Kensington) screamed smart casual, (despite me showing up in a t-shirt and jeans) as the attention to detail just makes you want to fit the scene. A preference but not a requirement.
Munch - I believe I have tried something new each visit and still haven't grown bored of the classics. Each dish to me was truly flawless and delicious!
Munch - I believe I have tried something new each visit and still haven't grown bored of the classics. Each dish to me was truly flawless and delicious!
Triple R - A true win with every visit, no matter the occasion. I would most definitely recommend and return to Dishoom.
Making my Total Rating Score - 5/5
For more information;
Instagram - @Dishoom