Last month, I had the pleasure of catching up with my school buddy and his brother over some incredible Indian food at Dishoom Shoreditch in London. It’s a lively branch of the popular Dishoom chain. If you’re unfamiliar with Dishoom, it’s a restaurant that brings the authentic flavours of Mumbai straight to the UK. With its bustling vibe and beautifully styled interiors, it’s no wonder this place has become a beloved spot for Londoners craving a taste of India. My friend and his brother were in town for just a short trip, so we knew we had to make our meetup count.
And what better way to do that than over great food and drinks at one of London’s best Indian restaurants?
We decided to meet up in the late afternoon, thinking we’d beat the rush. As we walked into Dishoom Shoreditch, the first thing that caught my eye was the gorgeous, spacious interior. The restaurant’s décor transported me back to the busy streets of Mumbai, with its vintage posters, old-school lamps, and rich wooden furniture. The details were incredible, and it really felt like being in a 1940s Bombay café. It’s a perfect blend of nostalgia and modernity. Not only is Dishoom known for its food, but its ambience is something to be savoured too.
After being warmly greeted by the staff, we were shown to our table with ease, and soon enough, the fun began. With a quick scan of the menu, we knew we were in for a treat. Dishoom’s menu is a love letter to Indian street food and classic Bombay-style dishes. Between the three of us, we decided to hit straight for the main course without starters as it was late afternoon, and we were all long past the lunch overdue. We ordered some chilled Indian beer Kingfisher along with DISHOOM FANCY HOUSE SALAD, their Signature Salad while we waited our order to come in.
The salad was a surprisingly good combination of fresh leaves, broken wheat, fruits, pickled beetroot and caramelised cashews. This merry mix is sweet-sharp with Goan coconut toddy vinegar dressing. Trial solicited.
There is something special about a cold pint of beer that just hits the spot, especially when you’re catching up with old friends :)))
For our main course, we dug into some of the best Indian dishes Dishroom has to offer. The Chicken Ruby, with its velvety, spiced tomato curry, was a particular favorite. My buddy’s brother raved about the Rara Gosht, a dish where Lamb shank and lamb mince are cooked and commingled with much stirring and much vigour. Rich spices bestow warmth to this robust and hearty dish. We also tried the House Black Daal, a dish I’d heard so much about, and I have to say, it lived up to the hype. Creamy, comforting, and with just the right amount of spice, it was easily one of the best daals I’ve ever had. A Dishoom signature dish – dark, rich, deeply flavoured. It is cooked over 24 hours for extra harmony. We ordered some freshly made Naan bread along to enjoy the mouthwatering dishes with.
Every bite of food at Dishoom felt like a journey back to India. It’s that authenticity that makes this place stand out from the rest.
The service was exceptional too. From placing orders to making sure everything was perfect, Dishoom’s team had a modern approach with their technological adaptation. The use of tablets for quick ordering was a cool touch and made the process seamless, yet the service still felt very personal and warm. It’s clear that Dishoom has successfully merged tradition with modernity, making the dining experience enjoyable in every aspect.
One thing that really struck me about the Dishoom Shoreditch branch was its size. The restaurant is huge, with the ability to host a large number of guests at once, and it’s still packed. There’s a lovely garden outside that offers a peaceful vibe, perfect for those who want to dine in a relaxed outdoor setting. We loved how spacious the venue was while still managing to feel cozy and inviting. Even as we ate, we noticed a steady stream of people pouring in—everyone from young professionals to families. Londoners from all walks of life were clearly drawn to the delicious food and welcoming atmosphere.
As we wrapped up our meal and walked out, we were stunned to see a line of more than 50 people patiently waiting to get in. It’s not surprising though—Dishoom is worth the wait! The excitement and buzz around this place are palpable. We felt so lucky to have had such a memorable afternoon here, filled with laughter, great food, and even better company.
Our visit to Dishoom Shoreditch was nothing short of fantastic. From the food to the service and the overall atmosphere, everything was on point. If you ever find yourself in London craving authentic Indian food with a touch of Mumbai, Dishoom is the place to be. Whether you’re catching up with old friends, like I did, or just looking to enjoy a great meal, you’ll leave with a smile—and probably dreaming about that daal!
