A Miss-Flavorful Voyage through Bombay’s Culinary Heritage
Dishoom Covent Garden, where vintage Bombay charm meets the heart of London. I sauntered into this captivating establishment, eager to soak in the Bombay vibes and indulge in a flavorful feast. While the ambience had me all starry-eyed, I couldn’t help but notice that the fiery spice I craved was a tad amiss.
What I Ordered:
Dinnertime Feast (for Group Order)
Non-veg
Small Plates: Keema Pau (S) ~ Okra Fries (V) ~ Bhel (V)
Grills: Chicken Tikka (S) ~ Lamb Sheekh Kabab (S)
Biryani & Ruby Murray: Chicken Ruby ~ Jackfruit Biryani (V)
House Black Daal
Side Dishes: Naan (V) ~ Roomali Roti (V) ~ Kachumber (V) ~ Raita (V)
Puddings: Kulfi — A sweet creamy treat. (V) Mango (V) Pistachio (V) Malai (V)
Veg
Small Plates: Keema Pau (S) ~ Okra Fries (V) ~ Bhel (V)
Grills: Paneer Tikka (V) ~ Gunpowder Potatoes (V)
Biryani & Ruby Murray: Mattar Paneer ~ Jackfruit Biryani (V)
House Black Daal
Side Dishes: Naan (V) ~ Roomali Roti (V) ~ Kachumber (V) ~ Raita (V)
Puddings: Kulfi — A sweet creamy treat. (V) Mango (V) Pistachio (V) Malai (V)
Small Plates
The Dinnertime Feast commenced with an assortment of starters. As the dish arrived, my eyes feasted on the sight before me. The “Keema Pau” was an absolute showstopper – a luscious mound of minced lamb, generously seasoned with fragrant spices, and topped with finely chopped herbs, all combined well. And then these buttery rolls that were pillowy perfection… The medley of flavors had me reaching for more!
The Okra fries were fried nicely but missed the mark on saltiness. As for the Bhel, to be honest, I don’t recall much about its taste.
Grills, Biryani & Ruby Murray, Daal, Side Dishes
Dishes I liked
Paneer Tikka: This dish provided an equally enchanting experience for vegetarians. Cubes of creamy paneer, marinated in a tantalizing spice blend, were brought to life with a gentle tandoor embrace.
The Lamb: The touch of heat in the Lamb Sheekh Kabab was a testament to the authenticity of the flavors, although the meat had a slightly dried texture.
Biryani: The fragrant basmati rice was cooked to perfection, showcasing a skillful balance of flavors that left us spellbound. However, the use of Jackfruit in the Biryani was not to my preference, as it added sweetness that I did not particularly enjoy. The accompaniment of creamy raita provided a respite from the intense spice, with its cooling notes beautifully complementing the rich flavors of the Biryani.
Ruby Murray: This dish, named in homage to the British slang for a curry, featured tender chicken bathing in a velvety tomato-based gravy. The Ruby Murray achieved a delightful balance of sweet and tangy notes, with the spices harmonizing in a dance of flavors.
Dishes not necessary I liked
Chicken Tikka: The flavors and smokiness char imparted by the tandoor were missed in this dish.
Gunpowder Potatoes: The crispy-coated baby potatoes were crunchy but missed the tanginess and spices that were expected.
The “House Black Daal”: Although it had creamy richness, it was missing the smoky goodness that would have elevated the dish.
Naan: Unfortunately, the Naan was thin and not up to the mark, leaving something to be desired in terms of texture and taste.
Kulfi
The “Kala Khatta Gola Ice” instantly transported us to the carefree days of Indian summers, refreshing our senses with its icy goodness. I chose the Pistachio flavor, and while I liked the milky texture, it seemed to be missing the distinct pistachio flavor. Nevertheless, I must say it was a divine conclusion to a feast to remember.
Chai
Because I love Chai tea, I have to mention this. I ordered it three times or more because it was so good and warming. I just couldn’t get enough of it!
Conclusion
But fret not, dear readers, for Dishoom’s charming Bollywood-inspired aura promises an unforgettable experience. Although and also because the taste tends to be mild, I can understand why it’s popular among Londoners. Gather your friends (Vegetarian or Non- Vegetarian) and embark on this Indian adventure – a rendezvous with Bombay awaits. *I personally recommend trying the vegetarian dishes at Dishoom because their meats are not really worth having.
