Dishoom Battersea — Restaurant in London

Yesterday, my partner and I celebrated my birthday with a delightful lunch at Dishoom Battersea Power Station, a restaurant that beautifully captures the essence of Bombay's Irani cafés. Dishoom isn't just a restaurant; it's an immersive experience, a tribute to the fading Irani cafés of old Bombay, which served as vibrant community hubs. The brand's dedication to authenticity and storytelling shines through in every detail, from the vintage décor to the meticulously crafted menu.

We were pleasantly surprised to be seated immediately, a stark contrast to the legendary queues at their Kings Cross and Shoreditch locations. While it was a Tuesday lunchtime, the restaurant was still bustling, indicating its enduring popularity. The staff were exceptionally warm and attentive, creating a genuine sense of welcome. A special mention goes to the restaurant manager, who took the time to chat with us, ensuring our experience was nothing short of perfect.

Our culinary journey began with a thorough explanation of the menu, including the special Ramadan offerings. We were eager to indulge in their renowned House Black Daal, a slow-cooked masterpiece of creamy, rich lentils simmered overnight, offering a deep, earthy flavour with hints of smoky sweetness. This was perfectly complemented by the Chicken Ruby, tender pieces of chicken bathed in a velvety, tomato-based sauce, infused with aromatic spices that danced on the palate.

To accompany these culinary delights, we ordered Roomali Roti, thin and supple, and Garlic Naan, fragrant and fluffy, both freshly baked to perfection. The small plates were equally impressive. The Dishoom Chicken Tikka was a revelation; succulent chicken marinated in a blend of spices, perfectly charred in the tandoor, delivering an explosion of flavour with every bite. The Makhmali Paneer, with its delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture, was elevated by the nutty crunch of cashews and the sweet-tart burst of pomegranate seeds. We also enjoyed perfectly steamed Basmati Rice, ideal for soaking up the rich gravies and the vibrant chutneys that added a tangy, spicy kick.

We were comfortably full by the end of our meal, a testament to the generous portions and the richness of the dishes. To quench our thirst, we opted for bottomless House Chai, a comforting blend of spiced tea, and a 500ml carafe of Pasos De La Capula: Viura, 2023, Castille, a crisp and refreshing white wine that paired beautifully with the spice-laden dishes.

The service and food at Dishoom Battersea were impeccable, creating a truly memorable birthday lunch. We're already planning our next visit, eager to sample their famous breakfast naans and explore more of their delightful menu. If you’re looking for a taste of Bombay’s vibrant culinary heritage, Dishoom Battersea is an...

This was our first visit to Dishoom, Battersea and we were hooked as soon as we arrived. The decor inside the restaurant was beautiful, almost art deco in style reminiscent of Raffles but creating a great setting for the unique menu of Irani cuisine (helpfully explained by staff as ‘Indian tapas’) We hadn’t experienced this cuisine before but our children had strongly recommended a visit so we were eager to see what all the hype was about. Our waitress welcomed us warmly, explained the menu and described the dishes comprehensively, advising us about ordering 2-3 sharing dishes each. Our food arrived as it was cooked and was amazing, really tasty spicing and so colourful with zingy lime, yoghurt and refreshing mint, tamarind & chilli chutneys provided. Our grilled meat (lamb chops covered in rich spices and blackened on the grill) was pink and juicy and the House dhal created a nice sauce accompaniment but my favourite dishes were the chilli broccoli salad (a zingy mix of fresh chopped broccoli, mixed seeds, lime, dates, honey and chilli) and the Dishoom House Chat (small golden roasted potatoes sprinkled with grated carrot & beetroot, covered in yoghurt, tamarind chutney and a fresh Green chutney). Amazingly, we even managed to find room to share a portion of the special basmati kheer pudding at the end of our meal (a scrumptious cold, creamy cardamom & coconut flavoured rice pudding topped with blueberry compote. Yum!!) The whole meal was absolutely delicious and we will definitely make a return to try more of the expansive menu options. I’m even going to try to re-create a couple of the dishes at home as I’ve now got the Dishoom cook book that is beautiful to look at in itself but packed full of Irani recipes and tantalising descriptions of old Bombay. Highly recommended, give them a ring and...

From the moment we arrived, this restaurant impressed us with its exceptional attention to detail and hospitality. The ambiance is simply fantastic—soft lighting, flickering candles, and a thoughtfully curated decor create an inviting vibe that works beautifully for any occasion, whether you’re out on a romantic date, catching up with friends, or enjoying a family gathering. You’ll feel right at home.

While we waited outside, we were warmly greeted with a steaming cup of chai, a delightful gesture that not only set the tone for the evening but also helped us fend off the chill of a cold January night. The chai was delicious, with just the right balance of spices and sweetness—a comforting prelude to the meal ahead.

Once inside, the service continued to impress. Our waitress was attentive, friendly, and incredibly accommodating, making sure we felt genuinely cared for throughout the evening. It’s rare to find service that strikes such a perfect balance between professional and personable, but this team nailed it.

Now, onto the food—which was nothing short of outstanding. We opted for the chef’s special and the chicken biryani, and both dishes were bursting with flavor. The chef’s special was a delightful surprise, showcasing creative combinations and expertly balanced spices, while the chicken biryani was rich, aromatic, and perfectly cooked. Each bite was a testament to the kitchen’s skill and dedication.

Overall, this restaurant exceeded our expectations in every way. From the warm chai welcome to the impeccable service and mouthwatering dishes, it’s clear that they’ve mastered the art of hospitality. We can’t...