By Wandernests Dispatch – Flavor Nest I 26 June, 2025
Pic sourced from http://www.bloomberg.com
As soon as you push open the door of Dishoom in High Street Kensington, you’re transported into a sepia-toned Bombay postcard. Rotary fans spin lazily overhead. Brass fixtures catch the tea-stained light. Meanwhile, the warm scent of cumin-butter drifts through the air. The space feels soaked in nostalgia, yet it hums with the vibrant energy of London.
📖 The Dishoom Story: A Love Letter to Bombay
Pic from http://www.aria.mgmresorts.com
Dishoom launched in 2010, founded by cousins Shamil and Kavi Thakrar, along with Amar and Adarsh Radia. It began as a tribute to Mumbai’s iconic Irani cafés – bustling spaces filled with chatter, character, and community. Today, Dishoom is a celebrated British brand with 10 café-style restaurants, three Permit Room bar-cafés, and its first hotel-style stay in Notting Hill.
Each venue tells its own story. Kensington, for example, nods to Bombay’s 1940s art-deco and jazz scene. In contrast, the Permit Rooms channel the secretive vibe of 1970s prohibition-era bars.
Over the years, Dishoom has helped reimagine Indian dining in the UK. It transforms everyday meals into soulful experiences rooted in comfort, creativity, and storytelling. More recently, the brand has deepened its purpose through its “A Meal for a Meal” campaign, which supports hunger-relief efforts in both the UK and India.
First Impressions & Starter Conversations
Our server glided over with plates in hand, and the first chapter of our meal began. Keema Pav came first – tender, spiced lamb nestled alongside soft, golden pav rolls that begged to be pulled apart. Each bite was rich, warm, and comforting. Then came the Okra Fries: slender fingers of okra, fried to crisp perfection and dusted with bright red chilli. They offered a crunch so satisfying, we paused between bites just to appreciate it.
We raised a quiet toast with fresh Nimbu Soda – a citrusy fizz that danced up our noses. Alongside it, the salted lassi arrived in its signature porcelain bowl. Cool, creamy, and gently salted, it eased us into a lunchtime calm. For a moment, conversation paused. This wasn’t just food – it was an overture.
Main Course Drama
Pic from http://www.dishoom.com
We sank deeper into our seats as the mains arrived on wide, generous platters. First came the legendary House Dal Makhni. Slow-simmered and velvet-thick, it arrived with a swirl of cream and a scattering of fresh coriander. Each spoonful felt like a warm hug in edible form.
Next came the Chicken Ruby – Dishoom’s beloved signature. Tender pieces of chicken bathed in a tomato-rich, cashew-kissed sauce. The dish tasted both regal and familiar, like a gentle tribute to the grandeur of old Bombay cafés.
For bread, we chose a duo that reflected contrast & harmony:
- Roomali Roti – paper‑thin, almost ethereal, teasingly warm against our fingers.
- Garlic Naan, plush and fragrant, dotted with golden garlic bits that begged to be torn and dipped.
Breads disappeared swiftly as we dipped and devoured, leaving empty plates and full hearts.
Pic from http://www.dishoom.com
The grand finale was simple, nostalgic, and utterly charming: a cup of Masala Chai, its steam curling in soft tendrils, paired with a buttery Bun Maska. The chai’s gentle spice and the buns’ rich creaminess created an ending score that was both comforting and exuberant.
🥄 Got a Dishoom ritual or a favourite plate that brings you joy?
We’d love to hear your Bombay-in-London moments – whether it’s that first bite of bun maska, or the dal you dream about long after. Drop us a note at editor@wandernests.com or share your memories in the comments. Let’s trade stories over chai.
Top Tips for Your Dishoom Dining Sojourn
To wrap up this tale of taste and time, here are some curated tips to ensure your visit unfolds as beautifully as ours did:
Make it matter: Every meal feels better knowing it fuels global feed‑the‑hungry initiatives.
Time it right: Arrive at opening or reserve ahead – Dishoom is adored by many.
Starter strategy: Go bold with your starters selection; the selection of choice is eyewatering! We went with Keema Pav and Okra Fries – the crunchy, rich kicks-off matters.
Bread pleas: The Roomali Roti and Garlic Naan are gateways – don’t skip either.
Finish with finesse: Chai and Bun Maska are a love‑letter to Mumbai.
Explore upstairs: Pop by the Permit Room bar post‑meal – a mini escape in itself.
Consider a stay: If you’re around Notting Hill, the Dishoom lodging above Permit Room is a cozy way to extend the vibe.
Pic courtesy http://www.dishoom.com
When and How to Visit Dishoom, London
📍 Address: Dishoom Kensington, 4 Derry Street, Kensington, London W8 5SE
🕒 Timings: Monday–Friday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM, Saturday & Sunday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM (Last orders typically around 10:15 PM)
🚇 Nearest Tube: High Street Kensington (Circle & District Lines)
💻 Reservations: Recommended for lunch and dinner. Book directly via dishoom.com
☕ Walk-ins Welcome:
Dishoom holds tables for walk-ins throughout the day – just be prepared for a short wait during peak hours.
📣 Final Thoughts
Pic courtesy http://www.dishoom.com
Dishoom Kensington isn’t just a restaurant – it’s an invitation: to slow down, savour layers of flavour and history, and lose yourself in a moment transplanted straight from Bombay to London. It’s a story told one plate at a time – and one you won’t stop recommending. If you’re touring Kensington and craving bold, soulful Indian flavours infused with history, Dishoom’s High Street venue is a can’t‑miss. A symphony of spices, stories – and sublime bun maskas awaits.
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