Great marketing, limited booking, and iconic dishes like the bacon naan roll, mean long lines have formed in anticipation outside Dishoom's many branches since its doors opened a decade ago. I would, however, be lying if I said I didn't find the queues a bit of a turn off. With fresh dishes and trendy interiors, it has attracted a younger, foodie crowd, as Indian cuisine has become cool again and not just for dinner, but lunch and breakfast too. With Indian food already firmly cemented in British hearts it's no surprise this refreshingly modern change up to the usual vindaloo and lager has been met with huge success. Inspired by the relaxed Persian cafés of Mumbai, its founders sought to break away from the tired stereotypes of the British curry house and bring a more authentic take on Indian fare to the nation's public. For the last decade Dishoom has set the trend for modern, casual, Indian dining in the capital, spawning further restaurants from its Covent Garden origins and many further copy cats in its wake. After a few squirts of alcohol cleansing gel, we were shown to our seats ready to being our first post-lockdown review.įor anyone who hasn't heard of Dishoom, I fear you may be in the wrong place. We sensibly booked on a Thursday during the Government's Monday-Wednesday 'Eat out to help out' offer, but after a few drinks at The Clachan on Kingly Street, the financial error of our ways was quickly forgotten. Joining us for some drinks and curry were two young ladies and neighbours from Tooting, debuting on the blog for the first time - one a self-confessed black daal murderer, the other with less penchant for curry, but unable to resist the social. This time I had another 'absolute colleague' with me in the form of insatiable socialiser Joe 'The Colleague' Luetchford of India Club and Lahore Spices renown. The truth is, I have been a couple of times before, but twice with work so neglected to write a review until now. I'm sure many have wondered how any self-respecting curry blogger could have overlooked Dishoom for so long.