Established on 5 Stable Street, this 21st century cafe, Dishoom, is a place that embraces culture, heritage and cuisine under its roof. I went along with my family and we made the most of the delicious food and creative surrounding area in King’s Cross.
The name for this restaurant-turned-hangout is after the most stereotypical sound made in Bollywood action movies when the cast are hitting each other. It’s uncanny how close the word is to the theatrical sound. Aptly named with panache, once you walk into the King’s Cross branch you’ll feel the full force of the word, transporting you to an era long-gone, but remembered and brought back with a modern twist.
They’ve taken the extra effort to bring a little laughter into the decor too- the hilarity and vivacious way of joking that was so representative of this Irani café culture. Outside, you’ll find the words ‘Don’t drink and fight…’ written in Hindi. If there ever was more of a welcome, this was it. Inside there are many pieces that add to the theme. There’s a newspaper stand, an old train station clock and the wood is rich mahogany – there’s nothing rustic about the premises, but everything has been designed with a meticulous eye. Even the lavatory makes you want to take a picture of it.
Encompassing what looks like four floors, there’s plenty of space within. This will also hold a lot more weight when I tell you that even though there’s more than enough tables, there’s still a long queue outside. Dishoom has been on people’s lists for a while now, its reputation exceeding itself.
Once seated, the food comes quite promptly. I tried a number of starters to begin with and then a few main dishes. Before any of this begins, you’re served water in steel cups, how they used to do it back in the day and how they probably still do it in some authentic restaurants.
For starters we tried Okra Fries which are lady fingers (£4.20) and Bhel which is a cold and crunchy mix of various ingredients (£4.50). For mains we had a selection of meats and veggies in the form of House Black Dhal (£5.90). Murgh Malai (£7.90), Gunpowder Potatoes (£6.50) and much more.
Family Outing To Dishoom
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