AIBU to ask what dishes we should try at Dishoom?

AllaMova · 2026-03-17T13:54:39+00:00

We’re going to Dishoom for the first time soon. Is there anything we absolutely must try?

CK13v · 03/04/2026 08:45

Can I ask re portion sizes. Would 1 ruby chicken,rice and Dahl with naan be enough for two to share after small starters?Don’t like loads of waste.

Also what drinks do you recommend to have with food?

Andthenthereweresome · 23/03/2026 04:02

Johnogroats · 17/03/2026 15:04

We shared most dishes which meant I could try loads! I bought the book (but the black dahl takes HOURS) which is a great read.

I make the dahl in the slow cooker. I do the first cook for about 4 hours then the same for the second. Just reduce the amount of water. I do a huge batch and freeze portions. Still takes ages but it needs less attention.

Valeriekat · 23/03/2026 03:39

Their Permit Room Old Fashioned! (Cocktail)

ZenNudist · 18/03/2026 20:52

CraftyGin · 17/03/2026 14:52

The broccoli salad

This
And the Broccoli side
Love the blackened prawns

Not a huge fan of the house black daal. Salty.

SlothCat · 18/03/2026 20:35

Chilli cheese toast and the gunpowder potatoes are really good!

RayonSunrise · 18/03/2026 15:23

randomrandomer · 18/03/2026 15:09

I just came back on to recommend the pau bhaji with the buttered rolls!

Show quote history

They are SO good. I may actually dream of them.

randomrandomer · 18/03/2026 15:09

RayonSunrise · 18/03/2026 15:05

The lamb chettinad curry (if you’re at Permit Room) is gorgeous, and so is the pau bhaji (if you’re at a regular Dishoom).

I just came back on to recommend the pau bhaji with the buttered rolls!

cardibach · 18/03/2026 15:08

Whatnameisif · 18/03/2026 12:16

This is also my experience.

My friend absolutely loves Dishoom and always wants to go there, but I resist because I hate the queuing.

Edited

Show quote history

Book. You don’t have to queue if you book a table. I was taken straight through when I arrived shortly before the time I booked.

RayonSunrise · 18/03/2026 15:05

The lamb chettinad curry (if you’re at Permit Room) is gorgeous, and so is the pau bhaji (if you’re at a regular Dishoom).

HRTQueen · 18/03/2026 15:02

I like the chicken biriyani and the gunpowder potatoes and the roti was nice

It is overpriced and there are many better independent restaurants about

Mumski45 · 18/03/2026 14:46

Also Chicken Ruby and broccoli salad.

Mumski45 · 18/03/2026 14:45

House Black Dahl is amazing. I have the recipe book and make it at home all the time.

Exasperateddonut · 18/03/2026 14:43

The chicken berry biryani is incredible as is the house daal. Recommend buying the book - the recipes work out incredibly well.

grizzlyoldbear · 18/03/2026 14:37

lamb chops

AlexRidersButt · 18/03/2026 14:36

If you want a light starter (which I'd recommend as the dahl is very filling) the same chilli cheese on toast is a very tasty quick bite.

Original poster

AllaMova · 18/03/2026 14:05

burblish · 18/03/2026 11:52

I'd order the black daal as a side rather than as a starter, but that's cos I'm Indian and would never consider daal to be a starter! It's delicious, though. The only thing I wouldn't personally recommend is the roomali roti which is nothing like the "real" thing, much to my disappointment when I tried it. The garlic naan is a much better option. Big thumbs up for the okra fries, too!

Thank you! I’ll order the daal as a side then! 😊

OP posts:

Whatnameisif · 18/03/2026 12:16

hahabahbag · 17/03/2026 16:02

The dishes were all nice enough but nothing was unmissable, but I’ve been fortunate to eat in some amazing Indian style restaurants in the uk and also in India though. Have what you fancy basically, I’m a dal fan but theirs was so so (I admit I prefer mine, taught to me by a lady from the Punjab

This is also my experience.

My friend absolutely loves Dishoom and always wants to go there, but I resist because I hate the queuing.

MonkeyMonkeyUnderpants1 · 18/03/2026 12:00

AllaMova · 17/03/2026 21:34

Thank you for the suggestions, keep them coming!

So far we’re thinking:

Starters (to share between us two) - Okra fries, house black daal and cheddar naan.

My main - Ruby chicken and basmati rice

DP’s main - Jackfruit biryani

I'd recommend the black dahl and naan as sides rather than starters. Portions aren't tiny, so I'd get okra and poppadoms for a starter. Your mains look good and then the dahl and naan.

dontforgetme · 18/03/2026 11:56

Chicken ruby
Lamb biryani
Cheese naan
Chilli chicken - amazing
Masala prawns

Enjoy it! One of my absolute favourites.

TonTonMacoute · 18/03/2026 11:53

The chicken Ruby is surprisingly easy to make at home.

Never been, sadly, as I live in the sticks, but have the book

burblish · 18/03/2026 11:52

I'd order the black daal as a side rather than as a starter, but that's cos I'm Indian and would never consider daal to be a starter! It's delicious, though. The only thing I wouldn't personally recommend is the roomali roti which is nothing like the "real" thing, much to my disappointment when I tried it. The garlic naan is a much better option. Big thumbs up for the okra fries, too!

flipent · 18/03/2026 11:52

Rainydaysareveryday · 18/03/2026 11:46

What do you consider cooked right, and what difference could I expect?

Show quote history

Okra cooked wrong is slimy and quite unpleasant. The ones at Dishoom are crispy and flavoured really well so make a great and different accompaniment to the meal.

Rainydaysareveryday · 18/03/2026 11:46

flipent · 17/03/2026 14:58

I like okra when it's cooked right - which it has always been at Dishoom.

Show quote history

What do you consider cooked right, and what difference could I expect?

Original poster

AllaMova · 17/03/2026 21:34

Thank you for the suggestions, keep them coming!

So far we’re thinking:

Starters (to share between us two) - Okra fries, house black daal and cheddar naan.

My main - Ruby chicken and basmati rice

DP’s main - Jackfruit biryani

OP posts:

whiteorchids44 · 17/03/2026 20:46

Honestly, everything is really good. I like to ask the waiter to pick a few dishes that are customer favourites. Then we all eat family style and share all the dishes.