Dishoom

Okay, so this is technically in Birmingham not Coventry, but they are only about 45 minutes away and Birmingham is a much larger city. I recommend a trip in to Birmingham, even if you just eat at Dishoom because it is one of my favorites and anytime I am in London or Birmingham, I make a reservation to eat here. If you go for breakfast or lunch, or even an early dinner then you can probably get a seat without a reservation. But if you are trying to go for peak hours or with a larger group, then a reservation is a must or you will be faced with a long wait time and they may even turn you away. Dishoom is a super popular spot for foodies and it is worth a trip. Dishoom’s dishes are truly magical and will transport you to another world. From their breakfast to their dinner and cocktails, every bite is wonderful. Dishoom’s influence comes directly from Bombay and the flavors, spices, and aromas will have you in a trance from the moment you step foot inside.

Like I mentioned above, I come to Dishoom every time I am in England near one, so I have tried almost everything on their menu. I will share with you my favorites and the ones you cannot skip. I will say, the flavors are intense and the heat can creep up to you, so tread lightly with any extra spice if you don’t tolerate spice well.

First, start off with a drink. For breakfast or lunch, I recommend their chai – it also has unlimited refills! But their chai is warm and smooth and silky. It has a lovely cinnamon, cardamom, and all those deep, rich spices. If you are there for dinner or wanting a cocktail, my go to drinks are the Lime-Leaf Collins, Blushing Colada, Sunny’s Star-tini, and the Espresso Martini for the end of the meal! (I know that wasn’t a small list, but they are so delish!).

For starters, I always order either the Paneer Roll or the Chicken Roll – both are wrapped in a flakey, buttery flatbread and are so flavorful with a fresh, mint chutney to dunk in. My other favorite small plates are: Chili Chicken and Pau Bhaji. The Chili Chicken is so crispy in a ginger, garlic, and soy marinade that is a little sweet, a little tangy, and a little spicy. The Pau Bhaji is the complete opposite of the chicken – it is soft and buttery with a richness to it. It is smashed vegetables that are served with these fluffy, buttery buns that you eat it with.

Now on to the mains and maybe the stars of the show. Dishoom is even better if you go with someone who loves to share. While their menu and dishes are explicitly stated “for sharing”, the idea is to share and enjoy a meal with someone. Plus the more you share, the more you can try – this is always my logic. For mains, my all time favorites are Masala Prawns. But, my other favorites include: Chicken Tikka, Tandoori Chaat, Black Daal, and Chicken Ruby. The Masala Prawns, Chicken Tikka, and Tandoori Chaat are all part of their “Grill” menu and are exquisite. These are served on a newspaper, like street food would be, and come with roti, chutneys and sauces, and thinly sliced red onions. You really can’t go wrong with whatever dish you try! Just make sure to save room for dessert, if that is even possible! The Basmati Kheer is not to be skipped for dessert. It is a creamy, silky rice pudding with flavors of coconut, vanilla and cardamom and topped with a luscious, not too sweet, blueberry compote. It is unreal.

The point of this post is to persuade you to try Dishoom and it is the absolute most delicious Indian food out there! I cannot recommend this restaurant enough. Check it out and make a reservation if ya can!