Stories, recipes, interviews, guides and more
The Dishoom Journal - All
Here you’ll find everything that excites us about Bombay. Immerse yourself in stories rich with heritage; savour cherished recipes from our most treasured spots; dive into interviews with talented South Asian creators; and wander through the city with our 24 hour guides to Bombay.
guide
Christmas Gift Guide
An ample selection of finest gifts and sundries for the festive season.
Dishoom Loves
Issue XXII, November
Marigolds, twinkling lights, the orange burn of autumn. Festivities are in full bloom. Diwali is upon us. This Dishoom Loves, we’ve gathered everything you need to welcome in light, warmth and togetherness.
Snacks & sides
Tandoori Chaat
Pineapple, sweet potato and padrón peppers are charred, limed, dusted and sparked to life.
Total:55 minutes
interview
In conversation with Chef Arun Tilak, part two
Read the story behind our biggest menu up-date, to date! With Dishoom’s Executive Chef Arun Tilak in the second part of his interview.
Snacks & sides
Jeera Biscuits
Optimum mid-morning sustenance. Delectable snacking is an easy mix, shape and bake away. Slightly sweet, slightly savoury.
Total:1 hour + cooling
guide
Bombay's best Pau Bhajis
We asked some distinguished Bombay friends where to find the best Pau Bhaji in Mumbai
Dishoom Loves
Issue XXI, October
October. You herald such anticipation! This month, we can’t wait to share our finest (and perhaps most ambitious) menu up-date, to date.
interview
In conversation with Chef Arun Tilak, part one
Tales, tips and tricks from Dishoom's Executive Chef Arun, including his must-have kitchen item and the secret to perfect daal.
guide
Manuja Waldia's Guide to 24 Hours in Goa
To celebrate the launch of our new menu, artist and painter Manuja has created a series of prints for us, beautifully capturing the experience of a meal at Dishoom. She has also kindly provided a local guide for what to see, eat and do in her hometown, the idyllic state of Goa.
Dishoom Loves
Issue XX, September
September. She brings a clean change to the air and with it a whole host of new things to look forward to. Take a look at what Dishoom Loves this month.
guide
Kavi Thakrar's Guide to 24 Hours in Bombay
Dishoom co-founder Kavi Thakrar shares his highly subjective guide to Bombay
Lunch
Chilli Broccoli Salad
A light, bright, café staple
Total:20 minutes
story
Bombay: a delicious melting pot
Bombay is a delicious melting pot, where cultures continually mingle and evolve. Read on for the history of Bombay’s cuisine, with its Portuguese, Parsi and Goan influences.
story
The story of Diwali and Ramayana, by Vayu Naidu
A guest blog post by master storyteller, Vayu Naidu
Dinner
Chilli Chicken
An Indo-Chinese favourite
Total:35 minutes
Dishoom Loves
Ed Fringe Special, 2024
It’s August. And the streets of Edinburgh are filled with music, art, laughter, song. Creations of every kind ignite the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Outlined below are the acts we’ve circled in our festival programme.
Dinner
Chicken Berry Britannia Biryani
A best quality recipe to recreate
Total:1 hour 30 minutes
story
Dishoom's Christmas Turkey
Dishoom Loves
Issue XIX, August
August, the month of colourful carnivals and mirth-filled merriment, has arrived. So it seems only fitting that we should spend it in the pursuit of activities that will warm us up inside, as much as the sun has recently been doing from outside. Here’s what has been catching our attention of late.
story
Celebrating 20 million meals
20 million meals for children
Dishoom Loves
Issue XVIII, July
The July issue of Dishoom Loves is already here (and perky, for your eyes). Fill your mind with some of the best South Asian talent, from a 17-year-old playwright sharing her life story, to a beauty expert’s top tips and tricks. And, a doctor who writes about henna.
interview
Hosting with Kirthanaa
On heritage, identity and beautiful spaces
Dishoom Loves
Issue XVII, June
June brings the promise of sun-drenched days – or monsoons – balmy nights and a smattering of first-class cultural happenings. Pour yourself a cup of chai, as we offer you a glimpse of the things we are loving this month.
story
The Art of Mango
Lunch
Paneer Mango Salad
Showcasing the King of Fruits for the brief but glorious mango season
Total:15 minutes
story
Dishoom Impact Report 2024
People, community and planet. Read the Dishoom Impact Report 2024 - the things we're proud of and our plans for the future.
Dishoom Loves
Issue XVI, May
May has us buzzing. The scent of the fresh, juicy Alphonso mangoes, two long weekends, cultural exhibitions, new documentaries – there’s a lot to soak in.
Breakfast
Bacon Naan Roll
Featuring recipes for fresh Naan and Tomato-Chilli Jam.
story
A love letter to Bombay
A love-letter-of-sorts to the city of Bombay
Dinner
Rajasthani Chicken Stew
A hearty, flavourful North Indian-style stew, special recipe from Chef Rishi’s mum
Total:35 minutes
Dishoom Loves
Issue XV, April
Spring has gently tiptoed in. As the days lengthen and the sun grows bolder, here’s a glimpse of what we eagerly await in April.
Occasion
Haleem
The origins of Haleem are deeply rooted in history
Total:3.5 hours
guide
Chef Jeremie Tomczak Guide to 24 Hours in New York
Wander through NYC with local guide Jeremie Thomczak, chef at Pastis. Take a look at his top recommendations of things to see, do and of course - eat!
Dishoom Loves
Issue XIV, March
We’re heading into March as we mean to go on: filling our eyes, ears and bellies courtesy of many talented creators in the South Asian community. Whether you’re in the mood for stirring music or a contemplative read, we hope you find something you enjoy.
story
Dishoom Battersea's Bhatti Chicken special
Also once known as Mr Khatri's Chicken
story
Bombay’s Modern Art scene meets Dishoom Canary Wharf, by Mortimer Chaterjee
A guest post by dear friend, Mortimer Chatterjee
Dishoom Loves
Issue XIII, February
With February comes a gladdening of spirits, lighter morning skies and discernibly louder birdsong. It is also the month to bid farewell to our winter cocoons (at least partially) and tune back into the world beyond our blankets. Allow us to ease the de-hibernation process, by sharing some of the things piquing our interest this month.
story
Leopold's café
story
The Magic of Breakfast
Food for Thought, Fuel for Learning
Dishoom Loves
Issue XII, January
January is a most divisive month. For some it heralds the hopeful turning over of new leaves; for others it is a month to trudge begrudgingly through towards the promise of spring. Whichever camp you find yourself in, we have plentiful diversions to share. See them as the cherry atop your already gleeful January cake, or a welcome distraction while you await winter’s end.
story
A Night at the Bombay Roxy
story
Welcome to Dishoom Permit Room Cambridge
The vibe never dims
Dishoom Loves
Issue XI, December
The festive season is about to hit its stocking-clad stride. And while we’ll be Christmas jumper-wearing, mince pie eating and last-minute shopping, we’ll be keeping a close eye out. Here’s our list of things to do in December (in between sips of Chai eggnog).
interview
Chai Pe Charcha with Anita Kaushal, founder of Mauli Rituals
We sit down with Anita Kaushal of Mauli Rituals and other close friends, to discuss the ups and downs of being a female South Asian business owner.
story
Discovering the theatre and café culture of 1950s Bombay
Theatre and café culture of 1950s Bombay.
Dishoom Loves
Issue X, November
Winter days are truly here — sometimes crisp and sparkling with sunshine, sometimes bleak with lashing rain and biting cold. But, while mornings and evenings may be darker now, there is still an abundance of light in the world (not to mention goodness, beauty and talent) that should be celebrated. Allow us to share what we are doing this month.
story
The ritual of Zakat
Ramadan, The Month of Giving
Dishoom Loves
Issue IX, October
Autumn is teasing us with the odd chilly morning, and evenings spent bundled in blankets are beckoning. But if we may make a case for venturing out into the crispness, here is what we’re looking forward to in October.
story
What is Ganesh Chaturthi?
A celebration of oneness
story
Dishoom x Magic Breakfast: More than a partnership
Thoughts from Carmel McConnell MBE
story
What is Vaisakhi?
Dishoom Loves
Issue VIII, September
The sun is momentarily out again. Calendars are fast filling up. There’s many a thing to do and many a friend to meet. And if we may kindly add to the excitement and the plan-making, here’s our list of what we’re looking forward to in September.
story
Britannia café, a vintage classic
Britannia Café is a lovely piece of vintage Bombay which is slowly disappearing. We visit for a berry pulao and Thums Up, and are greeted by proud owner Mr Kohinoor.
interview
In conversation with Manjit Thaap
We talk to artist Manjit Thapp about bringing her South-Asian culture to her art, and why she felt an immediate connection with our Trailblazers.
Dishoom Loves
Issue VII, August
Welcome to a brand new month of Dishoom Loves. For those who often receive our emails, and for those who follow us on Instagram, you’ll know that we worked together with the ever-so-talented artist Manjit Thapp. So this month, we thought it would be wonderful to hear about all the things Manjit Loves. Have a little read.
story
Taking the Scenic Route with Sudha Bhuchar
Sudha Bhuchar sat down with us to chat all things Ed Fringe, her 40 year career and life as a middle-aged, middle-class, multicultural mother of dual-heritage.
Dishoom Loves
Ed Fringe Special, 2023
Each year as August dawns, the streets and rooms and corners of Edinburgh fill with music, art, laughter and song. Wander into grand halls and pokey pubs, as the morning sun rises or in the dark of night, to see creations of every kind as part of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. In honour of this wonderful celebration of the performing arts (and as a little treat), this was a special edition Dishoom Loves, covering all the acts we’d circled on our festival programme at Fringe in August 2023.
story
What is Navroz?
A new year celebration of spring, life, and renewal
Snacks & sides
Cheese & Masala Sticks
Simple yet moreish spiced cheese-and-pastry twirls
Total:30 minutes
Dishoom Loves
Issue VI, July
This month we gathered together in east London for The Trailblazers – a Dishoom Presents event that shone the spotlight on three rule-breaking women (Rani Lakshmi Bai, Sophia Duleep Singh and Homai Vyarawalla), whose stories were often hidden between the pages of history.
story
What is Ramadan?
A time for reflection
Tipples
Taj Ballroom Toddy
A warming tipple for the festive season
Total:10 minutes
story
Celebrating Homai Vyarawalla
Preserving moments and memories
Dishoom Loves
Issue V, June
From books to read in the sunshine, exhibitions to sneak into when the clouds come out and a special historical moment. Read on for all the things we're loving in June.
story
A celebration of chutneys
Dip, dab or daub to your heart's content
story
Reflections from Bhawani Singh Shekhawat, CEO at Akshaya Patra UK
We are so fortunate, still.
Dishoom Loves
Issue IV, May
Along with each new month comes a smattering of new cultural happenings. And as the sun shines brighter, diaries fill up faster. This May, make space in your calendar for some of the brilliant things Dishoom Loves.
story
The Dishoom Shoreditch Verandah
On a sunny day, somewhere in East London
story
Dishoom x Dialogues of Diaspora – Shamil Thakrar and Shalina Patel
Identity. Representation. History. Evolution. Diversity.
Occasion
Chilli Garlic Crab
A Special Seafood Recipe
Total:30 minutes
Breakfast
Uttapam Pancake Stack
Chef Naved has shared his recipe for making an extra fluffy stack at home
Total:20 minutes
Dishoom Loves
Issue III, April
As before, we’re so pleased to share with you a collection of first-class recommendations and much-loved cultural fixtures that we’re currently enjoying. And as we revel in the longer days and shorter nights, here’s a quick selection of all things Dishoom loves.
story
Fasting and Feasting – Notes on Ramadan & Eid, by Rida Bilgrami
A guest post by Rida Bilgrami
story
The History of Dishoom Chai
Why this spicy-sweet cup of comfort is so important to us
story
What is Eid Al Fitr – The celebration of breaking fast (Iftar)
Eid-al-Fitr is welcomed with great joy after a month of austerity.
Dishoom Loves
Issue II, March
As February draws to a close, March brings a promise of spring, longer days and a collection of first-class recommendations that we’re looking to enjoy over the coming month. Settle in with a chai, as we share more of what Dishoom Loves.
story
Celebrating Women in Indian Cinema
with 'Not Just Bollywood' film season
Snacks & sides
Coriander Mint Chutney
Serve with hot grills, for dipping and daubing as you see fit.
Total:15 minutes
story
The History of Raksha Bandhan
A Celebration of Brotherhood
Snacks & sides
Date recipes for Eid, by Ayesha Erkin
Ayesha Erkin shares one of her delectable date recipes
Total:17 minutes
story
Dishoom x Dialogues of Diaspora – 'An Unexpected History' by Shalina Patel
Suffragette Indian princesses, espionage agents and a complimentary tour of the Egyptian pyramids
story
What is Holi?
BURA NA MANO, HOLI HAI!
story
A poem on Dishoom Covent Garden
By Joe Winter
story
Designing Dishoom – Irani café inspration
story
Bombay's 'hot' Jazz scene by Dom James
guide
Zeenat Kulavoor's Guide to 24 Hours in Bombay
Typographer, creative director and lifetime Bombayite Zeenat Kulavoor shares her top picks from her beloved city
Breakfast
Banana and Date Porridge
An ideal breakfast for chilly mornings
Total:20 minutes
story
From Bombay to London, by Pooja
Before I moved to London I was told often how similar it is to Bombay.
story
Unlimited food for education by Bhawani Singh Shekhawat
By Bhawani Singh Shekhawat
story
A perfect serve of our Permit Room Old Fashioned
Our Chief Daru-walla's guide on serving the Permit Room Old-Fashioned at home
Occasion
Lamb Raan
An ideal centrepiece recipe for dinner parties and family celebrations.
Total:4.5 hours
story
Bademiya Grill House
Every Bombayite knows Bademiya...
Dishoom Loves
Issue I, February
Each month hereon we look forward to sharing with you, our dear friends, a collection of first-class recommendations and much-loved cultural fixtures that we’re currently enjoying. And with much to look forward to in February, here’s what Dishoom Loves.
story
What is Raksha Bandhan?
The Knot Of Protection
story
What is Martyrs Day?
Martyrs’ Day is a sombre day for Indians
story
The History of Chintz
Bringing charm to every table
story
Chef Rishi shares his grilling and barbecue tips
Rich memories of grills
story
Preserving memories on plates
In a way, all that we are is a bundle of memories.
story
Welcome to Dishoom Permit Room Brighton
(It involves bootlegging Aunties)
story
What is Republic Day?
Republic Day marks the passing of India's constitution. It celebrates the diversity and vibrancy of India - central to everything we do at Dishoom.
story
Thoughts from Rachael Anderson, Head of Schools at Magic Breakfast
10 Million Meals for Hungry Children
interview
An interview with Soumik Datta
We sit down with Soumik, a super-talented sarod player, who composed the musical score to accompany our 75 Years series to discuss music, identity and inclusivity.
story
Learning more about Indian Independence
77 Years on, there is still much learning to be done
story
Celebrating 10 million meals
Reflecting on a momentous milestone with Magic Breakfast and Akshaya Patra
story
Making House Chai at home with our Naan Roll Kits
story
What is Indian Independence Day?
On Independence Day, we reflect on the journey from Partition to the rich identity of India today. It is this deep, valuable diversity which we celebrate today.
story
Opening Dishoom King's Cross
Our big shed had become a living breathing restaurant
Snacks & sides
Kachumber Salad
A messy to-do of cucumber, onion and tomato
Total:15 minutes
story
The story of Indian Independence
Don’t limit a child to your own learning, for she was born in another time. – Rabindranath Tagore
story
On Not Belonging, Then Belonging, by Rema
story
The Journey to Independence
Stories of a new nation
Snacks & sides
Barbecue Side Dishes
Dishoom's most-loved summer sides
story
Slip Disc: The sleeve notes
story
Bombay London Grooves – Creating Slip Disc
A Labour of Love and Music
story
Working at Dishoom
We're on the lookout for more brilliant and lovely people to join us
story
Dishoom x Pizza Pilgrims – The Bacon & Egg Naan Pizza Special
A 'magic' teaming up
story
Dishoom Loves: South Asian Christmas Gift Guide
Gifts to cherish from talented friends
story
Valentine’s Day Gift Guide 2023
Delight in fulsome feasts and thoughtful gifts for loved ones. A guide to Valentine's gifting.
Pudding
Pineapple & Black Pepper Crumble
A first-class winter warmer
Total:60 minutes
story
Reflecting on 2023, by Shamil Thakrar
Attempting to get the measure of the year gone by.
story
Reflecting on 2021, by Shamil Thakrar
Reflections in the last days of 2021.
story
Reflecting on 2020, by Shamil Thakrar
Farewell to the year 2020.
story
Reflecting on 2019, by Shamil Thakrar
Seeking understanding at the bottom of my glass.
story
Reflecting on 2017, by Shamil Thakrar
I'm here again.
story
Reflecting on 2016, by Shamil Thakrar
Seeking answers in the Permit Room.
story
Reflecting on 2015, by Shamil Thakrar
Back Here in the Permit Room Again.
story
Reflecting on 2014, by Shamil Thakrar
Back here with a burra peg of Horniman’s Old Fashioned.
story
Reflecting on 2013, by Shamil Thakrar
I'm obviously turning into a predictable and sad old git.
story
Reflecting on 2012, by Shamil Thakrar
It was the year of jubilant defiance
story
Reflecting on 2011, by Shamil Thakrar
Join us as we reminisce about 2011 at Dishoom, and bid a warm welcome to 2012.
story
Reflecting on 2010, by Shamil Thakrar
Join us as we reminisce about 2010 at Dishoom, and bid a warm welcome to 2011.
story
Christmas in Bombay
At Dishoom and across the world, Christmas is a time for giving, feasting, laughter and high spirits. Explore how Bombay celebrates Christmas.
story
Welcome to Permit Room Oxford
Step into our new spot on Trinity Street, Cambridge – a tribute to 1970s Bombay.
