The main restaurant (well, one of several rooms).
What can you tell us about Dishoom?
If you're a regular Hot Dinners reader, we're going to assume you have at least some passing knowledge of Dishoom. But, just in case, here's a quick primer/refresher. It was originally started in 2010, opening in Covent Garden. Founded by cousins Shamil and Kavi Thakrar, its task was to bring a taste of Bombay Irani cafés to London, showcasing a different take on Indian food than was common in the UK at the time. Sometimes referred to in the past as Indian street food, they've settled down to describing it as Bombay comfort food as the menu has evolved over the years.
The original restaurant quickly became a massive hit (those Dishoom queues were there from day one) and it expanded across London and beyond to Manchester and Edinburgh.
And where is this one?
With their newest opening Dishoom has become the latest group to open in Canary Wharf, a part of the city which has really managed to bring back a bustling nightlife in the post-covid age. They're in the Wood Wharf section of the area pretty close to the Canary Wharf Hawksmoor. The Jubilee line station is closest or it's about a 10-minute walk if you're coming on the Elizabeth line.
And is there a queue?
It's already very popular but you can always book a table before 6pm. After that, you can book a table only if there are six or more of you. But if you're waiting for a table, you can do that in the bar (pictured below).
And here's a look at the bar area
Where should we meet for a drink first?
Outside of Dishoom itself, the best bet nearby is definitely the bar downstairs at Hawksmoor - we've used it as a kick-off point for an evening in Canary Wharf a few times. If you're coming from the Elizabeth Line, Market Hall Cargo is also a very handy stopping point if you want a drink before walking over to Dishoom.
However, the bars at Dishoom are always great drinking holes and the Canary Wharf location is no exception. It's a big old affair and perfect for a drink before or after dinner (you can't book the bar, but walk-ins are possible). Cocktails are always on point but they've particularly outdone themselves with a new addition to the menu in Canary Wharf which you can see below...
Obviously, you must order the mini martini flight. It's called "The Commander, his Wife and her Lover". The Commander is a dry martini of Angostura Amaro liqueur, Fino Sherry and Royal Dock Navy Strength gin and a black olive, The Wife is Monkey 47 Gin and Dry vermouth, laced with Poire William and Axia spirit and a roquito pepper while The Lover is Dishoom vermouth infused with okra, Tanqueray No.10 gin, and black pepper tincture and with a green olive.
So - into the restaurant - where should we sit?
Honestly - you'll go wherever they put you. Thirteen years in and Dishoom remains as hugely popular as ever, so just getting in the door (particularly in the evening) should count as a win. The restaurant is split into about four different spaces and all of them have a great buzz about them - so we don't think there's a danger of being stuck anywhere subpar. The outside terrace should be very tempting when the weather warms up too (although it is also heated and covered).
Onto the food then - what to order?
It's been a while since our last Dishoom visit so we'd somewhat forgotten about how large the menu is here. You'll find everything from their own takes on Indian classics to dishes that they've really made their own.
If you haven't been before and are after some of the classics, then you should be looking at their chicken tikka and of course the house black daal (see that below). Of course, if you come for breakfast their best known invention - the bacon naan - is not to be missed. So you might want to plan the odd morning business meeting here.
As for our visit - here's a look at what we ordered below. Note that we definitely over-ordered, so you can probably take a couple of dishes off this and still have more than enough for two people.
Chilli Cheese Toast with green chillies, capsicum and garlic in cheddar melt on white sliced bread. (£6.20)
Paneer tikka - marinated with green herbs then gently charred with peppers. (£11.50)
Masala prawns (£15.50)
Chicken Berry Britannia biryani - chicken, ginger, garlic, mint, coriander and rice cooked together in the Kacchi style. with cranberries (£15.50)
Gunpowder potatoes - tossed with butter, crushed aromatic seeds and green herbs (£8.90)
The famous House Black Daal (£7.50)
Caramelised basmati rice pudding, cooked with vanilla-infused coconut milk, cardamom and cashews and layered with blueberry compôte (£7.50)
Anything else to point out?
There is another special on the menu that's exclusive to Canary Wharf. That's the lobster malai with lobster that comes from nearby Billingsgate. Alas, that wasn't on when we visited (problems with the weather in Scotland and getting the lobsters - which at least indicates how fresh they are). If it's on during your visit - it's definitely worth considering.
We'd also strongly recommend the Mutton Pepper Fry (£16.90) from the Ruby Murray section which we also tried on this visit but managed to take such a terrible picture that we can't bring ourselves to include here.
Overall thoughts?
Dishoom continues its winning streak, never managing to put a foot wrong. Their Canary Wharf restaurant is another piece in the puzzle that's making this area of London a much better place to dine in than it used to be, with both restaurant and bar maintaining that Dishoom vibe. All that and the food continues to be very, very good. Another smash hit for them, then.
More about Dishoom Canary Wharf
Where is it? 13 Water Street, Canary Wharf, London E14 5GX
How to book: Book online
Find out more: Visit their website or follow them on Instagram @dishoom
Hot Dinners dined as guests of Dishoom. Prices correct at time of publication.
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