Dishoom is amazinggggg!
Walking past it everyday since starting my job in November has been torturous. Everyday; Monday, Wednesday or Friday whether it's time for breakfast, lunch or dinner it is full. Most of the time sporting a hideous queue outside (no reservations unless you're a party of plus 5).
But finally we have braved it. Nathan travelled into London from Newbury (his work day on Friday ends at 4pm - lucky for some), arriving at Waterloo at 6pm (just a speedy 2 hours later). I finished up at work around 5pm and headed to work's local for a leaving drinks before heading towards the much anticipated, Dishoom.
I arrived around 6.20pm and joined the end of the queue. It wasn't long until a member of staff approached me asking for a name and party size and painfully explaining then the hour and 10 minute wait but thankfully someone else came over offering me fresh mint tea. Due to February British temperatures I delightfully indulged and it wasn't long until Nathan turned up (6.35pm) and another guy turned up but this time with the hugely recommended 'chai tea'. Unfortunately it wasn't for me and it reminded me of my childhood and getting free Yakult samples with our weekly milk delivery. Yakult is not my cup of tea and chai is definitely not my flavour.
We were seated within 40 minutes of my arrival, exceeding our expectations which is always a pleasure.
We ordered a couple of 'small plates' to whet the appetite; Keema Pau (spiced mince lamb in a toasted Pau bun) and Prawn Koliwada (prawns with tamarind and date chutney). Along with a Bollybellini (Indian-inspired Bellini) for me and a Blow Horn Spiced Up Cider for Nath.
Food was top knotch.
After under doing our top buttons on our trousers, allowing space for breathing we ordered our main course. I love sharing and allowing myself to experience the best of both worlds, Nath doesn't but he doesn't get the choice. We shared a couple of sides; Bombay coleslaw (with pomegranate), basmati rice and garlic naan. Excellent combination everything just worked together.
Safe to say we were stuffed at this point, but then the good ol' dessert menus came out and we just couldn't resist giving their signature Kolfi (basically an ice cream, I opted for mango and Nath pistachio. Amazinggg!
We were done, stuffed full with incredible Indian food. But the night was still young so we decided to head for a post-dinner drink before making our journey home.
A friend recently recommended ECC to me, this stands for Experimental Cocktail Club which is located on Gerrad Street in the heart of China Town. It took us a while to locate as it's well disguised with no sign outside and just a blank doorway and a bouncer for you to notice. We just made an estimated guess. Inside it was 3 stories high and a great atmosphere. The cocktails were pretty pricey so we just had one each. I had the Bela (strawberry marshmallow, absinthe, egg white, champagne and I can't remember what else) and Nath and the Top off the Hat (fried banana, dark chocolate syrup, plantain rum and something pink coloured)! Worth it for the unusual cocktails and a different experience but I probably wouldn't go again as there are far too many different places in London to try out!
Expect plenty more restaurant/bad reviews!
Dishoom | Would go again but in a large group, as the meals are great for sharing and food was interesting and delicious. 8/10
ECC | Pricey but unique cocktails and great atmosphere. 7/10
Xoxo
