Visit & Vibes

I recently had the opportunity to visit a place called Dhoom, located in Dunfermline. Despite having visited Dunfermline several times in the past year, this was a new discovery for me, and I must say, I’m extremely glad I found it. Let me share my thoughts on why I believe it’s worth a visit.

Upon entering, I noticed that the place was already bustling with activity, which I consider to be a positive sign. The decor was modern and bright, and yet exuded a relaxed ambience, creating a pleasant atmosphere. After being warmly welcomed, I was shown to my seat.

As someone who refrains from taking photos indoors when children are present, I encourage you to check out their Facebook and Instagram pages for a glimpse of the interior.

However, the image above provides a small preview of what to expect

Décor	★★★★★
Noise Level	★★★★★
Restaurant Temperature	★★★★★
Table Dressing	★★★★
Restaurant Cleanliness	★★★★★
Background Music Level	★★★★★

The Food

The current menu offered a culinary journey through the streets of Chennai.

Personally, I only have limited knowledge about Chennai – I know it’s in India and I’ve seen the Bollywood movie ‘Chennai Express’. So, tonight promised to be an adventure of new flavours for me.

Glancing over the menu, I did recognize a few names, but overall, I couldn’t wait to sample everything as it all sounded amazing. And as you’ll soon discover, it looked just as appealing.

Given that this is a 10-course tasting menu, I’ll review each dish in the order it was served, providing insights into its appearance and taste. This way, you’ll have a good idea of what to expect when you dine there. It’s all about savouring the experience, and I have a feeling you’ll be eager to visit after reading this, as it truly is an exceptional place that I’m already looking forward to returning to.

10-Course Chennai Taster Menu £28.95

PRE-STARTER

ALOO BHAJI (VG) (GF) (DF) (NF)
Crispy potato bhajiyas from Chennai

&

THAKKALI RASAM (VG) (GF) (DF)(NF)
A spicy, traditional southern Indian tomato soup from Coimbatore

The first two items presented were the Aloo Bhaji and the Thakkali Rasam.

I’ve previously enjoyed Aloo Bhaji, frequenting Indian restaurants and having many Indian friends. Presentation-wise, it looked enticing and was just the right size for a pre-starter, tantalizing my taste buds for the rest of the tasting menu.

The Aloo Bhaji was perfectly cooked with a delightful flavour. I could have easily indulged in more of it all night while chatting with my friends; it was that good.

Moving on, the Thakkali Rasam, a southern Indian tomato soup, was next. Though new to me, its aroma intrigued me, and I eagerly anticipated trying it. Served in a perfect little container for sipping, I loved the presentation. It was delightful, boasting a rich flavour with a subtle kick that didn’t overwhelm.

Even with a low spice tolerance like mine, it was enjoyable. I could easily have had more and even attempted to recreate it at home; that’s how much I enjoyed it.

Overall, my first two pre-starters were exceptional, leaving me eagerly anticipating the remaining dishes to come.

Dish Flavours	★★★★★
Appearance	★★★★★
Serving Size	★★★★★
Aroma	★★★★★
Value for Money	★★★★★
MY RATING:	★★★★★

MEEN VADAI (GF)(DF) (NF)
Crispy minced fish vadai (fish cakes) prepared with homemade Southern Indian spices from Puducherry Coast

&

GUNPOWDER MASALA IDLI (VG) (GF) (DF)(NF)
Famous breakfast of steamed rice cake served with special gunpowder masala from Madurai

The next two dishes served were the ‘Meen Vadai,’ a crispy minced fish cake, and the ‘gunpowder masala idli.’

Opting to begin with the fish cake, I found the presentation delightful once again. Cutting into it revealed a perfectly cooked interior with a lovely aroma. With my first bite, I was impressed by its exceptional taste. The fish flavour shone through, complemented by perfectly balanced spices that didn’t overpower.

The sauce and accompanying elements added to the overall experience, creating a wonderful blend of flavours and textures. This dish truly stood out, and I found myself wanting more of it.

Moving on to the ‘gunpowder masala idli,’ I was excited to finally try this item that had been on my list for a while. Its presentation intrigued me, and I decided to savour each component separately.

The idli was impeccably cooked, offering a delightful flavour and texture.

Though enjoyable, it was the fish cake that stole the spotlight for me. However, this is purely a matter of personal preference. Nonetheless, I’m grateful for the opportunity to try it; there was nothing lacking in its preparation or flavour. Yet, the fish cake won my heart just a little more.

Dish Flavours	★★★★★
Appearance	★★★★★
Serving Size	★★★★★
Aroma	★★★★★
Value for Money	★★★★★
MY RATING:	★★★★★

MEDU VADAI (VG) (GF) (DF) (NF)
A popular savoury lentil snacks from Kanchipuram

NILGIRI MURGH TIKKA (GF) (DF) (NF)
Silky chicken breast tikkas flavoured with fresh crushed black pepper, inspired from black pepper plantations from Nilgiri Hills

The next two dishes were presented beautifully on a banana leaf, accentuating the vibrant colours of the sauces and dishes. While I had only tried one of these dishes, the Medu Vidai, before, I was eager to see how they prepared it here and intrigued by the other dish.

I began with the Nilgiri Murgh Tikka, featuring tender chicken breast topped with sauces. It was exceptionally!!! tender, bursting with flavour. I even told the owner it should be a standalone dish—it was my favourite so far, and I wished I had more. Highly recommend trying it.

Next was the Medu Vidai, which resembles a lentil doughnut. Biting into it with coconut slice and sauce, it was delightful, perfectly cooked with a slightly doughy texture. The sauce complemented it perfectly, with the coconut adding a nice touch.

Both dishes were amazing, though the chicken stood out for me. I eagerly anticipate having it again.

Dish Flavours	★★★★★
Appearance	★★★★★
Serving Size	★★★★★
Aroma	★★★★★
Value for Money	★★★★★
MY RATING:	★★★★★

BISI BELE BATH (VG) (GF) (DF)(NF)
rice, lentil and mix vegetables tempered with mustard seeds & curry leaves from Rameshwaram

ANAMALAI LAMB SEEKH KEBAB (GF) (DF) (NF)
Green herbs flavoured minced lamb kebab, inspired by lush green forests of Anamalai Tiger Reserve

The next two dishes from the taster menu arrived, both instantly intriguing.

One was a ball-shaped item, while the other was skewered on a wooden stick.

Upon learning their identities, I decided to set aside the lamb kebab for a moment and delve into the Bisi Bele Bath first.

Its exterior boasted a delightful texture, accompanied by an equally delightful aroma. Upon tasting, a symphony of flavours erupted; each attempt to isolate one was met with the emergence of another, yet the overall taste was exceptionally pleasing. I thoroughly enjoyed it and could easily have it again.

Moving on to the lamb kebab, its aroma was enticing from the start, prompting me to dive in.

The meat was incredibly tender, practically melting in my mouth. The flavour was impeccably balanced. I’ve often found lamb kebabs to overpower with their lamb flavour, leaving a lingering aftertaste, but this was flawlessly executed.

The sauces complemented the meat splendidly, without overshadowing one another. The tenderness of the lamb, combined with the harmonious flavours, made for an outstanding dish.

Compliments to the chefs tonight; every dish, from the chicken to the lamb, showcased impeccable tenderness and bold flavours.

Dish Flavours	★★★★★
Appearance	★★★★★
Serving Size	★★★★★
Aroma	★★★★★
Value for Money	★★★★★
MY RATING:	★★★★★

HAULLE HAULLE (GF) (DF)(VG)(NF)
Let’s have a wee rest !
Madras Filter Coffee a palate cleanser inspired by Chennai’s love for filter coffee & bananas

All prior dishes were outstanding, with several winners. None were terrible; they all impressed.

This was the penultimate dish, serving as a palate cleanser before the main course, ordered right at the start.

Arriving in a perfect size, it was a delightful concoction of coffee and banana giving ice cream vibes but not as creamy, it served its purpose exceptionally well. A recipe I might recreate for a summer day. A perfect prelude to the main event!

MAIN DISH

The main course is served along with a shared portion of Nawabi Biryani Rice, Indian Breads and chips.

King Prawn Thokku
King prawns in a special tangy Tamilian sauce finished with coconut cream

For my main course, the options were amazing, but I had to narrow it down. I chose the King Prawn Soku, attracted by its description of tangy Tamilian sauce finished with coconut cream, which sounded perfect to me.

Upon arrival, the dish greeted me with an incredible aroma, and I appreciated all the little compliments that came with it.

As I began to plate the rice and King Prawns, I decided to start with the chips. T

hey were perfectly cooked and lightly dusted with spice. Personally, I felt the chips were unnecessary alongside this dish, but that’s just my opinion.

Moving on to the main course, the King Prawn dish was sublime. It was flawlessly cooked, with generous portions of prawns, and the sauce complemented the rice perfectly. The Indian bread, also perfectly cooked, paired wonderfully with the dish, although I wouldn’t have minded an extra piece.

Overall, it was an outstanding dish that I highly recommend trying from the menu. It’s a solid 10 out of 10 for me, and I would love to have it again.

Dish Flavour	★★★★★
Appearance	★★★★★
Serving Size	★★★★★
Aroma	★★★★★
Value for Money	★★★★★
MY RATING:	★★★★★

COCONUT LADDU (VG) (GF) (DF) (NF) – £5.95
Traditional coconut and jaggery laddus served with special mixed berry sauce

After an incredible meal, I was extremely full. Initially, I debated whether to order anything else, but ultimately, I found myself tempted by a mango lassi, my usual go-to in Indian restaurants if I skip dessert.

However, I was intrigued by the coconut Laddu, which, as a big fan of Laddu, I simply had to try.

Upon arrival, the presentation was impressive, and the portion size, especially after such a large meal, was just right.

The taste was exceptional. The combination of sauces with the coconut Laddu was delightful, creating a harmonious blend of flavours. It served as the perfect conclusion to a wonderful meal and a perfect evening.

Dish Flavour	★★★★★
Appearance	★★★★★
Serving Size	★★★★★
Aroma	★★★★★
Value for Money	★★★★★
MY RATING:	★★★★★

Final Thoughts…

Firstly, a big thank you to the team at Dhoom for inviting me. I am genuinely grateful that you did.

This is yet another standout spot in Dunfermline that I will wholeheartedly recommend, joining the ranks of another beloved place in the area. I’m already contemplating a return visit just for this dish—it was that good.

It’s definitely earning a spot on my list of top restaurants.

So, if you’re seeking out a fantastic Indian dining experience or are eager to explore flavours from different regions of India, this is the place to be.

eep in mind that the menu rotates every couple of months. If you’re intrigued by what you’ve seen from the Chennai-inspired offerings, don’t delay—make your way here as soon as possible and don’t miss out. I cannot recommend this place highly enough.

Service / Staff	★★★★★
Ambience	★★★★★
Time between Courses	★★★★★
Halal Friendly	YES
Overall Value for Money	★★★★★
MY OVERALL RATING	★★★★★

It’s important to note that all the views and opinions expressed in my blog posts and vlogs are entirely personal, have not been influenced in any way and reflect my individual perspective. I value authenticity and honesty above all, and my content is a genuine reflection of my thoughts and experiences.