Category: Indian Restaurants

3a St Andrew Square

Edinburgh , EH2 2BD

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DATE OF VISIT
03-09-2023

Visit & Vibes

Stepping back into the enchanting embrace of Edinburgh, I found myself on a quest for culinary delight, and Dishoom was the chosen destination for my much-anticipated lunch-cum-dinner experience. The memory of my last visit in 2018 had me seated by the window, but this time, luck was on my side as I secured a coveted table within the heart of the restaurant, unveiling the mysteries of its interior.

Crossing the threshold, I was immediately ensnared by a symphony of enticing aromas, a tantalizing overture to the culinary masterpiece that awaited. The kitchen, with its secrets and flavours, tantalized the senses, further whetting my appetite and igniting my anticipation.

Descending to my designated table, the soft, dim lighting created an atmosphere that, while perhaps not ideal for photography, was perfect for the meal and chatting with my friends.

The Food

PRAWN KOLIWADA £9.50
Bombay’s Koli (fishermen) Wada (district) recipe: a bowl of delicate, crispy morsels – perfect for chutney-dipping. 

One item that immediately caught my attention was the crispy prawns, boasting a promise of perfection for dipping. Eager to explore this tantalizing option, I placed my order, enticed by the prospect of crispy goodness.

When the dish arrived, it didn’t make a grand visual statement, but the aroma that wafted up from the plate was downright intoxicating. Without wasting any time, I dove right in. The first bite was simply amazing. The flavors were spot-on, and the prawns themselves were cooked to perfection. Their delightful crispiness was a textural symphony in my mouth. Surprisingly, they didn’t even need the dipping sauce that accompanied them; they were 100% amazing on their own.

As I savored each succulent bite, I couldn’t help but imagine this dish as the ideal movie-night snack. It had that addictive quality that made you want more and more, a real crowd-pleaser in its own right. I couldn’t resist the temptation to keep reaching for another prawn, and another, until I had nearly devoured the entire plate.

Without a doubt, when I return to this restaurant, the crispy prawns will be at the top of my order list. They left an indelible mark on my palate, and I wholeheartedly recommend that you give them a try too.

SALLI BOTI (half plate £16.90)
This is a first-rate Parsi classic, a notable example of which is served in the inimitable Britannia & Co. Tender lamb is braised in a rich and flavoursome gravy then finished with crunchy salli crisp-chips. Served with buttered Roomali Roti.

Tonight’s dining experience took an unexpected twist when our waitress recommended a dish that I rarely venture towards – lamb. Her pitch was convincing, and I decided to take the plunge, albeit with caution, opting for the half plate as she wisely suggested. According to her, the full plate was colossal.

When the dish arrived, its visual presentation didn’t scream extravagance, but it had a certain understated charm. The aroma, however, was nothing short of enticing. I couldn’t help but appreciate the delightful addition of roti, a bread I’ve always had a soft spot for.

Without further ado, I dug in, and let me tell you, the first bite elicited a resounding “wow.” The flavor profile was nothing short of remarkable. The crispy toppings added a delightful textural contrast to the succulent lamb and the buttery roti. Each bite was a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that worked in perfect synergy.

However, if I had to nitpick, I’d suggest serving it with two rotis, especially considering the price point. I managed to polish off my first roti and still had a good portion of the dish left. Perhaps my roti-to-eating coordination needs improvement, but two rotis would ensure a more balanced meal.

In conclusion, I can highly recommend this dish to fellow food enthusiasts.

MANGO & FENNEL LASSI £5.20
First-class yoghurt drink with mango and a sprinkling of fennel seeds.

After indulging in two delectable courses, I found myself in that delightful yet slightly overstuffed state, especially after savoring the exquisite lamb dish.

Usually, my dessert-loving heart would be ready to dive headfirst into a sweet treat, but on this particular evening, I decided to take a different route and ordered a mango and fennel lassi.

Now, let me tell you, a mango and fennel lassi is my tried-and-true go-to finale whenever I dine at an Indian restaurant. There’s something about the fusion of those vibrant mangoes and the subtle hint of fennel that makes it the perfect conclusion to an Indian feast. It’s like a refreshing, sweet symphony that soothes the taste buds after a spicy culinary journey.

However, this time around, while my expectations were high, the lassi left me with mixed feelings. It was good, no doubt about it, but I’ve had better renditions of this classic drink. The mango flavor was there, but perhaps not as robust as I’d hoped, and the fennel, while present, didn’t shine as brightly as I’d experienced elsewhere.

But hey, let’s not be too harsh on it. Despite not reaching the pinnacle of lassi perfection I had encountered before, it still played its role remarkably well. It offered a creamy, soothing finish to the meal, helping to tame the lingering spices and provide that much-needed cooldown.

Final Thoughts…

Overall todays visit was just like my last very good filled with amazing flavours and tasty dishes.

I am keeping Dishoom on my top restaurant’s page.

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.