The Bombay cafe that became a London institution — Shamil and Kavi Thakrar built Dishoom as an homage to the Irani cafes of old Bombay, and the Covent Garden original remains the best expression of the concept. The bacon naan roll at breakfast is the queue that tells you everything: people will wait forty-five minutes in the rain for a flatbread stuffed with smoked bacon and cream cheese, and they're right to. The black daal — simmered for 24 hours — is the dinner signature and among the best things to eat in London. Multiple locations now, which dilutes the exclusivity but not the quality.
Location
Covent Garden, London
Insider Intel
The bacon naan roll at breakfast — the dish that built the queue. The black daal at dinner — 24-hour simmered lentils that define the Dishoom experience. The lamb biryani, the chicken ruby, and the okra fries round out a proper table. The chai is serious. Breakfast is the best value meal in central London.
Early breakfast (8-9am) to avoid the worst queue, or late lunch on a weekday. The Covent Garden original is busiest; King's Cross (in the old Transit Shed) is architecturally the most interesting branch. Dinner queues are longest Thursday-Saturday.
No reservations for small groups — queue only. The queue is real and can be 30-60 minutes at peak times. Multiple London locations (Covent Garden, King's Cross, Shoreditch, Carnaby, Kensington). Covent Garden is the original. Leicester Square tube. Mains £10-18, breakfast £6-12. Takeaway available if the queue defeats you.