Dishoom Edinburgh – Bombay Comfort Food in the Heart of New Town

A Love Letter to Bombay’s Irani Cafés

Dishoom Edinburgh is more than a restaurant—it’s a carefully crafted tribute to the Irani cafés of mid-20th-century Bombay, where chai, conversation and comfort food flowed freely. Inside, the atmosphere is a sensory delight: polished wood, art deco details, vintage posters and the soft hum of classic Bollywood melodies transport you straight to the streets of old Bombay. The space unfolds across several thoughtfully designed rooms, each with its own character, from intimate booths to larger communal tables, all wrapped in a warm, nostalgic glow. The design pays homage to Bombay’s cosmopolitan past, blending Persian, British and Indian influences into a setting that feels both grand and welcoming. Whether you’re here for a quick breakfast or a long, leisurely dinner, the decor invites you to linger, sip chai and soak in the energy of a place that celebrates Bombay’s many cultures, stories and flavours.

All-Day Bombay Comfort Food

Dishoom’s menu is built around Bombay comfort food, served from early morning until late at night. Breakfast starts strong with the famous Bacon Naan Roll, a smoky, buttery masterpiece that has become a signature dish, alongside the Sausage Naan Roll and vegan alternatives. For a heartier start, Keema Per Eedu—spicy minced chicken with chicken liver and two runny eggs—delivers a rich, satisfying punch, while Chole Puri Halwa offers a sweet-savoury street-food classic. The all-day menu is a celebration of Bombay’s culinary diversity: small plates like Okra Fries and Bhel, grills such as Lamb Sheekh Kabab, and rich curries like Chicken Ruby and Mattar Paneer. The Edinburgh Chef’s Special, Salli Boti, features tender lamb in a deep, spiced gravy topped with crunchy salli (crisp potato straws) and served with buttered roomali roti. Vegetarian and vegan diners are well catered for, with dishes like Awadhi Jackfruit Biryani and a range of salads, chaats and breads.

Chai, Cocktails and the Permit Room

Chai is at the heart of Dishoom’s identity, and here it’s served bottomless—spiced, sweet and endlessly comforting. The Permit Room bar adds another layer, offering expertly crafted cocktails that nod to Bombay’s cocktail culture, from the India Gimlet to the Bollywood Bellini and the Horniman’s Old Fashioned. Whether you’re here for a morning chai and a naan roll or a late-night drink with friends, the bar is a lively, convivial space. Service is attentive and warm, with staff happy to guide you through the menu, explain dishes and recommend pairings. The restaurant operates mostly as a walk-in café, with reservations available for groups during the day and for larger parties in the evening, making it easy to drop in for breakfast, lunch, dinner or just a drink. The atmosphere is buzzy and social, perfect for everything from solo meals to big group feasts.