Dishoom Edinburgh

Dishoom pays loving homage to the Irani cafés that were once part of the fabric of life in Bombay. Opened early last century by Zoroastrian immigrants from Iran, there were almost 400 of these cafés at their peak in the 1960s. Now fewer than 30 remain. Rich businessmen, courting couples and sweaty taxi-wallas all frequented the cafés. They were the first place in the city where people from any caste or class could have an inexpensive snack or a hearty meal, or just seek cool refuge from the street with a glass of chai. But now, as the city rushes towards modernity, these beautiful old cafés are fading into memory. This is the story of Dishoom.

The breakfast menu includes Dishoom’s famous Bacon Naan Roll and Sausage Naan Roll, with meat supplied by local butcher Ramsay of Carluke. There’s Keema Per Eedu: a Parsi power breakfast of eggs and spicy chicken keema studded with delicate morsels of chicken liver; giant, crackled puffed puris accompany Chole Puri Halwa; and plentiful (bottomless!) House Chai. For our vegan friends, a delicious sausage developed with Chef Neil Rankin to be enjoyed as an umami-rich naan roll or side order to a tofu Akuri, equally satisfying for breakfast.

This will be followed by the recently updated (perhaps their finest and maybe most ambitious) all-day menu of small plates, grills, biryanis, salad plates, hand-made breads and sides. The Edinburgh Chef’s Special is Salli Boti: tender lamb is braised in a flavoursome gravy then finished with crunchy salli crisp-chips, and served with buttered Roomali Roti. Always dishes that excite. Spice that leaves your taste buds gasping yet craving more. All-new flavours and fresh takes on beloved classics. And a lip-tingling drinks list. Edinburgh’s Signature Cocktail is the Horniman’s Old Fashioned - smoked oak barrels are used to age Brugal 1888 Rum, pineapple syrup and bitters together. For Edinburgh’s designated drivers, expectant mothers and tee-totallers, Dishoom offers a number of totally unique ‘copy tipples’ including a Sober Negroni, Marine Drive Spritz and the No-Permit Collins, which look and taste like serious drinks, but are entirely alcohol free.

Dishoom is mostly a walk-in cafe. All are welcome, any time, no reservations needed. However, if you'd like to make a reservation, groups of any size may book during the day. After 6pm, we accept bookings for groups of six or more. Takeaway is available via collection from 8am-5pm Mon-Fri, and our collection menu can be kindly viewed on our website.