Dishoom Canary Wharf has quickly become one of the most beloved restaurants in London since opening its doors in 2018. Located right in the heart of the bustling Canary Wharf financial district, Dishoom transports diners to 1950s Bombay the moment they walk through the ornate wooden doors.
With its high ceilings, marble tables, and vintage posters adorning the walls, the space replicates the atmosphere of an old-world Iranian café. Dishoom is known worldwide for bringing the authentic flavours of Bombay Cafe cuisine to life, and its Canary Wharf outpost does not disappoint. Let’s examine what makes this Indian restaurant such a unique gem.
A Welcoming Refuge from the City Hustle
Stepping into Dishoom Canary Wharf is like entering another world. As the staff greets you, the aromas of freshly baked naans and warming spices disappear from the noise and chaos of the surrounding financial hub. Low lighting, Art Deco fixtures, and piped-in jazz music set the tone for relaxation
Staff welcomes all customers with genuine warmth, eager to share their knowledge of Dishoom’s story and classic menu items. The atmosphere is soothing yet buzzing – the perfect balance for refuelling during a busy workday or winding down after a long week.
Signature Dishes You Must Try
No visit to Dishoom is complete without sampling their signature Bacon Naan Roll. The chef tosses thin naan in the tandoor oven until it puffs up and becomes smoky, then fills it with crispy bacon, a fried egg, coriander, and green chutney. This creation serves as the ultimate handheld breakfast.
Other must-tries include the Black Daal, a rich stew simmered for 12 hours until velvety, and Masala Chai, tea infused with cardamom, cinnamon, and clove. Remember to end your meal with the unique Pora, a light cake served with saffron-infused honey. These dishes have made Dishoom a London institution.
An Authentic Indian Dining Experience in the Financial District
While international cuisines abound in Canary Wharf, only some can match Dishoom’s level of authenticity. Executive Chef Naved Nasir worked in Mumbai for over a decade before joining Dishoom, ensuring dishes adhere to traditional recipes passed down for generations.
Although located in an industrial area known for bank towers and trading floors, stepping into Dishoom transports diners straight to 1950s Bombay. The menu changes seasonally to spotlight fresh, local Indian ingredients. Patrons enjoy classic cocktails like lime sodas, flavoured lassis, craft beers, and boutique wines.
A Welcoming Space for Individuals and Large Groups Alike
Dishoom’s spacious yet warmly decorated interior provides the perfect setting for any meal occasion. Solo professionals quickly grab a quick lunch at the marble counter. Pairs can lounge on plush banquettes hidden away in sections. Families occupy high-top tables perfect for sharing dishes family-style
Large groups of 10-20 people have private booth areas perfect for hosting client meetings or team-building lunches. Diners feel at home in this welcoming oasis regardless of the party size. The staff ensures all customers, from regular locals to first-time visitors, leave fully satisfied after an authentic Indian dining experience in the heart of London.
Accessibility Even on Weekend Nights
Unlike other Indian restaurants that become overwhelmingly crowded and noisy on Fridays and Saturdays, Dishoom keeps its atmosphere relaxing even during peak times. Advanced reservations, which can be made up to 3 months in advance online, are always recommended. Those willing to wait can try for walk-in slots, though weekends fill up fast.
The chefs continue preparing dishes to order without compromising quality, and the staff maintains polite and efficient service despite high volumes. Customers appreciate Dishoom’s ability to maintain an upscale experience when other local spots descend into chaos. No wonder the restaurant attracts neighbourhood locals and visitors from all over the city each weekend.
A Uniquely Interactive Menu with Engaging Stories
Instead of a traditional static menu, Dishoom presents diners with a newspaper-style “Bombay Café Menu” chronicling the establishment’s history and folktales. Descriptions bring lesser-known Indian dishes to life through rich cultural context. Guests learn why prawn pulao pairs perfectly with coconut lassi during monsoon season or how bhelpuri was a favourite street snack fuelled by Bollywood cinema-goers
Stories surrounding grandfather’s secret rava dosa recipe and legendary Mumbai chefs inspire patrons to try new dishes. The menu has become a conversation piece that deepens one’s understanding and appreciation of Indian cuisine.
A Hub for the Local Community
Beyond serving fantastic food, Dishoom fosters a true sense of community. The location hosts recurring events that unite neighbours, from live jazz concerts to cocktail masterclasses. Charity drives encourage donations for meaningful causes. Regular customers become fast friends, exchanging recommendations over chai by the welcoming fireplace
Staff remember names, drinks, and food preferences with remarkable attentiveness. Families celebrate important milestones like birthdays and anniversaries surrounded by the restaurant’s like-minded patrons. No other place in Canary Wharf has successfully woven its identity so profoundly into the neighbourhood’s fabric while maintaining Dishoom’s Bombay soul
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Delicious dishes served at Dishoom Canary Wharf:
- Black Daal: A rich, velvety lentil stew simmered for 12 hours until meltingly soft. It’s considered one of Dishoom’s iconic dishes.
- Bombay Aloo: A spicy potato curry with cumin, coriander, chili, and ginger. The potatoes soak up all the fragrant spices.
- Prawn Pulao: Jasmine rice cooked with Gulf prawns, bay leaves, and Indian spices. A classic rice pilaf dish.
- Chicken Ruby Murray: Tender chicken thigh marinated in a yogurt spice mix and cooked in the tandoor.
- Beef Raan: Slow-cooked lamb shank that falls off the bone, served with naan.
- Bhel Puri: A street food favorite consisting of puffed rice, potatoes, onions, tamarind, and mint dressing.
- Berry Pulao: Basmati rice mixed with cranberries, pine nuts, and spices, topped with yogurt raita.
- Malai Kofta: Vegetable dumplings in a mild cashew nut cream sauce.
- Masala Chai: The deliciously spiced brewed tea that goes with every meal.
Those are some of the restaurant’s most iconic Bombay-inspired dishes beyond the bacon naan roll. The menu changes seasonally as well.
Vegetarian-friendly options available at Dishoom Canary Wharf:
- Palak Paneer – Spinach cooked with paneer cubes (fresh Indian cheese) in a creamy tomato-based gravy.
- Mushroom Biryani: Basmati rice layered with mushrooms, spices, and yogurts, cooked in a sealed pot.
- Malai Kofta – Dumplings made from paneer, potatoes, and spices in a cashew cream sauce.
- Chana Masala – Chickpeas in a thick, aromatic tomato and spice gravy.
- Shahi Paneer – Cottage cheese cubes in a rich cashew and tomato gravy.
- Baingan Bharta – Smoky grilled eggplant mashed with onion, tomato, and spices.
- Dal Makhni: Black lentils simmered overnight with cream and butter.
- Subz Seekh Kebab – Mint and coriander-infused vegetarian kebabs.
- Bombay Aloo: Spiced potato curry is also vegetarian.
- Bhel Puri: Puffed rice salad with potatoes is vegetarian.
- Seasonal Sabzis: Chefs prepare fresh vegetarian curries featuring seasonal produce.
The menu ensures there are excellent non-meat options for vegetarians and vegans. Dishes are rich in flavour, like the restaurant’s chicken and meat offerings.
A Taste of India in Canary Wharf
The menu at Dishoom Canary Wharf is a culinary masterpiece, showcasing a tempting flavor of dishes that pay homage to the diverse culinary traditions of India. It covers a wide range of Indian cuisine and vegetarian and vegan dishes, which is delightful for everyone
Ambiance and Dining Experience
When you enter Dishoom Canary Wharf, the ambiance surrounds you with warmth, hospitality, and sensory delight. The restaurant’s welcoming environment, impeccable service, and attention to detail set the stage for an unforgettable dining experience, whether enjoying a leisurely lunch, a family/couple dinner, or a lively weekend brunch
Beyond the Plate
Dishoom Canary Wharf is more than just a restaurant; it’s a hub of creativity, community, and connection. From hosting special events and promotions to offering catering services and private dining options, Dishoom is deeply rooted in the fabric of the local community, fostering meaningful connections and memorable experiences.
Dishoom Canary Wharf Timings
Whether you’re a seasoned bon vivant or seeking to explore new culinary horizons, Dishoom Canary Wharf is open to serving everyone from 8 am to 11 pm. Come and savor the flavors of India in the heart of London’s vibrant business hub, and discover why Dishoom is more than just a restaurant—it’s an experience to be savored and shared.
Summary: Dishoom Canary Wharf Restaurant
Between its transportive atmosphere, faithful recreations of traditional dishes, engaging menu storytelling, and community-focused spirit, Dishoom Canary Wharf has genuinely raised the bar for Indian restaurants in London. Executive Chef Naved Nasir and his team honor Bombay’s rich culinary heritage while staying relevant to modern tastes.
The welcoming staff ensures that all feel at home enjoying leisurely family-style meals throughout the day. With such high demand, advanced bookings are a must to experience this oasis tucked away amid London’s skyscraper jungle. Fans of authentic Indian cuisine will find Dishoom’s homage to 1950s Bombay cafes well worth seeking out – an unforgettable discovery amid the concrete and glass of Canary Wharf.
