Dishoom Cookbook – A Journey Through Bombay’s Comfort Food
Dishoom isn’t just a restaurant it’s a celebration of Bombay’s rich food culture. The Dishoom Cookbook brings that same vibrant energy into your kitchen with recipes that burst with bold spices, warm memories, and unforgettable flavors.
Each page feels like a stroll through Bombay’s bustling streets, filled with smoky kebabs, buttery naans, and the comforting aroma of masala chai. The book does more than teach you how to cook.
It tells stories, paints vivid pictures of old Irani cafés, and honors the people behind the plates. Recipes range from slow-cooked black daal to fiery chicken ruby, all crafted to help you recreate the soul of Dishoom at home.
This isn’t just for fans of Indian cuisine it’s for anyone who loves food with heart. Grab your apron, turn the page, and dive into a cookbook that feels like a journey through time, spice, and soul.
The Dishoom Cookbook isn’t just about recipes. It’s a story. A story full of smells, tastes, and colors. Each page brings Bombay closer. Each recipe carries emotion. It feels like walking the streets of Mumbai with a plate in hand.
This book brings restaurant favorites like Black Daal and Bacon Naan Roll into your kitchen. But that’s only part of it. It also shares tales of a city full of life and flavor. Let’s dive into what makes this book special.
Author Background
Who Wrote the Dishoom Cookbook?
Three names appear on the cover – Shamil Thakrar, Kavi Thakrar, and Naved Nasir. Together, they built the Dishoom restaurant chain in the UK. Their goal? To share the feeling of old Bombay cafes with the world.
Shamil and Kavi are cousins. They grew up surrounded by Indian culture and food. Naved is the chef. He brings deep knowledge of Indian cooking. Together, they made a team that understands food, feelings, and storytelling.
They didn’t write just any cookbook. They created a tribute. A love letter to Bombay. Each page shows their respect for traditions and love for home-cooked meals.
Cookbook Overview
What’s Inside the Book?
The Dishoom Cookbook is a mix of recipes and stories. It takes you through a day-long tour of South Bombay. Morning chai, afternoon strolls, sunset snacks it’s all in there.
Expect recipes for:
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Bacon Naan Roll
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Black Daal
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Okra Fries
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Jackfruit Biryani
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Chicken Ruby
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Lamb Raan
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Masala Chai
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Coolers and Cocktails
But it’s not just about cooking. You’ll also visit Kyani & Co., Mohammed Ali Road, and Nariman Point through stories and photos. Each dish connects with a moment or a memory.
The book is full of beautiful photography. You see not only food but also Bombay’s streets, cafes, and people. It’s easy to feel like you’re right there.
Recipe Categories
What Types of Recipes Does It Include?
The cookbook has a wide range. It covers breakfast to dinner, drinks to desserts. Everything has a touch of Bombay’s warmth.
1. Breakfast Dishes
Start with chai and omelettes. Or try the famous Bacon Naan Roll—simple but rich in flavor.
2. Street Food
Crispy, tangy, and fun. Dishes like Okra Fries bring the magic of Bombay’s street snacks to life.
3. Main Courses
This section includes the heart of Indian meals. Rich gravies. Slow-cooked meats. Veggie wonders. Try the Chicken Ruby or Jackfruit Biryani.
4. Sides and Extras
From raita to chutneys, these small recipes make a big difference. They add punch and balance.
5. Drinks and Sweets
Cool down with a rose and cardamom cooler. End your meal with a simple sweet or cup of Masala Chai.
Features
What Makes This Book Special?
A Personal Touch
Each recipe tells a story. You don’t just cook—you connect. The book shares the soul of Bombay.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Simple language and clear steps help even new cooks. No fancy tricks. Just honest food.
Real Restaurant Recipes
The cookbook shares exact recipes from the Dishoom kitchen. Now you can bring your favorite dishes home.
Stunning Photography
Every photo pulls you in. You can almost smell the spices and hear the city noise in the background.
Travel Through Words
It’s more than a cookbook. It’s also a travel diary. You walk through Bombay’s busy streets while turning pages.
Pros and Cons
What’s Great and What Could Be Better?
Pros
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Easy to follow, even for beginners
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Full of cultural stories
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Real recipes from the Dishoom restaurants
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Beautiful layout and photos
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Wide range of recipes veg and non-veg
Cons
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Some ingredients may be hard to find outside Indian stores
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Takes time to cook some dishes
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Might feel long for people wanting only quick recipes
Still, the charm outweighs the challenges. A little effort gives big rewards.
Try
Also Can Try
FAQs
Is the Dishoom Cookbook good for beginners?
Yes. The steps are clear and simple. Some recipes take time, but the book guides you well.
Do I need special spices?
Yes, a few. Items like garam masala, black cardamom, or dried mango powder may not be in every kitchen. You can find them in most Indian grocery stores or online.
Are the stories necessary?
Yes. They make the book special. These stories connect the recipes to people, places, and emotions.
Can I make vegetarian food from this book?
Yes. There are many vegetarian and vegan options like Jackfruit Biryani and Okra Fries.
Does it include drinks and desserts?
Yes. You’ll find recipes for chai, coolers, and cocktails, plus sweet treats that finish the meal nicely.
Conclusion
The Dishoom Cookbook is more than recipes. It’s a door to Bombay’s heart. It brings stories, food, and memories to your table. Whether you miss India or just love its food, this book makes you feel close to it.
With every bite, you don’t just taste spices you feel the streets, the people, the warmth. That’s the true flavor of Dishoom.
