A Dishoom Breakfast: the Best Brunch in London, Covent Garden

A Dishoom Breakfast

Call off the search: I’ve found the best morning meal in London and it comes in the form of a Dishoom breakfast. Inspired by Irani cafes in Mumbai, it far exceeds the quirky cereal bars (exciting until you realise you’re paying the same for a bowl as you would a box) or yet another plate of avo on toast.

The Menu

You probably won’t know where to start. If I had the budget and the stomach I’d probably just order one of everything. The filled naans are a Dishoom breakfast staple and absolutely not to be missed! My favourite is the bacon, sounds simple but the combination of warm handmade naan bread stuffed with cream cheese, chilli tomato jam, coriander and The Ginger Pig’s dry cured bacon is as mouthwatering as it sounds.

Vegetarian options are also available alongside lighter, fresher combinations such as House Granola or Fruit and Yogurt drizzled with local honey. One of my personal favourites is the fire toast: thick, hearty slices of charred bread with an array of fruity jams (I want a jar of the pineapple and pink peppercorn in my fridge!)

Lastly, a Dishoom breakfast is not complete without a lassi or a steaming cup of spicy chai. The latter offers bottomless refills and is better than any other chai I’ve ever tasted.

Decor & Atmosphere

The interior at Dishoom is spacious whilst also simultaneously cosy; mixed wood panelling, mirrors, retro style ceiling fans and faded family photos adorn the surfaces. The result is a charming homely feel, worlds away from the usual depressingly chintzy decor of most Indian restaurants.

You’ll often find queues out the door at Dishoom though I’ve always managed to get a breakfast spot without a wait. Oh, unless it’s a weekend around 10am when most of London is after it’s bacon and egg naan and Bloody Mary fix. Trust me, whatever time you go, it’s worth the wait.

Where to find Dishoom

I visited the St. Martin’s Lane branch, however Dishoom can also be found at King’s Cross, Shoreditch, Carnaby Street and Kensington High Street where breakfast is served from 9am until 11:45am at the weekend and from 8am until 11:45am on weekdays . The a la carte menu available from 12pm onwards has locals and tourists alike queuing outside the doors and promises to be just as excellent as the breakfast is. I’ve just booked to spend NYE at the Covent Garden Branch for their Vintage Bombay Glam party, complete with a ten-course feast, music and dancing throughout the night!