Reservations are now open for Dishoom’s first Leeds café, where treasured guests can look forward to Bombay comfort food, much-loved classics and a handful of delights found nowhere else.
From the celebrated Bacon Naan Roll to the slow-cooked House Black Daal, the menu journeys through the cafés, street stalls and family kitchens of Bombay. Alongside these familiar favourites, Leeds will welcome three new creations inspired by the city’s rich food and drink culture, and by the generous spirit of sharing that has always sat at the heart of Dishoom.
Among the new additions is the Malvani Lamb Curry. Inspired by the Konkan coast of Maharashtra, where coconut palms sway above fishing villages and spice-laden curries have long comforted families, the dish brings together leg of lamb, made tender through unhurried cooking, with roasted coconut, warming cardamom, fragrant chillies, turmeric and pippali pepper. Served with a heap of golden, flaky Laccha Paratha for dipping and a sharp onion salad alongside, it is deeply flavourful and quietly restorative.
The drinks list has its own Leeds exclusive. Samir’s Vice takes playful inspiration from the Miami Vice cocktail, transformed through modern technique into something altogether more elegant. Tart pineapple and sweet strawberry meet Takamaka Seychelles Rum Blanc before being clarified through coconut milk, creating a drink with remarkable tropical depth. Finished with cardamom bitters and a dehydrated pineapple wheel, it is bright, fragrant and just mischievous enough to live up to its name.
For beer lovers, Dishoom has partnered with Leeds’ own Northern Monk to create Kohra IPA, brewed especially to accompany the café’s bold Bombay flavours. A crisp, easy-drinking West Coast session IPA, its lively citrus, pine and bright zest notes make the perfect companions to everything from smoky grills to rich curries.
Alongside the Leeds specials sits the menu that has made Dishoom a beloved destination across the country. Morning begins, naturally, with the iconic Bacon Naan Roll and traditional chai. Later come favourite small plates, grills, biryanis and curries, including the much-admired House Black Daal, patiently cooked for 24 hours until dark, rich and harmonious.
The drinks menu is equally generous. Guests may linger over the much-loved India Gimlet, sip a Kohinoor Mojito, discover considered wines and beers, or simply settle in with a warming cup of Dishoom’s house chai.
Arun Kumar, Executive Chef at Dishoom, said: “Every Dishoom menu tells the story of Bombay through its food. For Leeds, we wanted to celebrate the dishes our guests return for time and again, while creating a handful of new ones that belong especially to this café. The Malvani Lamb Curry pays homage to the rich cooking traditions of Maharashtra’s Konkan coast, while our collaboration with Northern Monk feels like a joyful meeting of two neighbourhood favourites.
“Like the Irani cafés that inspired us, we hope this becomes a place where people gather often over breakfast, for family feasts, or simply because there is time for one more cup of chai.”
Opening from 3 August, diners will be able to enjoy 50% off food during an initial soft-opening period ahead of the official launch on 14 August. The café is located between the Victoria Gate and Victoria Quarter shopping centres on Vicar Lane.
Dishoom Leeds will operate primarily as a walk-in café, with guests welcome at any time. Reservations are now available for breakfast and lunch, with limited evening bookings offered for dinner.
To make a reservation, visit the Dishoom website.