Best Dishes at Dishoom King's Cross
House Black Daal
CurriesThis is Dishoom's signature dish — a deep, complex black lentil daal that cooks for a full 24 hours to develop its dark color and layered flavor. Most restaurants cook daal for 3-4 hours; the extended cooking creates a sauce-to-lentil ratio that reviewers consistently cite as exceptional. Pairs with rice or bread to soak up the rich, deeply spiced sauce.
Chicken Ruby
CurriesA buttery, luxurious curry that manages to be both crowd-pleasing and sophisticated. The chicken is tender, the sauce silky from cream and spices including fenugreek. Reviewers describe this as Dishoom's closest thing to a 'standard' curry, but executed with care and quality that elevates it beyond typical butter chicken. The sauce clings to the chicken rather than drowning it.
Gunpowder Potatoes
StartersSmall new potatoes are charred on the grill, then tossed with butter, crushed aromatic seeds like cumin and coriander, and fresh green herbs. Multiple reviews mention these as impossible to stop eating once you start — they're crispy on the outside, tender within, with concentrated smoky and spiced flavors. Works as a starter or side.
Lamb Chops
StartersLamb chops that are marinated and charred, arriving with a glossy, spiced crust. They're consistently mentioned in 'best starters' lists across reviews. The meat cooks to tenderness despite being grilled quickly, suggesting careful sourcing and marination. Excellent for sharing or as an individual starter.
Nalli Nihari Biryani
MainsThis is a King's Cross exclusive — a hearty biryani made with the shank of lamb that's been braised until tender, layered with fragrant basmati rice and deep golden caramelized onions. The kaleji raita (made with lamb liver) adds a rich, umami depth that's distinctly different from standard biryani. Meant for those who want to try something more adventurous than the standard formula.
About Dishoom King's Cross
Dishoom's King's Cross location opened in a historic Victorian building that once buzzed with railway transit traffic. The restaurant brings authentic Bombay flavors to London with a modern, lively atmosphere. Known for bold spices, generous portions, and a no-reservations walk-in policy with a virtual queue system.
Top 5 dishes at Dishoom King's Cross:
- House Black Daal – 95% recommended(Signature)
- Chicken Ruby – 92% recommended(Signature)
- Gunpowder Potatoes – 90% recommended
- Lamb Chops – 88% recommended
- Nalli Nihari Biryani – 85% recommended
Details
- Cuisine:
- Indian
- Price Range:
- ££
- Phone:
- +44 20 7420 9321
- Website:
- Visit Website
- Services:
- Dine-in, Bar, Takeaway, Vegetarian Options
- Reservations:
- Book a Table
Hours
- Friday:
- 8:00 AM - 11:00 PM(Open Now)
- Sunday:
- 9:00 AM - 11:00 PM
- Monday:
- 8:00 AM - 11:00 PM
- Tuesday:
- 8:00 AM - 11:00 PM
- Wednesday:
- 8:00 AM - 11:00 PM
- Thursday:
- 8:00 AM - 11:00 PM
- Saturday:
- 9:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Use the virtual queue on the WalkUp app before leaving home — saves 30-40 minutes vs standing outside. Groups can book until 6pm; after that, only parties of 6+ can reserve.
Breakfast service runs 8am-11:45am weekdays (9am-11:45am weekends) — far fewer queues than dinner. You can order from the full menu or stick to the breakfast items like Parsi omelettes.
The restored Victorian railway shed setting is part of the appeal — sit upstairs if you can for better views and slightly fewer crowds. The ground floor is more chaotic but has better atmosphere.
The bar seating works great for solo diners — you can watch the open kitchen and join conversations. Service is friendly even when busy.
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