Popular Indian street food cafe to open with a half price offer

THANKS to Covid-19, the much anticipated Dishoom was the grand opening that never was.

Due to officially launch back on April 1, the acclaimed Indian cafe chain had just started its ‘soft’ opening when it was forced to close at the start of lockdown.

Now it will be hoping for second time lucky on Thursday, August 6. Ahead of the new official launch date, there will another ‘soft’ opening period where visitors can get 50 per cent off the food bill.

The half price deal is available from this Saturday to Wednesday, August 5. The Dishoom chain, which also has branches in London, Edinburgh and Manchester, ‘‘pays homage to Irani cafe culture in Bombay’’.

It was founded in London’s Covent Garden in 2010 by Shamil and Kavi Thakrar and is credited with spearheading the casual Indian street food trend.

The new restaurant in One Chamberlain Square includes a ‘Permit Room’ bar and an outdoor terrace, which sounds like the perfect place for a bit of social distancing.

But what about the food and drink? The all day menu is described as ‘‘Bombay comfort food and drink’’. Dishes include its renowned bacon naan for breakfast, Vada Pav – the ultimate Indian burger and chicken biryani, as well as grilled meat and fish dishes served up with Dishoom’s famous Gunpowder potatoes made with deggi mirch chilli powder.

There is also a special Birmingham dish, Mutton Chaap Korma, exclusive to Second City diners.

Drinks wise, there are teetotal tipples, chai, coolers and a selection of cocktails including East India Gimlet and a Viceroy’s Old Fashioned. Dishoom Birmingham is part of the ongoing £700 million Paradise development in the city centre, which has resumed building work.

As part of the development London Vinoteca wine bar and restaurant will open at Two Chamberlain Square, opposite Dishoom, later this year. No official opening date has yet been given.

A Dishoom spokeswoman said: “During the soft launch (a most critical stage of preparation and training) we will be offering guests 50 per cent off food.”

Online bookings can be made now for any group size up to six. Space will be kept for walk-ins at all times of the day. Bookings will not be taken for the outdoor terrace, but will be offered on arrival on a first-come, first-served basis.

Among other restaurants which were forced to put their openings on hold due to lockdown was Pulperia steak restaurant. Top chef Aktar Islam opening the doors to the Brindleyplace eatery on July 4.