London: Tea Time in Wonderland

I miss, from Paris, going for a brunch on week-ends. It made waking-up easy, breakfast was to be a feast, you would meet up with friends and chat forever. From one place to another, the menu would be different, exotic, poetic, home-made, so much to choose from. It gave Sundays a touch of holiday feeling.

I found a similar atmosphere at Dishoom who does open for breakfast too. The very first Bombay café in London looks like a Parisian brasserie tinted with bollywood touches. Colourful posters, fun recommendations (No running away, no bare feet…), welcoming niches downstairs – you smile as soon as you enter. Victim of its success, the address often is full in the evening so mornings are a great time to enjoy it with no buzzing conversations intefering with yours.

Forget English Breakfast! We love this Indian twist, much more fun to the palate. Bacon, yes, but served in the most tender naan with a touch of chilli jam (£3.50). Enjoy every bite of the aromatic omelette (£4.90), a bit spicy (but you can ask for a milder version) with its roasted, juicy vine tomatoes. Sweet tooth? Go for the roomali (£4.90) a thin bread with vanilla mascarpone and extra fresh fruit, mango, raspberries, blueberries… Very refreshing a great way to stock up on vitamins for the day. Add some chai, served in transparent glasses or go for the chocolate version of the drink, great on a rainy day.

You’ll also find their ssummer pop-up on Southbank as they are taking part in the festival of Britain. Walk through the corridor framed by blue ribbons finished with tiny bells and singing softly in the breeze. Nice recyling deco – a wall is entirely made of rolled-up newspapers, overturned barrels with bright colours serve as stools…. The Dishoom favourites are on the menu from sausage naans to daal via calamaris. Anf of course some nice cocktails, including a Bombay Pimm’s. Open till minight Sundays to Thursdays and 01.00am Fridays-Saturdays.

Dishoom
12 Upper St. Martin’s Lane
London WC2H 9FB
Breakfast served till 11.00 weekdays, 13.00 week-ends

Chowpatty Beach Bar
Queen Elisabeth Hall Terrace
Southbank Centre
London SE1 8XX
Until October 04, 2011

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