Breakfast was one of the initial novel attractions when Dishoom first opened in Soho back in 2010, its Bombay brasserie style perfectly placed to introduce us to a whole new cuisine, untainted by the Indian curry house repertoire we’re used to in the UK.
But now that Dishoom‘s latest Permit Room has landed in Oxford, opening last month in the former Argos site off Bonn Square READ ABOUT IT HERE you can try their breakfasts right on your own doorstep.
Having enjoyed a taste of their delicious street food style evening menus and cocktails at the opening party READ ABOUT IT HERE we were keen to return a bit earlier in the day, although breakfast is served until 11.45am daily, giving it more of a brunchy vibe.
We waded straight in, seated at the side, rather than the dining space at the end, and Permit Room Oxford was already full, bursting with students, tourists and locals enjoying breakfast alone, or over a catch up, as we managed to nab the last remaining table.
First up a cup of their soothing Masala chai tea; spicy hot and sweet, it ticked all the right boxes. What to eat however was more complex, there being so many delectable offerings.
In the end we had to enrol the help of our lovely waiter who explained some of the more unusual offerings and recommended some favourites.
Which is how we ended up with such a stunning bowl of house granola (£8.90) generous with yoghurt and fruit, studded with juicy blueberries, strawberries and grapes, the granola itself heaving with nuts, seeds, coconut and cinnamon. It was refined and refreshing.
Then the akuri pau, as found in classic Irani cafes – spiced scrambled eggs with green chilli, coriander, turmeric and red onion, served with Dishoom’s delicious bouncy rolls (like milk rolls). So simple, but so delectable and light, with just the right hit of heat to set you up for the day.
More chai masala tea and the keema chicken pau with a fried egg on top (£9.70). Served as a bowl of minced chicken curry with ginger, garlic, spring onions, mint, coriander, peas and chillies, accompanied by the ubiquitous pau bread, this time toasted in thick slices like fingers. It was an instant hit and although unusual, and another culinary learning experience, disappeared without trace, the bread mopping up every last mouthful.
More traditional breakfast enthusiasts can always opt for The Full Permit (fry up) or the extensive variety of naan rolls with eggs, bacon and sausage options, but if you want an authentic Bombay breakfast then Permit Room is as close as you’re going to get without heading off to India, or to be more exact Mumbai, yourself. Enjoy!
Dishoom’s Permit Room Oxford is at North Bailey House, New Inn Hall Street, OX1 2RP. Book at https://www.permitroom.co.uk/locations/oxford
