Review on Dum Biryani House
Dum Biryani House is a casual Indian restaurant in the heart of Soho that focuses on biryani and snacks from Andhra Pradesh, the south-eastern part of the subcontinent. Just a few minutes walk from Tottenham Court Road tube, it's the brainchild of chef-turned-restaurateur Dhruv Mittal, who has worked in some of the UK's most highly regarded restaurants such as Heston Blumenthal's The Fat Duck and Restaurant Sat Baines in Nottingham.
The subterranean restaurant is a lively venue with simple furnishings and cosy alcoves, featuring Indian posters and quirky pop art decorating the walls, as well as a great background soundtrack. In the kitchen is chef Jasbir Singh Ujjainwal, who has plied his culinary trade at high-profile restaurants such as Tamarind and Benares, as well as restaurant group D&D London.
Dum is a reference to the cooking method of biryani, where meat or vegetables are layered with rice and then steamed together until both are cooked to perfection. Among the snacks there's tasty morsels like mutton fry, slow cooked diced lamb in Andhra Masala, toasted brioche bun or Andhra prawn fry, King prawns, whole red chillies and coconut. Among the biryanis there's a succulent lamb shank or for fish fans Tawa seafood, all served with a selection of accompaniments. Also look out for their specials or their curry of the day. There's just two desserts to end on a sweet note such as a mango baked yoghurt, rose petals and nankhatai or sugar soaked milk doughnuts with whipped cardamom cream.
There's a concise wine list, spice infused cocktails, as well as classic Indian soft drinks and beers.
Cuisine
Indian
Chef
Jasbir Singh Ujjainwal
Restaurant Opening Times
Lunch: 12.00 - 2.45pm (3.45pm Sun)
Dinner: 6.00 - 10.45pm (9.45pm Sun)
Accepted credit cards
Visa, Master Card, American Express