THE OLD IRANI CAFÉS have almost disappeared. Their faded elegance welcomed all: rich businessmen, taxi-wallas and courting couples. Students had breakfast, families dined, lawyers read their briefs and writers found their characters. Fans turned slowly. Bentwood chairs were reflected in stained mirrors, next to sepia family portraits.
Opened early last century by Zoroastrian immigrants from Iran, there were almost four hundred cafés at their peak in the 1960s. Now, fewer than thirty remain. These cafés broke down barriers by bringing people together over food and drink. They were the first places in Bombay where people of any culture, class or religion could take cool refuge from the street with a cup of chai, a simple snack or a hearty meal. People from all walks of life shared tables, rubbed shoulders and broke bread together.
Shared spaces beget shared experiences, and Bombay was more open and welcoming for the existence of these cafés.
We are proud to be recognised as one of the best places to work in Hospitality. Looking after people is at the core of what we do and we work hard to make life at Dishoom the best it can be. Since 2010, our restaurants have celebrated the Irani cafes and all of the food and drink of Bombay.Our genuine love of people means you’ll always be welcomed with real warmth. We have locations across London, Edinburgh, Manchester, Birmingham and our Bar-Cafes in Brighton and Cambridge. Plus, a range of kitchens to ensure our guests can enjoy our food at home!
As well as running busy sites with big teams, we also understand the importance of doing more. From planting trees with our teams in the UK & India, tying Rakhis with our guests, to our dedication to helping to feed children through Meal for a Meal. As of January 2024, we have donated 20 million meals (and counting) to children in the UK and India. As a Dishoomwalle, you contribute 55 meals per shift to this cause.