It takes 30 minutes by car from Edinburgh to get to the award-winning Dhoom, the Indian 'streatery' in the heart of the new city of Dunfermline. This place is a must for all spicy food lovers.
On opening the door, we are welcomed by a friendly smile and spicy aroma in the air. Décor is quirky, fun and Indian good positivity. There are tables with swing chairs at the window, standard tables in the central area and authentic Indian rickshaws towards the back. We choose one of these as they are good fun for a family and my partner and I have two toddlers. Our boys are fascinated by the rickshaw, and we find it very comfortable. The walls have bright cheerful decorations from the North of India, which match the menu's theme: Delhi.
Chef and proprietor Prasad welcomes our family and tells us of his dream of opening this restaurant. The invitation to diners at Dhoom is to taste the different regions of India every six months, by offering street food menus inspired by those regions. “In the north of India, you will find many dishes based on lentils”- explains Prasad, “while Goa is known for its seafood dishes, simple, fresh, local. There is much to explore, Indian food is diverse and delicious.”
I could not agree more, just speaking with Prasad brings back memories of my trip to India.
We sample the Taster Menu, which currently celebrates the Delhi region. The lentil-based soup is very light and has a good kick. We also share two mocktails: Ras Rush, a delicious strawberry, passion fruit and lychee drink and Goan Sun-set, made with passionfruit, guava and pineapple, both are liked by the boys. Dhoom also has an appealing cocktail menu for grown-ups.
Next, a series of six starters are served in duos starting with Dal Mangodi – black-eye beans packed with flavour and Chilli Garlic Fish – beautiful Tilapia covered with garlic, lemon, ginger, and chilli. The fish breaks into flakes at just the touch of my fork and the flavour has warm spicy tones without being overpowering. These dishes are followed by the Vegetarian Bhajiya, which reminds me of Pakora and Bhatti Ka Murgh, a well-spiced chicken tikka, firm but flavoursome. Potato Chop is a delicious moist potato pakora, topped with a sweet-spicy sauce.
During break time, the boys need to stretch their legs but they come back for the palate- cleanser. Haule Haule is a moreish bonbon of mango and coconut, another street food from Delhi, and similar to many other dishes on the menu, it is vegan, gluten, dairy and nut-free.
For our main dish we choose Delhi Fish Masala; Tilapia is cooked expertly while the sauce again has a well-balanced approach to spices and flavour. It is served with rice and spicy fries.
During the entire degustation of the dishes, I offer tasters to the boys, and they curiously try them but need some acquaintance with the spicy flavours. The kid’s menu is therefore offered, the Western known combination of fries and chicken nuggets or fish fingers. A couple of marshmallows are also kindly gifted by Prasad’s wife.
This restaurant is a family affair with friendly service but it also works for a night out with friends, or for a romantic dinner (V. Maeda).
Dhoom Streaterey & Bar, 19-21 New Row, Dunfermline, KY12 7EA - 01383 223340. Hello@dhoomuk.co.uk
Opening hours: Monday: 12:00 noon to 8:30 p.m, Tuesday – Closed.
Wednesday & Thursday: 12:00 noon to 8:30 p.m, Friday & Saturday : 12:00 noon to 9:00 p.m,
Sunday: 1:00 pm to 8:30 pm