Dishoom’s all-day bar-café concept Permit Room has unveiled a brand-new menu, marking the most significant refresh since the concept first launched.
The updated offering introduces a wide selection of bar snacks, comforting curries, and generous grills designed for sharing, while retaining several well-known Dishoom favourites that have become staples for returning guests.
Permit Room draws inspiration from the permit rooms and drinking dens of Bombay in the 1960s and 1970s. These social spaces emerged following the Bombay Prohibition Act of 1949, when licensed restaurants were allowed to operate designated areas where guests could enjoy alcohol. Over time, these venues became lively gathering places known for their food, drink and vibrant atmosphere.
The refreshed menu aims to capture that spirit with a broader range of dishes and flexible dining options. Guests can visit for cocktails and small plates, enjoy larger shared grills, settle in for curries and classic dishes, or stop by for a relaxed breakfast.
Snacks and small plates
The snack selection offers bold, flavour-packed options designed to pair with drinks. Highlights include Masala Nuts roasted with curry leaves and chilli, and Chilli Cheesy Garlic Naan Bites served fresh from the tandoor.
Other small plates include Vegetable Samosas, filo-wrapped Lamb Samosas, Onion Bhajia, and Permit Room Fried Chicken. For those seeking stronger flavours, dishes such as Garlic Pepper Prawns and tamarind-glazed Zingy Hot Wings bring extra heat.
Sharing dishes and classics
Sharing is a central part of the Permit Room experience, with dishes designed for group dining. The Mixed Grill – featuring Chicken Wings, Half Chicken Tandoori, Lamb Kebabs and Lamb Chops – is served with green chutney, pickled onions and kachumber as a centrepiece for the table.
Several well-known Dishoom classics remain on the menu, including House Black Daal, Chicken Ruby, Lamb Biryani and Chicken Berry Britannia.
Vegetarian dishes continue to feature prominently, with options such as Jackfruit Berry Pulao, Mattar Paneer, Crispy Spinach Chaat and Charred Sweet Potato with Tenderstem Broccoli.
Drinks and cocktails
Drinks remain central to the Permit Room concept. The new list includes cocktails such as the Blushing Dawn Paloma and Golden Gloaming Fizzer, alongside twisted classics including the Orange Wine Margarita and Permit Room Clover Club.
Non-alcoholic options include drinks such as the Sober Summer Negroni and Lychee French ‘75’, while larger groups can order the Kingfisher Beer Tower, serving three litres of beer directly to the table.
The menu launched on Monday 23 February and is now available at all Permit Room cafés.
