REVIEW: What we thought of Dabbawal in Jesmond, Newcastle

While it has gained notoriety online for being a bit of a safe haven for top footballers and delicious bites for the past twelve years, bosses are hoping to continue to entice diners with their reputation for fresh cuisine and rainbows of flavours that will leave you wanting more.

Our itinerary for the evening saw us sampling the chef’s surprise menu – a selection of dishes designed for foodies hoping to expand their tastebuds and try something new.

Dabbawal, Jesmond. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO) For £29.50 you get sharable poppadoms and pre starters, an additional individual starter and main dishes with sides to share.

To put the menu to the test, we went along for a Thursday evening meal last week (June 26) on what you would think would be a traditionally quiet night – but Dabbawal was teeming with activity. 

Dabbawal, Jesmond. (Image: ANNA MILLER) Families and groups of friends were already filling up every table and we got our first glimpse of the food – being whisked along to tables by a team of attentive servers. 

We took a seat inside expansive restaurant which is made to feel light and bright with beaming skylights and muted colours – a calm and sophisticated atmosphere that signalled that the food was going to be of a similar high standard. 

Shareable poppadoms. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO) After a deliciously sweet mocktail named a ‘Momo Koori’ that would easily rival a pornstar martini, we dug into a bowl of poppadoms with a collection of dips – my favourite being the moreish mango chutney. 

Next up was a beautifully presented cheesy stuff mushroom that packed a punch when it came to spice and was cooked to perfection.

But, it didn’t compare to the next dish – the kebabs. Included were small, almost snapshot pieces of lamb chops with cous cous chaat, mango murg tikka and haryali salmon with dill and cucumber raita.

The kebab dish at Dabbawal. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO) The salmon, for me, was a highlight – it simply fell apart and melted the moment you cut into it and the cooling cucumber raita worked perfectly with the mildly spiced fish.

But of course, the main event of the night was the curry itself. And boy, it was worth the wait. 

Curries at the table to share. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO) We were treated to a selection of curries including hydrabadi dum gosht (made of mutton), butter chicken, prawn nilgiri and dal makhani (a vegetarian option) with rice and mixed naan. 

Dipping and diving between each dish, I sampled them all before I landed on a firm favourite in the butter chicken. To put it in one word – it was divine.

The chicken itself was tender and not overcooked, and unlike other milder curries you can find from other tandoori houses, was not tasteless. 

A spiced chocolate tart. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO) The authenticity and care put into every dish was palpable – this is not a restaurant that skips on detail and flavour. I couldn’t fault a single, soulful spoonful.

Lastly, if we weren’t full enough already, some desserts to share were brought around including Gulab jamun – soft and sweet doughy balls with delicious vanilla ice cream.

Gulab jamun – soft and sweet doughy balls with delicious vanilla ice cream. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO) Gajer halwa, the Indian solution to carrot cake and a spiced chocolate tart were also served up, and acted as the cherry on top an absolutely fantastic evening.

I would love to visit Dabbawal again. The menu keeps you guessing, the service is fantastic and the serene atmosphere makes it a must visit for any foodie.

Dabbawal is looking to the past – bringing back authentic flavours, divine ingredients and trusted methods as it pioneers the future of Indian street food that will leave you hungry for another visit.

I for one, will be back for another visit some time soon – as I’ve been dreaming of that butter chicken ever since.

Food facts:

• Address: 1 Brentwood Ave, West Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 3DG
• Tel: 0191 281 3434
• Website: dabbawal.com
• Opening hours: Monday to Thursday: 12–2:30 pm, 5–10 pm, Friday & Saturday: 12–10:30 pm and 12–10 pm Sundays.
• Ratings (out of ten): Food quality 10, Service 9, Surroundings 10 and Value 10