Latest news with #Dabbawal
Yahoo
a day ago
- Entertainment
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We tried this dreamy North East Indian restaurant and were blown away by the food
Hidden and tucked away in the notorious student neighbourhood of Jesmond is Dabbawal - a family run Indian dynasty that is continuing to change the game with flavours from the heart of Mumbai. 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. Read more: The 'incredible' North East Indian restaurant that's been praised by celebrities 'Top-class' North East Indian restaurant crowned best in the UK (and the North) County Durham Indian restaurant 'firm favourite' in 5/5 TripAdvisor ratings 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: 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
Yahoo
04-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Newcastle United star spotted at North East restaurant 'popular with celebs'
Newcastle United star Sandro Tonali was spotted at a restaurant on the outskirts of the city which is quickly becoming a popular spot for celebrities and footballers alike. Dabbawal, an Indian restaurant in Newcastle, has become 'so popular with celebrities' according to a spokesperson and recently welcomed Italian international Tonali to their venue in Jesmond. The 'midfield maestro' has visited three or four times because of how much he enjoys the place, but is said to enjoy home comforts alongside his curry orders. Perhaps traditionally, Tonali enjoys a meal out accompanied by an espresso - something he puts down to his Italian heritage. Tonali impressed staff and members of the public by giving his time to take photos before and after his meal. "It seems we are a safe haven for footballers," a spokesperson for Dabbawal said. "There are a lot of nooks and crannies where they can have some privacy." Middlesbrough Ben Doak injury and Sunderland verdict Jayden Danns injury explained after Liverpool striker joins Sunderland Newcastle injury update on Joelinton and Callum Wilson But, there is one thing that the most expensive Italian footballer of all time seemingly can't tackle. Spicy food. Tonali is said to prefer a milder dish, opting for flavour over spiciness. The midfielder joined Newcastle in 2023 in a reported deal worth around €70 million and quickly became a fan favourite, scoring on his Premier League debut in a 5-1 demolition of Aston Villa. After signing for the club, he found himself becoming part of the club's online folklore when he booked a table at a Wetherspoons pub. The moment went viral online and Newcastle fans tried to work out if he was sent there by his teammates as part of a prank, or if he just really fancied a Spoons. More recently, Tonali has become an integral cog in Eddie Howe's midfield as the club has fired their way into a battle for European football next season. A semi-final second leg in the Carabao Cup awaits on Wednesday evening with the hope of silverware very much still alive. Dabbawal is highly rated on TripAdvisor, with reviews raving about the menu. One reviewer, Austin W called the restaurant a 'hidden gem' and said: "We had starters and main course no dessert. The portion sizes were perfect, and we left very satisfied. We enjoyed it so much that we went back a few days later. Can't rate it high enough. We will be back."
