17-05-2025
Dhamroo in Bengaluru focuses on bold Indian flavours
Bengaluru's Koramangala is chock full of restaurants. Somehow there are still new brands squeezing in and opening up. Now Dhamroo in 5th block, a lavish-looking restaurant and bar, has launched with the intension of shining a spotlight on pan-Indian dishes.
I walk down the popular 4th Cross road, past the flashing neon signs of nightclubs and breweries. Even though it is positioning itself as a restaurant, Dhamroo can compete with any of them when it comes to sprawling interiors. Spread over two floors, it borrows from classical architecture, with Greek columns and arched windows. The glass chandeliers and table lamps add an art deco touch. I take a seat on one of the plush sofas.
Avocado in my chaat
The one-page menu has a straightforward list of Indian dishes, with a few modern tweaks. There is no extra fluff about pan-Asian, or faux-Italian. My meal begins with one of their top sellers, avocado dahi puri. Crispy puris are stuffed with a guacamole-like mix, and topped with yoghurt, pomegranate and sev. I like the elevated version of the street classic.
The ghee roast is another best seller from the small plate section. Made in the typical Mangalorean style, the succulent chicken pieces are coated in a fiery red masala. The kurkure bhindi is a Rajasthani dish. Slit okra is coated in a crumbly batter and deep fried. Even diners who do not like bhindi will go back to this dish thanks to the texture. They also serve classic cocktails here, from negronis to cosmopolitans.
Curry on
For the main course we try lasooni palak, Delhi butter chicken, Calicut fish curry and railway mutton curry. Each is served with either rice, paratha, or naan. I opt for a simple korma, served with a lachha paratha. The comforting gravy is mildly spiced with hints of coconut. It pairs well with the flaky paratha, which is laden with ghee. Another specialty they serve is the potli nati biryani. Steamed inside a banana leaf, the flavorful rice is spicy, yet balanced. You can choose from vegetarian, chicken and mutton options. It is served with a raita and a salan.
It is time to end the meal and I am recommended the Parle G cheesecake. A silky cheesecake is topped with crumbs of the biscuit and a sweet caramel sauce. I have seen many iterations of the dish across the city, and this one is not very different. A little too sweet for me.
With music events, live screenings and Instagram-worthy interiors, Dhamroo fits right into the vibe of Koramangala. Its dedication to Indian food sets it apart.
₹2,000 for two. In Koramangala. For more details, call 9035086110
