Food review: Dadaji’s – South Asian cuisine in Castle Lane

We’ve watched the team behind Dadaji’s evolve their offering over the years, and it really feels like they’ve found their sweet spot with this one.

Right in the heart of town, Dadaji’s isn’t your typical Indian restaurant. They say “It’s all about how Indians, Pakistanis and Bangladeshis eat at home and on their streets, fresh, zingy, earthy and hearty food…”

Every dish has a story, every mouthful is layered with spice and texture, and you get the sense that this is how it’s meant to be eaten, relaxed, generous, and full of love.

And let’s look at those flavours for a moment. Those who know me well know I’m a lightweight when it comes to spices. With our choice, the heat wasn’t overpowering, and the distinctive flavour from each dish was something I really enjoyed.

“A feast for the eyes and the table”

So, we opted for a Grand Thali for two, choosing Dry Meat, Afghan Haleem and steamed basmati rice. When it arrived, it was a feast for the eyes and the table.

Alongside our mains came samosas, onion bhajis, chaat, chicken wings, kebab bites, daal, gunpowder potatoes, kachumber, pickle, rice, puris and roti. It could have fed a small family, which meant we happily took some home for later.

That fits Dadaji’s ethos perfectly.

Their Tiffin Club is a brilliant idea: buy your first tiffin meal with reusable containers, then bring them back for refills at a lower cost, an everyday, zero-waste way to enjoy your favourite dishes at home.

Alcohol free

Another unique element to Dadaji’s is that they have chosen not to serve alcohol, but their mocktails are so good you won’t miss it. We tried the Lychee, Lime & Mint Cooler (a sweet, mojito-style refresher) and the Paradise Cooler, a non-alcoholic take on a Pina Colada, both of which were delicious.

If you prefer to have a beer with your curry, you can do that too. There’s a small fee to ‘rent’ a glass, but you only pay once, even if you bring a couple of bottles.

While this is a perfect place for a date night or social with friends (there were tables with an equal number of each the night we visited), they also offer brunch on weekends, which sounds like a great way to catch up with friends or detox after the night before.

Dadaji’s offers a proper taste of South Asia right here in Bedford. And honestly, it’s one we’ll be going back for.

Dim Lit Dinner served: Tuesday – Sunday & Bank Holiday Mondays, 5pm – 10.30pm (last orders)
Casual Brunch served: Saturday, Sunday & Bank Holiday Mondays, 11am – 5pm (last orders)

Dadaji’s can be found at 19 Castle Lane, MK40 3NT.
To book, call 01234 341414, email [email protected] or head to dadajisrestaurant.co.uk