Chakh Dhoom: Jesmond's Award-Winning Indian Street Food Restaurant

If you have walked past 127 Osborne Road on a Friday or Saturday evening and wondered why the queue stretches out of the door, the answer is Chakh Dhoom — Jesmond's award-winning Indian street food restaurant that has quickly become one of the most talked-about places to eat in Newcastle.

The name tells you everything you need to know. Chakh means "to taste" and Dhoom means "smoke" — and this is a restaurant built around age-old cooking techniques, native spices, and authentic recipes drawn from a culinary journey across the diverse states of India, from the snowy north to the tropical south.

The awards

Chakh Dhoom won the prestigious Best Street Food Restaurant of the Year at the 2024 Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards (ARTA) — often referred to as the Oscars of the curry industry. For a relatively young restaurant on a Jesmond side street to win a national award of this calibre says a great deal about the quality of what comes out of the kitchen.

What to order

The menu goes well beyond the traditional curry house offering. Start with the Punjabi-style samosa chaat with Amritsari chickpeas, yoghurt and mint — the combination of crispy pastry, tangy yoghurt and fresh herbs is a proper introduction to what Chakh Dhoom does best.

The kasoori chicken tikka is outrageously good — juicy, tender pieces with a depth of flavour that speaks to the quality of the marinades. For a main course, the Daryaganj butter chicken arrives in a copper bowl, the sauce lush, silky and smooth. The pressure cooker lamb curry is another standout, with beautifully tender meat in a rich, fragrant gravy.

If you fancy something different, the vegetarian Manchurian is an Indo-Chinese fusion dish that shows the kitchen's range extends well beyond traditional North Indian cooking. And whatever you order, do not skip the garlic naan.

The atmosphere

Owner Ash is described by reviewers as a perfectionist, and it shows in every detail. The restaurant features beautiful modern interiors with flashes of vibrant colour, and on a typical Friday evening the whole place is buzzing — the bar is busy, the tables are full, and the service keeps pace impressively.

The drinks list is well-curated, with a wine selection chosen to complement the bold flavours of the food. Cocktails and Indian beers are also available.

Practical details

Chakh Dhoom is open Monday to Thursday from 4pm to 10pm, Friday and Saturday from 1pm to 10pm, and Sunday from noon to 9pm. The weekend lunch service is ideal if you want to avoid the evening rush. Booking is strongly recommended, especially for Friday and Saturday evenings — you can reserve a table through their website.

The restaurant also offers an early bird menu, a Sunday roast option, a kids menu, and delivery via Deliveroo. Gluten-free and allergen information is available on request.

Best for: Award-winning Indian street food with bold flavours and a buzzing atmosphere. Book ahead for weekends.

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