Dakwala Bombay Canteen is an Indian restaurant at 42–44 Grainger Street in central Newcastle. Its name refers to the postman, while the wider idea draws on Bombay’s khanawals, the modest canteens that fed migrant workers with homestyle food from different regions of India.
The restaurant gives that tradition a contemporary setting and explores Indian cooking beyond a single regional style. Dishes are built around distinctive spices, fresh herbs and contrasting textures, with the menu moving from snacks and small plates to curries, rice dishes and more substantial plates for sharing.
Karwari soft shell crab and crisp okra fries show the lighter, snack-like side of the menu, while Goan fish curry, black chickpeas and Parsi chicken berry pulao bring coastal, vegetarian and Parsi influences to the table. This breadth makes the restaurant useful for diners who want to combine familiar flavours with less common regional dishes.
The drinks list follows the same idea through cocktails that use ingredients associated with different parts of India, alongside wine and other refreshments. The lively canteen format suits both a quick central meal and a longer group dinner, and guests with dietary requirements should check the current menu with staff.
Address: 42–44 Grainger Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 5JG, England
Dakwallah Bombay Kitchen Menu
Meal Deals
Dakwala Canteen Meal for 2
This Canteen Feast comes with a box of assorted papadums and chutneys, butter naan, Bombay potato, saffron pulao rice and 2 starter and 2 mains of your choice.
Canteen Munchies
Pani Puri Shots
Enjoy the excitement of these famous Indian “Water bombs” – crispy wheat puffs filled with a refreshing mix. Comes with both sweet and tangy “Meetha” pani and fiery “Theeka” pani. (Vegan, Vegetarian).
Poppadom and Chutneys
An assortment of crispy poppadom served with a delightful trio of chutneys: sweet mango, tangy date and tamarind, and a spicy chili and garlic blend. (Vegan, Vegetarian).
Chit-Chat Chaat Blast
Dive into this street food favorite: crispy wheat puffs filled with creamy beaten yogurt, and drizzled with date and tamarind chutney. (Vegetarian, contains dairy).
Canteen Small Plates
Chicken Chilli Manchurian “1975” (Spicy Level 1)
A Bombay classic featuring boneless chicken chunks tossed in Manchurian sauce with spring greens, peppers, and chili. Created at the Cricket Club of India by restaurateur Nelson Wang in 1975. (Contains Seafood).
Bang Bang Lamb Rolls (Spicy Level 1)
Our take on the classic Tamil rolls. Minced lamb mixed with potato and masala, wrapped in a crispy roll. (Contains Dairy).
Paneer Chilli Fry (Spicy Level 1)
Dakwala’s special Indo-Chinese stir-fried paneer with a trio of peppers in a hot garlic sauce, mixed with spring greens. (Contains Dairy, Vegetarian).
The Humble Pav Bhaji
A Bombay favorite! Mashed potatoes and vegetables cooked with butter and spices, served with pav, onions, lime, and fresh coriander. (Vegetarian, Vegan).
Onion-Beet Bhaji
Crispy battered bhaji made from thinly sliced onions and beetroot, tossed in gram flour and spices. Served with mint chutneys and fried green chili. (Vegetarian, Gluten-Free).
Fish Koliwada
Crispy fried fish lightly battered with gram flour, red chili, carom seeds, and Koliwada masala. An iconic recipe from Sikh refugees in Sion Koliwada, Central Bombay, dating back to the partition. (Gluten-Free).
Irani Keema Pav
A specialty from Indian Irani cafés. Minced lamb cooked with fresh peas, Irani masala, and herbs, served with soft buttered pav bread, lemon, and raw onion. (Contains Dairy).
Crackling Okra Fries
Crispy fried okra and lotus root lightly battered with gram flour and spices. Inspired by the Beach Candy Club in Bombay. (Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-Free).
Temple Chaat
A vibrant mix of sweet, salty, tangy and spice flavours inspired by the streets of Bombay. This dish combines crispy potato patties , white peas, with a medley of chaat chutneys.
Dakwala Sweet Chilli Cauliflower
Crispy cauliflower in chilli garlic and sweet chilli sauce with ginger . A perfect balance of sweetness and spice.
Clay Oven Small Plate
Fenugreek Chicken Tikka
Classic boneless chicken marinated in fresh yogurt and tandoori spices, served with garden salad and mint chutney. (Contains Dairy, Gluten-Free).
Bhendi Bazaar Wala Seekh Kebab
Inspired by the street vendors of Bhendi Bazaar on Mohammed Ali Road. Home-ground spiced lamb mince grilled to perfection, served with mint chutney. (Contains Dairy, Gluten-Free).
Achari Paneer Tikka Shashlik
Buffalo milk-braised Indian cottage cheese in tandoori masala, served with grilled peppers and a spicy cilantro dip. (Vegetarian, Contains Dairy, Gluten-Free).
Canteen Special Curries
Old Delhi Butter Chicken
Paneer Tikka Lababdaar (Spicy Level 1)
Malwani Chicken (Spicy Level 2)
Canteen Vegetable Curry
Lasooni Tadka Daal
House Special Black Daal (Spicy Level 1)
Railway Wala Mutton
Kashmiri Lamb Rogan Josh (Spicy Level 1)
Biryanis and Pulao
Lucknow Lamb Dum Biryani (Spicy Level 1)
Mom’s Vegetable Tahri (Spicy Level 1)
Sides and Accompaniments
Bombay Potato
Bread, Rice and Chips
Enjoy our variety of naans, each offering a unique and delicious taste to accompany your meal.