Holi Moly – We May Have Found One Of The Best New Indian Restaurants in Dublin

At the start of August, Maria and I were invited to Holi in Drumcondra on behalf of Chalk and Cheese. Walking in, the first thing that struck me was the decor. It felt like a modern update on the traditional Indian restaurant look, stylish but still warm and welcoming. The music was easy-going, setting the tone perfectly for dinner conversation. The staff deserve real credit too. They were attentive without being overbearing, and you could see from the way they treated every table that they took genuine pride in their work.

The menu covers all the favourites you would expect, like Butter Chicken and Rogan Josh, but we decided to take the adventurous route and go for the five-course tasting menu. Priced at €45 without wine or €70 pairings, it includes three tasting plates, a main course and a dessert. The presentation is striking, and at first, I wondered if it might lean too much into fine dining for my tastes, but as soon as the flavours came through, any doubts disappeared.

Of the tasting plates, the Tandoori Dil Jhinga stood out for me. The prawns were perfectly cooked, tender with just the right amount of char, and carried that smoky spice you only really get from the tandoor. Balanced with a touch of freshness on the side, it was a dish that lingered well after the plate was cleared. The main was the Peeli Murchi Ka Murgh, a succulent chicken curry dish paired very well with Naan.

To me, however, the star of the show was the dessert, Gulab Jamun. It was different from anything I had tried before, and as I took my time with it, I found it to be the perfect finish: light and refreshing while still rich in flavour.

I am delighted to say that Holi is a true hidden gem for Drumcondra, breathing life into an already vibrant area. Indian fine dining at a very affordable price. 100% Chalk and Cheese approved.