News that Dosa Park has opened a new premises at Botley’s West Way is travelling fast. The state-of-the-art site is not only stunning but ample, with seating for 75, a far cry from their original brasserie style cafe opposite Oxford Station (which remains open by the way). READ ABOUT IT HERE
Having only opened last Friday, it was also fully booked this weekend and its owners are overwhelmed by the wonderful support of the locals and regulars. “It’s been really touching. The support from everyone has been really amazing. People are coming from Didcot and Bicester because we are so close to the A34, so the signs are good,” Manikandan Velusamy says, grinning broadly.
But it has been a labour of love, because the new restaurant has been postponed over and over again due to Covid and Brexit, to the point where the owners wondered if it would ever see the light of day.
By the end of next year they hope to have two more premises in the likes of Bristol, Bath and Swindon, and plans to roll out 10 sites in all
“There were moments when we did question the wisdom of what we were attempting,” Mani concedes, “but we got there in the end.”
We are so glad they did, and as we arrived an elderly gentleman said to the staff: “I am so pleased you’ve finally opened. Can we book a table for tonight?” closely followed by another couple, clearly regulars at the Oxford Dosa Park, here to try out the new venue.
We were just as impressed, not just by the contemporary new look, but by the relaxed atmosphere and stunning food.
The pricing at dosa park is really enticing
All our favourite dishes were all in evidence but there are also some fantastic new additions to the already extensive menu and the more traditional curry eaters among us will be pleased to hear that the likes of a chicken tikka masala is also available, so that no one is left out.
We ordered a bit off everything; from their trademark dosas, no long served on silver catering trays, but still with sambar and chutneys, such a generous portion for £10.95.
The pricing here is really enticing though. Take the Trio Tandoor Tikka, a resplendent and bountiful portion of chicken breast marinated in tandoori masala, malai masala and hariyali masala, which is colourful, tasty and original cost £9.95!
The more spicy Appollo fish (deboned cod simmered in a spicy yoghurt sauce £8.95) had a wonderful kick to it to appease those with a taste for heat. The gobi manchurian starter (sweet and spicy cauliflower florets toasted with mixed pepper, sweet chilli and soy sauce (£7.95). My favourite dosa – masala – will set you back £10.95 while the even more ornamental veg thali is £14.99.
remember, Dosa Park started here in a little cafe opposite Oxford Station, and you can reap the rewards and bask in the glow of its first proper expansion
A chicken tikka masala which was fresh and natural was £13.95. It was epic in fact. Too full to budge, we spooned the delicious sticky sweet milky rice pudding from the thali, took one last admiring glabnbce around and reluctantly left, But we will be back, often!
In terms of the future, Dosa Park is already looking to expand. By the end of next year they hope to have two more premises further afield in the likes of Bristol, Bath and Swindon, and further plans to roll out at least 10 sites in all.
So remember, Dosa Park started here in a little cafe opposite Oxford Station, and you can reap the rewards and bask in the glow of its first proper expansion. Enjoy!
Dosa Park, Botley’s West Way.
