Mrs Doubtfire Luxury Dining Experience at Colonel Saab

The West End is buzzing with excitement, not just for the hit musical ‘Mrs Doubtfire‘ at Shaftesbury Theatre, but for its exciting collaboration with luxury London restaurant Colonel Saab, which started on the 1st of August. Since then, audiences have been able to indulge in a unique pre-theatre dining experience before heading to the show. Recently, I had the pleasure to visit my favourite Indian restaurant again and to experience this delightful feast with a theatrical twist, at Colonel Saab. (Previous reviews: Colonel Saab; British Asian Fusion Afternoon High Tea)

Renowned for its award-winning Indian dining concept, Colonel Saab has now created a multi-sensory experience to match the playful and transformative nature of ‘Mrs. Doubtfire’.

The restaurant has crafted two menus: A lavish five-course Mrs Doubtfire Experience Menu priced at £60, complete with cocktails, and a lighter two-course Mrs Doubtfire Set Lunch Menu for £35. Both menus are designed to transport diners into the whimsical world of the musical and the classic 90s movie it’s based on. This is the menu I selected my food from:

This partnership is more than just a themed meal. Colonel Saab has infused its signature Indian flair into every dish, with clever nods to iconic moments from the show. The result is a dining experience that surprises and delights at every turn, much like the beloved character Mrs. Doubtfire herself. Dishes that transform before your eyes when you arrive at Colonel Saab’s flagship restaurant in Holborn, you are immediately struck by the rich ambience – a fusion of Indian art and culture that provides the perfect setting for this culinary adventure. The evening began with a signature cocktail, the ‘Chachi 420’ gin cocktail, named after the Bollywood remake of ‘Mrs Doubtfire’, which remains a cultural phenomenon in India.

Like the musical, the cocktail underwent a transformation as it changed colour before my eyes – a fitting tribute to the film’s themes of disguise and metamorphosis. The journey through the courses continues with imaginative dishes inspired by famous scenes from the show. Before this appetising feast started, I was offered an amuse-bouche playfully called ‘Help Is On Its Way’, in reference to a famous line from the film. While it appears to be a sweet muffin, it was actually a savoury treat. It blended earthy and slightly nutty flavours of roasted cumin with sweetcorn. The texture combined a light, fluffy feel of a muffin with a subtle crunch. This was definitely designed to trick the senses – offering a visual cue of sweetness, but delivering a savoury and aromatic bite,

I then opted for their standout starter, ‘Matchmaker Noor Mahal Chicken Tikka’, a luxurious, signature dish that reflects the opulence and grandeur associated with royal Mughal cuisine. It consisted of tender chicken pieces marinated in a rich blend of aromatic Indian spices and creamy yoghurt, creating a dish that is both flavorful and indulgent. The marinade was carefully crafted to provide a smooth, mildly spiced flavour, with an emphasis on creaminess and subtle layers of seasoning, rather than heat. The chicken was cooked to perfection resulting in a tender, juicy texture with a slight smoky char on the outside. The name ‘Noor Mahal’ evoked the splendour of Indian royalty. Served with a green-coloured dip, made of mint and coriander chutney, this refreshing and vibrant sauce also included a blend of fresh mint leaves, coriander (cilantro), green chillies, and lemon juice, creating a zesty and slightly tangy flavour.

For the main course, I opted for the ‘Effortless elegance prawn moilee’ (Succulent prawns cooked in a lightly spiced coconut milk curry). The dish struck a beautiful balance between delicate flavours and aromatic spices, allowing the natural sweetness of the prawns to shine through. The coconut milk base provided a creamy, luxurious texture that complemented the tender prawns.

I also ordered another starter: An Anglo-Indian Chicken Chop humorously titled ‘My First Day as a Woman’ (Madras spiced pulled chicken cutlet served with salad and tomato raisin relish), the restaurant’s cheeky nod to Mrs. Doubtfire’s iconic identity swap. The cutlet’s crispy exterior gave way to a tender interior of pulled chicken, infused with the warm embrace of Madras spices. As for the tomato raisin relish, it delivered the perfect sweet and tangy notes.

Alternatively, vegetarians can also enjoy the whimsically named ‘Poppet’s Paneer Pakeezah’ (Cottage cheese in royal creamy sauce, silver leaf & green cress), while the adventurous might try the ‘Hellooo! Gutti Vankaya’ (Andhra style curry flavoured baby aubergines in tangy tamarind gravy).

Each course offered a sensory surprise, with dishes that are not always what they seem, but this creative play on presentation and flavours culminated in a dramatic finale. The two desserts on the menu offered two very different types of sweets:

• ‘Layered in love mishti doi Cheesecake’, a traditional Bengali flavour. It combined the sweet, creamy richness of mishti doi (a yogurt-based dessert popular in Bengal) with the texture and appeal of a cheesecake. The dish was delicately flavoured with jaggery syrup, which adds a caramel-like sweetness.
• ‘A drive-by fruit-ing’, a creative and playful dessert, inspired by the iconic Mrs. Doubtfire movie scene, where Robin Williams’ character hilariously throws a fruit at another character. This dessert featured an unusual yet mild cheesecake-flavored ice cream, paired with fresh berries. The dish is more creamy than sweet, offering a unique and subtle flavour profile that might not be for everyone but is designed to surprise diners with its blend of textures and flavours.

As the perfect pairing for theatre lovers for fans of Mrs Doubtfire, this collaboration offers a new way to engage with the story. After indulging in the themed dining experience at Colonel Saab, you can now just take a four-minute walk to Shaftesbury Theatre, where the musical brings the much-loved tale to life.

The stage production captures all the humour and heart of the Robin Williams classic, telling the story of out-of-work actor Daniel, who disguised himself as a Scottish nanny to remain close to his children after a bitter divorce. The musical is full of iconic moments from the film but also adds fresh elements through new songs and dance numbers. The combination of the high-energy show and the creative dining experience makes for an unforgettable night out in London.

At the heart of this collaboration is Colonel Saab’s rich history and commitment to bringing the flavours of India to London. Founded by Roop Partap Choudhary, the restaurant is a tribute to his family’s travels across India. From Rajasthan to the grand banquets of Indian nobility, Colonel Saab’s menu is steeped in tradition while also offering contemporary twists on classic dishes. Choudhary’s restaurant is not only a culinary destination but a cultural one too. The Holborn location, set in a former town hall, is filled with eclectic Indian art and artefacts that celebrate the diversity and history of the subcontinent. Colonel Saab has earned numerous accolades, including being named the UK’s Best Asian Restaurant at the Asian Curry Awards and Best Restaurant at the Feed the Lion Awards.

This partnership with the ‘Mrs. Doubtfire’ musical, is a natural fit for Colonel Saab, blending the restaurant’s flair for theatrical dining with the play’s themes of transformation and family. For those looking for a memorable evening that combines great food with a beloved musical, the Mrs. Doubtfire x Colonel Saab experience is not to be missed. Whether you are a fan of the original movie or just love the magic of theatre, this unique collaboration promises an extraordinary night out.