When a birthday calls for a special meal, the decision can be tricky—especially when there’s so much choice in Oxford.

For my boyfriend Charlie’s recent birthday, we landed at Dosa Darlings, a well-loved spot among some of the Bitten team, but a first-time experience for me.

Luckily, our friendly waiter made the choice easy, guiding us towards the Feast Menu, a set spread designed for those who simply can’t decide. Priced at £35 per person, it delivers a true banquet: a starter platter each, four curries, dosa, parotta, rice, dips, and Masala potatoes.

From the very first bite, it was clear we were in for a treat.

The starter platter was an ideal introduction, offering perfectly portioned mouthfuls of Indian classics like bhajis and samosas, all beautifully presented with vibrant, flavour-packed dips. Every element was spot-on, setting the stage for the feast ahead.

Of the four curries, the chicken and fish stole the show for me—rich, fragrant, and deeply satisfying. The mutton curry, while bursting with intensity, leaned a little heavy for my taste; the first bite was an indulgent delight, but its depth became overpowering after a few more. That said, taste is personal, and others may love its boldness.

Then came the dosa, my first ever, and I instantly understood the hype.

Crisp on the edges, yet soft and delicate inside, it paired beautifully with the accompanying dips. It did cool quite quickly, but given the sheer amount of food we were tackling, that might have been inevitable!

The parotta, however, was my ultimate highlight. Buttery, flaky, and crispy in all the right ways, it made for the perfect curry-scooping vessel. There’s something deeply comforting about well-made parotta, and this one delivered in every sense.

And the portions? Absolutely massive. No one leaves this feast still hungry. In fact, we had so much left over that we happily packed it up in their thoughtfully designed takeaway boxes, complete with a cute branded Dosa Darlings paper bag. Safe to say, we practically rolled home, jeans unbuttoned.

Beyond the food, the atmosphere and staff made the experience even better.

The team was warm, welcoming, and passionate about their menu, adding a personal touch to the evening. With a beautifully designed space that blends cosiness with style, it’s an inviting place to settle in and indulge. An added treat is the toilets playing the Harry Potter audio books – random, but I’m here for it!

Dosa Darlings absolutely delivered. The Feast Menu is a must for those who want to try a little bit of everything, and the combination of stellar flavours, generous portions, and top-tier hospitality makes it a standout spot in Oxford. Whether it’s a birthday, a special occasion, or just a craving for fantastic South Indian food, this is a place worth revisiting—preferably in loose-fitting trousers.