The ‘most viral’ restaurant in the world where you can roll to win free food

A London institution where guests can play dice to get their meal for free has been crowned as the ‘most viral’ restaurant in the world.

The UK capital is currently inundated with the hottest chains, including Yo Chi and Chinatown Bakery, while international heroes such as Raising Cane’s and Dumpling Xi are gearing up to make debuts later this year.

Chipotle has announced it’s expanding across the city, and excitingly, we’re getting the first-ever UK Time Out Market, set to open its doors in the next couple of years.

And despite how revered the aforementioned may be, none have made it on top of TripAdvisor’s ‘most viral’ restaurant list.

Travellers’ Choice Awards are back for 2026 with a bang, with one London-based establishment hailed as the ‘Best of the Best’ in terms of food experiences.

Dishoom King's Cross is the 'Best of the Best'

Dishoom King's Cross (Dishoom)

“When it comes to viral food moments, there’s a fine line between a totally worth-it hours-long wait and hype that’s just, well, hype. But these cooking classes, food tours, and restaurants? They’re all over your feed for all the right reasons,” the category explainer reads.

“Here, the food is just as good—if not better—than the pics you’ll post on Insta.”

This year’s winner is none other than Dishoom at King’s Cross, the comfort food haven that’s been slinging tasty breakfast bacon naan rolls and biryanis to foodies since 2014.

Situated on Stable Street, Dishoom King’s Cross opened its doors four years after cementing its first restaurant in the capital, and has a solid 4.5-star rating on TripAdvisor.

“This London staple has been around for 25-plus years, but waiting times for Dishoom’s rich black daal and tandoori lamb chops haven't died down,” the site read, referencing the infamous queues that often snake around the block.

(Dishoom)

“Pro tip: Stop by for brunch, when it’s way easier to get a res and the iconic bacon naan roll is on the menu.”

Dishoom Matka Game

Anyone who heads into Dishoom for a ruby murray, a ginger-laced plate of chicken tikka, or just a homemade chai, has the chance to win big by playing the famous Matka Game.

Named after the illegal underground lottery that sprang up in Bombay in 1962, the Dishoom Matka Game can only be played from your second reservation onwards.

On your first visit, be sure to ask your waiter for a special Matka token or keyring as this will allow you to play the game on your next reservation.

Once you return, show your Matka token, and a wooden board, a brass pot and single die will appear.

Dishoom Matka Game (Dishoom)

You’ll be instructed to shake the pot and cast the die. If you roll a six, then you’re in luck—your whole bill will be taken care of.

Any other number and, unfortunately, you’ll be left to foot the bill.

But be warned: you’ll have to head to TripAdvisor’s most viral restaurant before 6pm and with 12 people or fewer if you want to have a good gamble.

Also, it's worth mentioning that not everyone will be offered a Matka, with Time Out reporting they're only given to a small number of 'friends'.

Dishoom King’s Cross is one of three London food experiences to make the list, with Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea at Sanderson coming in third, and the London Bridge and Borough Market Food Tour scraping 12th place.