And this time they are taking us on a culinary journey across the country. Yes, Bombay Brasserie, one of my favorite Indian restaurants in the city is back after a short break. Apart from the original location at Quest Mall, everything about the place seems to have changed. From the eclectic decor to the menu that focuses on experimental and fusion Indian food, things are quite different now. And it is a welcome change!
Bombay Brasserie, Kolkata
There are three dining zones – two inside the restaurant and one outdoor area. Colourful chairs, exposed Edison bulbs, Pinterest-y bric-a-brac, all combine to give the space a very laidback feel. The travel theme is predominant and that’s what Bombay Brasserie is aiming for. They want to “Satisfy those cravings for good conversation and great food, through an exciting adventure that serves up the very best of India’s ingredients and dishes for the armchair traveller”.
Patiala Bar is a highlight of the restaurant. Old favorites and classics are presented with a twist and the best example of that are the Pauwa Cocktails. These are desi themed cocktails served in Pauwas or quarter bottles and paired with the right chakhna like masala cashews, roasted chana, murukku etc. The Pauwas come in many flavours and the ingredients are all desi spiked with either vodka, rum or whiskey. There is a Jaipur Gulabo, Nagpuri Santra, Go Goa Gone, Pondy Rush etc. Apart from the Pauwas, the bar also serves a wide range of desi and angrezi cocktails, wines and spirits.
The food menu is extensive. Aam Papad Paneer I was told is a bestseller and after tasting it, I get why. The paneer is soft and fresh, the aam papad adds a beautiful sweetness to the taste and the lotus stem gives the right amount of crunch. If you are bored of the usual ways of how paneer is cooked in restaurants, definitely give this a try. And if you are ordering the Naga Ghost Pepper Wings, make sure you save some of that paneer because you will need it. The smoked and roasted chicken wings are flavored with the famous Bhoot Jolokia chilli and believe me, these will set you on fire. Tears will be streaming down your face but you will not be able to stop eating!
If you love sea-food, definitely try out Mario’s Mango Prawns and Coconut Rice. The prawns are cooked in the traditional Goan ‘Ambotik Masala’ and the mild coconut flavored rice goes beautifully with it. The rice also goes very well with the Pondicherry Fish which is pan-grilled fish fillets in a lemon-cream gravy. The fish is served with Masala Bread Roll but I liked it better with the coconut rice.
I tried two desserts from the menu – Amritsari Kulfa and Grandma’s Choco Treat. The Kulfa has all my favorite Indian sweets in it. It has kulfi, it has rabdi and it has phirni topped with falooda and rose syrup. And Grandma’s Choco Treat is a twist on everyone’s favorite sweet paratha. This one is filled with chocolate and hazelnut spread drizzled with Bombay Brasserie’s ‘secret sauce’.
The new Bombay Brasserie is all about reinventing classics and giving a taste of the familiar with the unexpected. As they say, “Sometimes a little change is a good thing”.
I was invited by the management to dine at the restaurant.