Bombay on a Plate
The restaurant's menu reads like a nostalgic journey. It all starts with the familiar Bun Maska and cutting chai, reminiscent of the Irani cafés of Mumbai.
Main course highlights include Kheema Pao, Kolmi Patio, and Dhansak, each dish offering a taste of authentic Parsi cuisine. The Berry Pulao transports diners to the iconic Britannia restaurant, a taste of home for many Mumbaikars. The flavors are balanced, staying true to Parsi cooking traditions where nothing is overpowering. Even the desserts – Mawa Cake and Lagan nu Custard – round off the meal gently. It’s a carefully curated selection that celebrates old Bombay's culinary delights.
Irani Café Vibe
Walking into the restaurant immediately triggers a sense of nostalgia. The interiors are heavily influenced by Mumbai's Irani cafés from the 1990s. The restaurant features balcony-style seating, vintage Bollywood posters, and warm lighting to set the tone, creating a familiar atmosphere even for those who've never experienced the real thing. It's a place designed to slow down and savor the moment. This carefully recreated environment is in stark contrast to Dubai's modern landscape. The restaurant offers a place to retreat to and enjoy the flavors of the past. The atmosphere serves as a backdrop to the food, drinks, and memories being shared.
Grocery Store Nostalgia
Adding to the unique experience is a Parsi Bawa-style grocery store within the restaurant. The shelves are stocked with items familiar to those who grew up in Parsi households. You'll find everyday pantry staples, snacks, and products that were once hunted for in Mumbai's small lanes. Seeing these items in Dubai evokes a sense of emotion, especially for those missing home. The grocery section carries items that aren't just decorative; they're functional and meant to be used, mirroring a neighborhood shop from old Mumbai. It's a space that provides a tangible connection to the past, allowing visitors to bring a piece of old Bombay home with them, beyond just the meal.
Drinks and Memories
The bar menu at the restaurant keeps things playful, offering cocktails with names inspired by Bombay references. You can find options such as the Irani Biscuit Old-Fashioned, Guava Bawa, and Berry Fatakri, which stand out. The High Chai is a boozy twist on a daily ritual, adding another layer of nostalgia to the experience. Even the drinks are designed to evoke memories. These details, like the inclusion of Pallonji's soda and Thums Up, are important to the crowd it attracts. It's not just about eating and drinking; it's about remembering a feeling and a place. The drinks complement the food, the setting, and the overall experience, creating a cohesive sense of nostalgia.
Dubai Meets Bombay
What makes the whole experience surreal is the setting itself. You might be eating Dhansak while looking at the Dubai skyline, with the Burj Khalifa in the distance. It’s an interesting blend of Bombay soul with Dubai polish. Located inside the DoubleTree by Hilton at Bay Square, the space operates on multiple levels, functioning as an Irani café, a licensed bar, and a grocery store. Few places can balance all three concepts successfully without feeling cluttered. But this restaurant in Dubai somehow manages to achieve this balance seamlessly. This juxtaposition of the old and new creates a unique, memorable experience.
