Bombay Brasserie in South Kensington has a reputation for good Indian food. This sumptuous restaurant has served authentic and eclectic Mumbai and Indian cuisine here for over 30 years.
Bombay Brasserie is included in the best Indian restaurants in London.
I came back in 2015 to see the newly designed interior and new Bombay Bar, and to enjoy the very special weekend Brunch.
At the arrived
There’s a fascinating wall of spirits with drinks of all shades and hues, specializing in rare whiskeys as well as inventive and classic cocktails. There is also an extensive wine list. The Raj-inspired bar design blends the exotic essence of old Bombay with edgy London.
The Bombay Bar is open from 5.30 pm Monday to Friday and from 6.30 pm on Saturday and Sunday.
You arrive at the restaurant through The Bombay Bar and enter a spacious dining room with a high ceiling and dazzling oversized crystal chandeliers. There is a man playing the piano in the corner and a large floral centerpiece. The friendly staff takes you to your table and then is ready to take your drink order before explaining how weekend brunch works.
The room feels great but not unpleasant. It is still opulent but certainly comfortable and the chairs and tables are noticeably larger than normal.
There is more space to eat in the conservatory where weekend brunch is served. This is a lovely light space and can accommodate large groups, making it a good option for special occasions. The marble floor and glass ceiling make this area much lighter, while the main dining room, while spacious, has more intimate low-level lighting.
Weekend brunch
The huge brunch buffet is impressive. From 12pm to 3.30pm, on Saturdays and Sundays, you can enjoy well-loved signature dishes and old favorites, like the Palak Patta Chaat.
Mumbai cuisine has blended the various cooking styles of Goa, Bengal, and Gujarat with Mughal, Raj, and even Portuguese imperial influences. Chef Prahlad Hedge has been part of the Bombay Brasserie team since 1991 and uses only the freshest ingredients in his dishes, and is in the restaurant during lunch so diners can ask questions.
The Weekend Brunch is priced at £ 31 per person (plus 12.5% service), making it an excellent opportunity to visit this respected restaurant. (2015 rates)
Inside the conservatory there is a Live Chaat counter serving Paani Puri and Bhel and a selection of other dishes from a regularly changing buffet menu.
The entrees were amazing and Sev Batata Puri, a beautiful collection of flavors in a bite-size appetizer, is now a favorite here. It is a well known chaat dish and popular Maharashtrian street food.
Paani Puri was another example of the amount of preparation that goes into a single dish. Pour a spicy liquid into a crispy ball of fried dough and savor the combined flavors.
In the main dish area there are many new and unusual dishes including chicken, lamb, fish and vegetable options, plus plenty of chutneys and sides. There are no samosas or onion bhajis.
And then there is the dessert table with amazing kulfi (Indian ice cream) and other traditional sweets.
The weekend brunch includes your tea and coffee at the end of your meal when you can sit back and admire the surroundings.
When I visited I saw many Indian families with children and grandparents enjoying their food.
The staff are excellent and the service is very good. Meeting the chef is a great bonus for foodie diners and I am pleased that Bombay Brasserie has been able to maintain this custom.
Conclution
Would I go back to Bombay Brasserie? Absolutely. The staff makes you feel very special: this is a service from a bygone era. The restaurant is large but intimate, and the tasty dishes are delicate but satisfying.
Address: Courtfield Road, London SW7 4QH
Nearest Tube Station: Gloucester Road
Phone: 020 7370 4040
Official Website: www.bombayb.co.uk
Location tip: After my meal, I walked to the South Kensington museums (V&A, Natural History Museum, Science Museum) in about 10 minutes.
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