Rustic glamour, Indian flavours, and a beachside view, Bombay Bungalow is truly a gem of a restaurant
 Words: Roma Arora | Photography: Kailash Nenwani

When the eyes are locked with something spectacular, then you’re bound to fall in love with it instantly. This is exactly what happens when you visit a delightful place called Bombay Bungalow, located at JBR Walk in Dubai. The colour palette is blue, which spreads across everything you see and touch here, be it the peacock-inspired chairs, vintage walls or even the pretty glasses. Bombay Bungalow reminds one of those large houses in India with courtyards and trees. One of the major highlights of this place is a man-made tree, which looks true to the nature and was imported from the UK. Another fascinating feature is a small fountain right at the centre of the dining area. Walls are adorned with beautiful paintings of maharajas and ranis collected over the period of time by the owner.

Pallav Patel, owner and director of Bombay Bungalow says, “We took a lot of inspiration from old palatial homes in India. Everything from the arches to the courtyard layout, are typical of large bungalows in India. The colour palette really helped tie the environment to the beach which is right on our doorstep. “ Patel also happen to design this charming place and attention to detail matters to him a lot.

There are many small yet important design additions, which transport one instantly to the good old times of simplicity-like the lanterns, yesteryears telephone, semi-finished mirror and chest of drawers which are used as decorations across the restaurant. Many of the décor items were purchased online and even through auctions. The alfresco setting is magnificent overlooking the beach, the comfy bright outdoor chairs, swinging couch and the Indian style ice cream cart add glamour to the laid-back style.

Lip-smacking delights
One must-try their burrata butter chicken in fenugreek tomato gravy, corn and sprouted mung chaat, guac pani poori and zaatar paneer tikka served with tahini beetroot dip. Pair your dishes with mocktails like champagne of the East, it’s a chilled ice tea shaken with roasted fennel and orange or one can also try weight of gold which is a chilled coconut water muddled with Indian spices and dash of soda. Finish your hearty meal with coconut rasmalai with salted caramel, and alphonso mango kulfi.