Spices, sophistication and Indian culinary artistry.
It’s firmly rooted in the heart and history of the Mother City (just across from the Company’s Garden), but step into Taj Cape Town’s Bombay Brasserie and you’ll be whisked away on a culinary odyssey to India. The signature restaurant’s inspiration comes from the buzzing, multicultural Indian city of its name, Mumbai, while the menu combines Indian cooking styles and ingredients from all over the sub-continent with local influences. The result is a multisensory extravaganza with the polished presentation and service of a fine-dining experience.
A brand new menu
Executive chef Surendra Kuma and his culinary team have just launched an all-new menu which draws inspiration from the vibrant culinary hubs of India, from Mumbai to Kolkata and South India, and celebrates traditional, authentic regional cuisines with innovative twists and culinary artistry. They use the finest local ingredients (you might notice hints of Cape Malay influence on occasion) alongside spices imported from India to give Bombay Brasserie its own signature take on Indian cuisine.
On the starter menu you’ll find chaat (street-food-inspired small plates) and tandoor (clay-oven cooking), with just as many vegetarian options as meat dishes. Kick off with the Bombay chaat tasting plate of pani puri, or avocado and baby corn Sixty-Five (a fiery spiced dish with a story behind it), prawns Balchao from Goa, or Parsi chicken and egg with tomato chutney.
For mains, alongside the classic butter chicken and chicken tikka masala, explore keema matar masala (coarsely ground lamb with peas and spices); Lucknow ki lamb nihari (a slow-cooked dish dating back to the Mughal Empire); Hydrabadi vegetable parda biryani (slow-cooked vegetables with mint and saffron served with peanut and sesame gravy) or Adraki aloo gobi (cauliflower and potato cooked in dry spices).
You’re spoilt for choice with a bread selection that features 10 options, from chilli-olive naan and paratha to spring-onion kulcha and roti.
The dessert menu retains the classic favourites: chai crème brûlée, warm gulab jamun (pistachio and almond crème anglaise) and baked yoghurt with berry compote; but also try the golden jalebi of deep-fried batter in condensed saffron milk.
Spiced up set menus
Perhaps the best way to enjoy Bombay Brasserie’s unique offering is by opting for the Gourmet Experience, an exotic set menu feast that cherry-picks the highlights of the standard menu. Both meat and vegetarian set menus follow the same journey, starting with an amuse bouche trio, moving into a choice of dishes from the Tandoor clay oven. After a palate cleanser, two main dishes (again with choices) are served along with saffron rice, dal tadka, and breads, followed by dessert (the Spice Mess of gulab jamun, cardamom meringue and passionfruit mousse is a winner) and petits fours.
Cost R750 per person (includes a glass of bubbly)
Destination dining
Formerly the home of the SA Reserve Bank and Temple Chambers, the restaurant space melds the charm of a bygone era with a contemporary approach. The sumptuous, elegantly exotic interior is reminiscent of an Indian palace, with jewel tones, sparkling chandeliers, touches of gold and plush fabrics. An Eastern-styled courtyard and splendid spice wall, filled with traditional aromatics, creates a focal point.
Also part of the brasserie is a bar area, where diners can enjoy pre- or post-dinner tipples. Evocative signature cocktails include Passage to India (a bourbon, tea and vermouth mix) and the Bombay Sparkler (gin, grapefruit and rooibos marmalade, lemon juice and bubbly).
Good to know Booking is essential. Children over age 6 are welcome.
Opening times Monday – Saturday, 5pm – 10.30pm (bar opens at 4pm)
Contact 021 819 2038, restaurants.capetown@tajhotels.com
Where to find it Taj Cape Town, 1 Wale Street, corner of St George’s Mall, Cape Town
Book through DinePlan
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