Whist meandering through the roads of
Baga to Arpora, Goa one can’t help but be drawn towards a rather eye-catching
yet compact and bijou 2 story white Portuguese style building with colorful
flowers! With its white Mediterranean yet tropical feel, nestled on the
picturesque bank of the Baga creek, Old Bombay opened its doors for the
season in February 2019. Brought to you by business mogul and renowned restaurateur Akshay Anand. Originally hailing from a financial
background as a banker Akshaydecided to get into restaurant industry for his
love for food and music. Having successfully launched various brand such as
Hotmess (India’s first aphrodisiac bar), Zabardast, Boulevard, Townhouse,
Unplugged Courtyard, Drama, Bombay Bar and recently launched Toy Room in Delhi
he turned his sights to Goa. He tells us
“each of the restaurants is a successful marriage of food, ambience and
service.”
There are three levels to choose from at Old Bombay and all of them are a
rendition of unique Boho Chic style that is brought together by the designer Saheba
Singh. Each space has its own identity yet comes together seamlessly
with various forms of florals and vibrant colours. Whether it be wallpaper,
stunning hand painted murals, stenciled furniture or walls and in some cases
ceiling installations of flowers and twigs. Starting at the ground flood, which
is vibrant pink and beige with pops of colour that lends itself to a causal
café style. As you move up a level to the first floor it opens onto an opulent
formal dine with teal and gold stencilling on the walls. There are surprise
elements such as the large divan or day
bedwith and abundance of colourful cushions, that allows a group of people to
sprawl out and really enjoy the food in a royal fashion. Or to the balconies on
both sides that look like they are in spring all year round with the
overhanging garden of flowers. Moving up
yet another floor you are greeted by Machaan
like bar with cane cladding on the walls, delicate cane chandeliers made from
branches and twits to the breathing views of the Baga creek from the
outstretched wraparound balcony. Old
Bombay had created a vibe incorporates the colourful yet laid back vibe
of Goa.
Other than the
stunning décor, Old Bombay has a lot to offer. They pride themselves on
recreating and reinterpreting age old Indian culinary traditions to create a
gastronomic experience that toasts the old time and celebrates the new, an
multi Indian gourmet cuisine with a difference cooked in a contemporary
style. Two different menus are on offer
here with a casual approach to the café with tantalising creations such to the Aloo Pao Puff, spicy potato stuffed inside ball
shaped bread and then baked. Then there is the Koli Vada Fish n Chips with spicy
Zamia Aloo orthe very moreish Mini Cheese Kulcha with Tomato Dip.
There is something for everyone and whatever
mood one maybe in from their array of Mumbai inspired breakfasts orall ay
dinning creations, to sandwiches, wraps and pizza to refreshing mocktails and
smoothies.
As one moves up a
level to the first floor the menu changes with like its opulent surrounding.
From hints off fusion food from Mumbai’s Chowpatty such as the Traditional Raj Kachori with Tamarind Air. To the large selection of seafood on offer with
the succulent Bana Leaf wrapped Fishwith sweet and sour Papaya all top with Lemon Air
that just dissolves and compliments the fish beautifully. The flaky softness of
the Double Fish Tikka that crumbles as you touch it is yet another signature
dish at old Bombay. If seafood is not your cup of tea, then a must try is the
tender melt in your mouth MarghiNa Farcha with
AnaadanaCream and Guntur Chilli Chicken with Coconut Chips
served with curd rice or the aromatic Saag Meat. Old Bombay chef’s have taken fusion and
modern Indian cuisine to another level with their Deconstructed Aloo Matar,
all the flavours of your childhood presented with a flair of the rasa being
poured onto of the aloo from a traditional copper kettle. Then who can resist the taste of the Punjab,
all prepared for you in the form of the KadhiChawal Risottothat brings back
all the memories of mothers cooking or even a simple yet flavourful Berry
Pulao. All in all, Old Bombay
is a trip down memory lane of flavours that tantalise your taste buds with a
modern touch.
