Moombai & Co.
Moombai & Co is the newest addition to The H Hotel. Moombai & Co Café and Bar effortlessly blends in the magic of Bombay in the 1950’s where Irani- Parsi Café’s flourished with modern day Dubai.
Parsi
cafés are well-known in Mumbai and were established by Persian settlers in the
19th century, who would gather in the evenings and chat over chai and bun maska
(bread and butter).
The décor and the furniture looked straight out of a Parsi café in Bombay with ceiling fans, exposed brick, mahogany furniture, Italian marble tabletops, bent cane chairs, pendulum wall clocks and the highlight for me - the photo booth rickshaw.
Vibrant old Hindi Film Posters, famous dialogues, memorabilia, cutlery and classic music of 70’s and 80’s sets the mood for a Bombay styled experience. Moombai & Co. is colorful and quirky. Some really fun lines adorn the walls and the menu along with classic Hindi film posters. Cool props. Packs in a punch!
The restaurant is really beautiful and it took us some time to soak it all in. Being a Bombayite, this place evoked a lot of wonderful memories. As soon as we were seated comfortably we were handed the menu which had a wonderful spread of Parsi cuisine with some interesting names. Whether you are a vegetarian or a non-vegetarian, the menu offers everything. To match their inimitable concept, Moombai’s food holds up to their reputation and with a range of drinks, you’re left tangled for what not to order.
As we
were contemplating on our drinks, we were suggested to try the Masala Ice Gola,
and how could we refuse. The taste took me back to the golas you would find on
Juhu beach. Tasty with the right amount of masala and Kala Khatta.
We were also served popadams and chutneys, which was just the perfect way to start one's meal.
For my
drinks I opted for PK hai Kya, which was refreshing and just the perfect cocktail
I needed. My friend opted for Chandan ka sharbat.
A refreshing Khatta Roohafza was served as a palate cleanser
A refreshing Khatta Roohafza was served as a palate cleanser
For starters we ordered Hari
mirch ka jinga and Chaap lababdar. The thecha styled prawns with a ground
chilly mix was the highlight for me. Smoky flavor coupled with the spicy masala
ensured a burst of flavors. It was served on a bed of raw onions and green
chutney.
I don’t usually eat mutton
and was sure I wouldn’t eat it here either, however the aroma that filled my
senses when the Chaap lababdar was bought in did leave make me inquisitive of
its flavor. Since my friend loved it, I tried a nibble first and then ate an
entire piece which definitely was a huge change. The masala, the smoked meat
was so delicious, I didn’t want it to get over at all.
My drink was replenished
with the recommended Aunties chai martini. My initial reaction towards the mix
of chai and martini was off shock and also I wanted to see how chai and alcohol
would taste together. Am I glad I tried the chai martini, it was ‘Jhakaas’. I loved
how the menu is so out of the box and the varied options that you can choose
from.
For our mains we opted for
Patra ni machi, Saali Murghi with rice and roti as accompaniments. I don’t know
why dikra, but the name Patra ni machi sounds good if only said with the Parsi accent.
Patra ni machi is fish marinated in masala and steamed wrapped in banana leaf.
The banan leaf accentuates the flavors of the fish and If you are a south
Indian, you definitely wouldn’t want to miss this one.
Saali Murghi is a simple
yet tasty homemade chicken curry served with straw potatoes. Even though the food is
"home style" and "street style", the presentation is an
extension of quirky chic. Lots of earthernware and brassware.
I
also had the Nimbu Paani which had a
touch of jal jeera added to it giving it a tangy taste
You know the joyride has come
to an end when they ask you to order for dessert. We ordered the classic
caramel custard and chocolate pudding with berry sauce.
Anything that says classic
definitely should live up to the expectations, and the Caramel custard did just
that. It was just perfect and melted in the mouth. I love chocolate, but not
combined with berries, hence I ate the chocolate pudding minus the berry sauce
as it wasn’t something that suited my palate.
The service is excellent, the
staff is so pleasant and I love the way they take care of all their guests, I was
lucky to be there during a birthday celebration. The staff makes it so special with
Dhol and air horns. I'd recommend this one to everyone who has a little bit of
Bollywood in them, a little bit of that throwback vibe in them self, and if you
still don't fall in love with Moombai, PK hai Kay?
Moombai and co is comfort food + Bollywood – such a win
win
Contact:
Location: The H Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, Trade Centre Area, Dubai
Timings – 11:00 am to 12:00 PM
Cost: AED 300 for two
Reserve your table at: 045018607
I was invited to Moombai & Co and all views and images are © Urbanmodish, unless stated otherwise.
