Bombay 2 Beirut: A Culinary Journey from India to Lebanon

The Silk Road has connected us all in more ways than just one. Several historical trade routes have shared goods spanning from the eponymous silk to spices and even knowledge. So it is only apt that India, once a melting pot of cultures, of traders, and even of colonists, has absorbed these flavours into its wide network of food trails.

Dishes we know and love like chicken kebabs can also be found in places outside of the subcontinent, albeit under a different name—and maybe even prepared slightly differently. Our lunch at Bombay 2 Beirut in Yannawa proved that across continents, food is a common language everyone knows how to speak.

Space: Tucked away into a multi-purpose space, surrounded by several other restaurants, what stands out first is the colour of Bombay 2 Beirut. A splash of yellow on an otherwise leafy green, run-of-the-mill street, it feels like stepping into another world.

Bombay 2 Beirut is four storeys, so let’s start with the first. The main floor is a mix of eclectic art on the walls, ruby red and peacock blue furniture, and fragments of green-stained glass windows.

Upper floors include spaces for private, intimate functions, as well as a lounge on the top floor overlooking the entire street where people can kick back, relax and take in the ambience.

Crowd: As mentioned prior, Bombay 2 Beirut has four floors. Each floor curates a different sort of crowd. The main floor is perfect for families, large groups, and even those who are looking for a quick sit-down meal.

Bombay 2 Beirut also has a separate vegetarian and Jain kitchen to cater to those with specific dietary needs and requirements. The top floor, bathed in glowing red lights, is a great place to hang out with friends late into the night as you look out onto one of the quieter, foliage-filled streets in Bangkok.

Our culinary tour began with the traditional poppadam tower. Anyone who has been to an Indian restaurant knows the intricate architecture of the conical papad placed on a metal tree with accompanying chutneys and pickled onions.

First to arrive at the table was the Pani puri (THB 80) and since we are being transported to Mumbai, there is no reason to call it gol gappe. The spicy and minty pani did its job in refreshing us from the swarthy Bangkok heat and prepped us for our first round of appetisers.

A familiar sight appeared upon our table. A bright flair of yellow to match the walls, the Paneer tikka (THB 260) sizzled in front of us. The grilled cottage cheese melted perfectly in our mouths; the tangy flavour, even without the squeeze of the lime, gave it tens across the board.

The Afghani chicken (half) (THB 300) is Bombay 2 Beirut’s house specialty, chicken that is marinated overnight in aromatic spices and roasted over charcoal. For those who prefer more tender cuts, the leg of chicken is wrapped in silver foil so you don’t have to get your hands dirty when delighting in the poultry.

For the days you’re feeling a little... peckish, or in the mood for grazing, Bombay 2 Beirut has their Lebanese platter (THB 190–490), with the option that span vegetarian and non-vegetarian. We opted for the vegetarian platter which came with hummus, pita bread, falafel fatteh, french fries, and dippable sides in the form of garlic sauce, jalapeño sauce, and taratour.

Once again, we hopped between cities to land in Bombay (Mumbai for those who prefer the non-anglicised title) with the Saffron pulao (THB 150) and Garlic naan (THB 60–80) paired with Paneer aap ki pasand, from which we chose the Paneer lawabdar (THB 240).

The term lawabdar in food is often used to describe the creamy, rich Mughal-inspired curries found in Northern India and this dish lived up to its name. Each bite was full-bodied and satisfying.

It went perfectly with both the pulao and the naan, depending on whether you’re looking for a crunch or the familiar comforts of saffron-infused rice.

The meal came to a draw with the Gulab jamun (THB 100), a reliable Indian dessert that proved to be the quintessential closer to a meal that was of pure comfort. And, naturally, no culinary outing is complete without some beverages to cleanse the palate in between provisions.

Thus, to complement the lush spread at Bombay 2 Beirut, we sampled their Lassi (THB 120–140), a sweet yet tangy composition perfect for those hot summer days, and the classic Cosmopolitan (THB 200) arriving in its vibrant ruby hue and bright profile.

This time, my heart landed firmly in Lebanon with the Adana kebab (THB 480). This boneless lamb dish marinated with Lebanese spices over a fiery charcoal grill was just familiar enough to the non-vegetarian appetisers we order at Indian restaurants but the use of the Lebanese spices such as the pul biber or red chili flakes and the flavour of the minced lamb made this a dish that remained prominent in our memories.

Reaching for seconds had never been easier especially as the meat simply came apart underneath the knife—a sign of a well-done game.

For the month of October as we welcome the Navratri season, Bombay 2 Beirut is offering special, free meals for girls under the age of 12. Inquire at +66 (0)82 924 7773 for more details.

BOMBAY 2 BEIRUT (B2B)

297/439 Nara Place Sathupradit Soi 19,

Naradhiwas Soi 24, Yan Nawa

Bangkok 10120

Opening Hours: 11 AM–12 AM

Tel.: +66 (0)82 924 7773
Website: bombay2beirut.com
Facebook: @Bombay2Beirut