Bombay Dreams — Restaurant in Hong Kong Island

Bombay Dreams is the first of Dining Concept's restaurants. It's been almost two years since our move to the might Kong and it was time I paid it a visit.

The husband insisted on an Indian meal after our drinks sesh and we found our way to Bombay Dreams, being in the 'hood.

After we placed our orders, they got us Indian amuse bouche - mini dahi vada bites. Prettily plated, very soft vadas. I thought I tasted a bit of oil in the vadas - the kind when the batter is a bit too airy and hence it absorbs more oil when being fried. The husband didn't and thought they were fine.

We ordered the aalu meetha aalu chaat - Indian street food version of sweet potato, potato topped with chutneys and the likes.

When it arrived, it didn't quite visually appeal. Bite-sized chunks that were probably boiled, then fried - per my husband. Given how dry and a tad bit undercooked they felt to me, I thought they were fried straight off.

It was topped with onions, tomatoes and a wee bit of cilantro. While the tamarind chutney tasted quite nice, ome green coriander chutney and sev would've added to it, but given how dry and underwhelming they were, I chose to speak up. The husband rarely does, but when I told him I would, he chose to do it himself.

The kind host / manager / server who took our order asked for our feedback on why we didn't like it. He later came to apologize and mentioned that it doesn't usually look like that and he thought it seemed dry too.

Next up were Amritsari kulcha - stuffed Indian style flatbread with onions, potatoes, coriander and Kashmiri chilli, paneer khatta pyaaz - cottage cheese cooked with tomatoes, ginger, garlic and pickled onions, and bhindi pyaaz masala - okra tossed with fresh green onions, tomatoes and ginger.

While I was happy with the kulcha, the husband found it under-seasoned. So was the butter roti that we ordered later.

Both the vegetable dishes were your average ones - both on the presentation and taste. Having eaten paneer dishes and bhindi masala plenty, I have high expectations from when I eat at restaurants. And they rarely keep up. Sadly for me, that was the case here as well.

They didn't cater on the looks for the husband either, but he enjoyed the taste on both of those.

A couple of other observations that I made this past Saturday evening while here. It was past 8:45, the place wasn't all packed, yet, when we asked a lady server for spoons, she placed both of them by the husband.

I, my placemat and my side of the table were as accessible to her as my husband's. Was she generous and gave two to the husband? Did she expect the husband to pass on the second one to me? Was she having a bad day? Whatever the reason was, it certainly wasn't good hospitality.

That's one Michelin bib gourmand recommendation disappointment!

Pictures on the blog -...

Indian cuisine has been famous for its unique spices and flavors since ancient times.

Due to the vast geography of India, the cuisine also varies by region, with each region having its own distinct flavors and cooking styles

Vegetable Samosa - $98

The Vegetable Samosa is a delightful appetizer, where the puff pastry ensconces a medley of spiced potatoes, peas, and coriander. The golden and crispy exterior contrasts beautifully with the soft and flavorful filling.

The accompanying tamarind chutney adds a tangy sweetness that complements the savory filling, making each bite a symphony of flavors and textures.

Tamatar Dhaniya Shorba - $68

The Tamatar Dhaniya Shorba is a light and refreshing tomato-based soup infused with fresh coriander leaves.

The vibrant red color and the enticing aroma of the herbs make this dish visually appealing.

The harmonious balance between the tangy tomatoes and the fragrant coriander creates a delightful experience for your taste buds.

Mutton Beliram - $238

Mutton Beliram features fresh mutton slow-cooked with traditional spices and herbs. The succulent meat soaks in the rich and aromatic flavors, creating a tender and juicy texture.

This dish is a true testament to the art of slow cooking, as each bite transports you to the heart of Indian culinary traditions.

Butter Nan - $42

The Butter Nan is a soft and fluffy white flour bread baked in a traditional tandoor and topped with melted butter. Its warm aroma and slightly charred edges make it the perfect accompaniment for any curry dish.

The combination of its buttery flavor and chewy texture adds a delightful contrast to the rich and spicy curries.

Adrakh Ke Panje - $338

Lamb chops marinated in yoghurt, nutmeg, cinnamon and ginger. This is a dish with vibrant colors, aroma and taste. The fresh ginger tickles your taste buds. Together with the sweet scent of cinnamon and the rich spicy flavor of nutmeg, this dish is layered with complexity.

The lamb chops are crisp yet juicy, and every bite is immensely memorable. This dish embraces Indian flavor with modern finesse.

Dum Aloo Kashmiri - $128

Stuffed potatoes in a rich mild gravy, made using a traditional slow cooking technique. The potatoes are braised in the curry sauce for a long time. The savory sauce is fully absorbed yet the potatoes remain intact.

When you cut into the potatoes, the flavors of the sauce and spices burst in your mouth. This dish is layered but not too heavy, perfect for enjoying with other dishes...

• Michelin star Indian Buffet - Better book in advance *

The lunch buffet @ Bombay Dreams has a bit more variety than the buffets at some of the other Indian restaurants.

The lunch buffet is pretty packed most of the time on weekends (and on most weekdays too).... so if you go without booking in advance.... it would be at your own peril😊. Actually, we also went there without a booking (that too, for a Saturday lunch buffet).... and could NOT see a single table free😆

Luckily for us, after 5 mins a large table became free and we could be seated....phewww👍🏻

The STANDOUTS for me were (Among STARTERS)

1. Seekh Kebab (lamb) - AN ABSOLUTE MUST-HAVE😋
2. Reshmi Kebab (Chicken) - a CLOSE SECOND after the lamb kebab 👍🏻

The STANDOUTS for me were (Among MAINS)

1. Fish Curry (Meen Curry) - The flavor of the CURRY LEAVES is a bit dominant in this dish. So it has a unique taste/flavor.... better take a little bit first for tasting.... BEFORE GOING .... ALL IN 😝

2. Paneer Curry (cottage cheese) - Very rich and literally melts in your mouth. Can you feel FULL in just 1 serving (as for me.... I can still have this Curry more than once..... after years of experience 😋

3. Corn, Spinach and cream curry - Another of my favorites. Also quite rich and and has a similar “melt in your mouth” quality just like the paneer curry above..... totally different taste though 😋👍🏻

It was kinda hot there and I had to wipe the sweat from my brow a few times 😅 (even while it was cold outside). Had to down THREE chilled beers😜 Definitely deserves a second look maybe after a couple of months.... when I might find some different dishes in the buffet (they keep doing some variations from time...