The Bombay - Cardiff

The Bombay, which first opened in 1953 on West Bute Street in Cardiff Bay, was Wales' first Indian restaurant. In the 1980s, it was reopened this year by the grandchildren of the original owner. The charming cafe interior of the Bombay features a menu inspired by Mumbai cafes, offering breakfast items such as bungalow maska (roasted bun with butter, traditionally dipped in chai) and naan rolls, as well as authentic bone-in curries for lunch and dinner. One dish that stood out was the bacon naan roll, priced at £2.95, which reminded me of a similar item I had tried at Dishoom in Covent Garden. Overall, the Bombay offers a delightful dining experience with a nod to its rich history and traditional Indian cuisine.

The Bombay, located on West Bute Street in Cardiff Bay, was Wales's first Indian restaurant when it first opened. It closed down for a period of time but has recently been reopened by the original owner's grandchildren. The café interior of The Bombay reflects the atmosphere of cafés in Mumbai, serving traditional breakfast dishes like bun maska (a toasted bun with butter dipped in chai) and naan rolls. For lunch and dinner, authentic curries cooked on the bone are on the menu. One standout dish that caught my attention was the Bacon naan roll, reminiscent of a popular dish at Dishoom in Covent Garden. The naan, topped with crisp and salty halal beef bacon, cream cheese, coriander, and served with fiery tomato jam, was a delicious option. Despite the beef bacon not quite living up to pork bacon, the overall experience at The Bombay was enjoyable.