BOMBAY KITCHEN COMES TO DENMAN

by Jacqui Birchall
(click images to enlarge)

Greeting you at Bombay Kitchen (from left) Guri, Chef and co-owner Andy, Ash, and Husnain. (*Jacqui Birchall Photo)*

There is a new restaurant on Denman Street that has become an instant hit. The Bombay Kitchen at 1061 Denman, is a culinary and visual delight.

Meet the chef owner Andy Sondh. A thirty six year old phenomenon, Andy moved from Bahrain to Vancouver in 2018 at the behest of his brother Harsh Sharma. Harsh was already in the restaurant business here in Vancouver and he invited the very successful chef Andy to join him.

Harsh and Andy own The Bombay Kitchen on Denman. Harsh owns the very delicious Bombay Kitchen and Bar on Commercial Drive, Bombay Masala on West 10th, Mumbai Masala in North Vancouver and The Main on Main Street The latest one on Denman replaces their West 14th Avenue location. Andy tells me he is deeply indebted to Harsh for making their Canadian businesses such a success and for inviting him to join Harsh in Canada.

The very personable Andy, who is fluent in four languages including Arabic, grew up learning much about cooking from his Punjabi mother. Determined to become a chef, Andy started his culinary career as a dishwasher, onto kitchen helper, then a tandoori chef, until finally becoming a head chef.

The restaurant menu is not a regional one but includes dishes from throughout India. As you would expect there are vegetarian and vegan options. Andy notes that the vegan dishes are carefully crafted to provide delicious and satisfying plant-based dining experiences.

Chef Andy’s brother and co-owner Harsh sharma.

The target clientele comprises food enthusiasts and lovers of Indian cuisine. Andy and Harsh aim to attract both locals and visitors who appreciate authentic flavours, quality ingredients, and a comfortable dining atmosphere.

Andy and Harsh explained to me how they grind and mix their own spices to ensure quality and flavour. There are several signature dishes that customers love, like butter chicken, lamb biryani, garlic naan, and mango lassi. These dishes have become popular for their authentic taste and high quality ingredients.

When customers are not familiar with Indian food, Andy recommends starting with some classic dishes such as chicken tikka masala, vegetable samosas, or palak paneer (spinach with cottage cheese). These dishes offer a balance of flavours and are widely enjoyed by both Indian food enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

A party of four from Vancouver Island enjoy the Bombay Kitchen’s chic decor and tasty menu. *(Jacqui Birchall Photo)*

I asked about the attractive interior design and the beautiful dishes and copper pots and cups. The copper jugs, bowls, and cups, as well as the cutlery, are imported from India to add an authentic touch to the dining experience.

Andy adds that for the opening of their restaurant, they wanted to create a unique and inviting atmosphere that reflects the beauty and cultural heritage of India. They carefully curated the decor and imported these beautiful items to ensure an immersive experience for our customers. Each piece was chosen to enhance the ambiance and elevate the overall dining experience.

Diners can watch from their tables as the industrious Andy creates magic in the kitchen with his assistants, Guri and Husnain. If you are not sure what to order, server Ash is very helpful and patient and will guide you in a delicious direction.

The menu is large, varied and reasonably priced.

The restaurant is open from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Lunch specials are available from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Andy tells me in the future the restaurant may close on Mondays but at the moment it is open seven days a week. Reservations are not accepted.

The Denman location of The Bombay Kitchen is not currently licensed to serve alcohol, but Andy expects his application to be approved in short order.

Check The Bombay Kitchen website and the Denman Street menu here.