Bombay Brasserie weekend buffet review

Bombay Brasserie Weekend Buffet ReviewOpulent and sophisticated are adjectives that suitably describe the area of Kensington, an area of impressive residences, and sprinkles of Royal grandeur. One of the jewels in the Kensington crown has been providing fine Indian cuisine to the West London set since 1983, and it’s still going strong.

Bombay Brasserie was established to challenge the Vindaloo stereotype, showcasing higher end craftsmanship, and authentic flavours rooted in Mumbai yet influenced by India’s rich and diverse culinary landscape.

Up the short steps of a grand beautiful building, Petrol Lanterns adorn a glowing fretwork screen providing a transition from the black metal gates of Victorian London, to Vibrant Mubai. It’s lunchtime so one can only imagine the warm glow that would act as a beacon for evening diners.  Beyond the screen, a sophisticated bar and lounge is dressed with artistic impressions of the Raj, plush Indian armchairs and a ginormous fireplace.

Giant wooden doors open up to a bright dining hall of white clothed tables and green velveted booths. Animal carvings and tapestries accentuate the surroundings and occasional plants hang from the ceilings. The foliage almost guides you around to a grand conservatory where a large lunchtime buffet awaits.

Bombay Brasseries offers an a-la carte menu during the week, including various familiar tandoori, daal and tikka dishes alongside more intriguing, provoking options such as spiced soft shell crab, venison and duck. We were lucky to be offered the palak patta chaat from the a-la carte menu- pehaps a favourite dish -  of garam flour coated spinach leaves, dressed in tangy tamarind and yogurt, and jewelled with sweet pomegranate seeds.

Being the weekend, we were there for a brunch feast. Buffets can conjure images of all you can eat slop, value over quality, but this is not Bombay Brasserie’s modus operandi. Distinct areas of the conservatory reveal selections of beautifully presented appetisers, sides, main dishes and desserts. It’s high quality and we are here for it!

A gentle reminder that you can return to a buffet as many times as you like, we work the room systematically aiming to enjoy the flavours as they have been carefully crafted to experience.

Starters and sides are always a firm Indian favourite of mine and this place delivers. We dressed our starter plate with delightfully crisp samosas striped with a fresh and zesty coriander sauce, a delicate and crisp sort of arancini ball, charred spiced cauliflower and buttery tandoor chicken. Tangy tamarind and fresh zingy coriander sauces steal the show. A spectacular herb crusted giant prawn sits proudly on the plate and almost smugly brings a smile to our mouths.

We sample various spinach, daal, meat and rice dishes from the mains section, a highlight being the Lamb Biriyani, with substantial yet tender chunks of quite flavoursome lamb.

For dessert my favourite was the Gulab jamun a soft, fried dough ball soaked in a sweet, fragrant syrup. It’s so sweet but incredibly delightful to eat, so moreish, I went up a couple of times. I also tried the raspberry cheesecake, another incredible dessert to finish with.

For affecionados of Indian flavours who want something a little more special than the usual Fayre, Bombay Brasserie will meet your brief and more. From the superbly crafted food, expertly mixed drinks and elegant environment, it’s a dining experience we certainly want to relive. The buffet is great for an afternoon with friends and family or with a loved one.

For more information or to book click here.

Address: Courtfield Rd, South Kensington, London, SW7 4QH

Written by Rick Hartley

Interior image courtesy of Bombay Brasserie