Bombay Bites

“Decision time” announces Ashok Kumar, the friendly owner and manager of Bombay Bites in Neutral Bay.  Having whet our appetites with an assortment of pappadams, chutneys and mixed pickles, it’s time to select our menu.

All dishes are made freshly to order, with nothing pre-prepared on the premises.  This is evident in the array of delicate spices and flavours virtually jumping off each plate, creating a delicious experience of genuine Indian cooking.

We start with samosas and adraki lamb chops, which are seared and marinated with an aromatic fresh paste and grilled in the traditional Tandoor oven.  Succulent and tender, mint yoghurt chutney is a perfect complement to the marinade.

Adraki lamb chops

For the main course we elect the traditional dahl tarka (which Ashok says is one of his healthy favourites) and chicken tikka masala cooked to order in the Tandoor.  The precision and detail with which every dish is explained when served enhances the dining experience, giving us an appreciation of the ingredients, method and history behind the meal. The dahl has a gentle flavour that combines perfectly with the richer chicken tikka masala.

Chicken tikka masala

Dhal tarka

Bombay Bites is the pride of the Kumars, a husband and wife team who began their restaurant careers in India before moving to Australia.  A hidden gem that is part of the blossoming restaurant precinct in Neutral Bay, the venue offers a ‘Bling Cushion Room’ and a ‘Hukka Bar’ ideal for private parties as well as the mural adorned restaurant.  The attentiveness of the Kumars makes one feel like a guest in their home, despite the fine dining atmosphere and elaborate Indian decor.

Homemade mango icecream

Finding a separate stomach for the fresh dessert of homemade mango ice cream, the verdict is clear.  For an authentic Indian experience north of the bridge, Bombay Bites gets the thumbs up (just watch out for those jumping spices).

The Hukka Bar

The dishes we loved

-       Adraki Lamb chops (entree)

-       Chicken tikka masala (main)

-       Homemade mango icecream (dessert)

Bombay Bites is at 166 Military Road, Neutral Bay.

Thank you to OurDeal, who provided three courses, a bottle of wine, naan bread and a side platter.