Bombay Bistro Austin

Chefs Rakesh Menhdiratta and Prem Singh Jayara together have more than six decades of experience cooking Indian fare. While Rakesh was working at a state banquet to honor Bill Clinton in New Delhi, Prem was publishing his own Indian cookbook and teaching at culinary schools throughout New York City. Now, the two Indian-borne chefs have united to bring their culinary skills to the menu at Bombay Bistro.

In the eatery, stained-glass lights dangle over booths, casting a pastel blush on exposed-brick walls. The bar is lit from behind with neon orange, hinting at the smoldering flames of the bistro's clay oven. As the kitchen doors open, dark hardwood tables fill with shrimp, lamb, and goan fish curry, accented by tamarind and sweet coconut milk. Warm baked naan sops up sauce from tandoori shrimp and salmon steeped in garlic, ginger, and lemon juice. While perusing the bistro's cocktail menu, guests can question servers about the lunch buffet or the best novel they’ve ever found written on a napkin.