Bombay Street Food

Image: Chicken Tikka Masala, Daal, Saag Panir

Last Updated: April 17, 2021

Current Status: Bombay Street Food just keeps going. They opened a third location which they are calling an “Express” in North Dupont. Open for dine-in, take-out and delivery.

Before Times Write-up:

First Visit: November 2019

Bombay Street Food is one of the biggest success stories in D.C. dining over the last year. Serving very good versions of classic dishes at reasonable prices, it took off. Targeting the younger population in Columbia Heights, it built a following. Success was swift and a second location on Capitol Hill was added (untried by us so far). They even added a lunch-only spot downtown doing 300 servings of butter chicken a day (they sell ‘til sold out).

They do not take reservations, so plan to wait at peak hours. The wait is rewarded. The goat Biryani is substantial and deeply seasoned (serves up to four). The Lamb Rogan Josh and Chicken Tikka Masala have more than a touch of spice along with the creaminess that makes the dishes favorites. Sides like Saag Panir (spinach and cheese) and Daal (lentils) continue the comforting theme of classics done well. This is very good Indian that deserves the attention it is getting. There are also a couple interesting twists with the menu. One section called “Monsoon Season” features snacks and a cup of chai tea with the intention of recreating warm moments with treats when cooped up from the rains. Another section, untried by us, features Indo-Chinese food reflecting the mixing of the traditions.

The beverage list is modest, with a few wines by the glass and a dozen or so white or red bottle options. There are a few beers. There are also Indian drinks like Mango Lassi and Chai. The service is stretched but stays on top of things. The kitchen did well even on a slammed night.

Asad Sheikh, a native of Bombay (now called Mumbai), the man behind the restaurants, started with successful spots in Northern Virginia. Along with partners/chefs Pradip Shrestha and Dolly Khan, he managed to hit the ground running. According to the website, they took a trip to his hometown for research. They came back with a model that works.

Other Guidance: The place is casual – jeans and t-shirts, even sweats, are not out of place. As an Indian place with a substantial menu, GF and vegetarians can do well.

Rating: Worth Taking a Walk
Cuisine: Indian

Columbia Heights:
1413 Park Road NW, Washington DC, 20010

Barrack’s Row:
524 8th Street SE, Washington DC, 20003

Dupont Circle:
1915 18th Street N.W Washington DC, 20010

Website: https://www.bombaystreetfood.us/
Reservations: Walk-in

Other Critics/Voices:

Washington Post: Tom’s positive First Bite.

Washingtonian: Cheap Eats 2019; 10 new spots to try from December 2018.

DonRockwell.com: There is a thread for the Barrack’s Row location, but not the Columbia Heights.

Lori: “I like Bombay Street Food for its spirited, casual vibe.”