Bom-Bay Snack Bar, the new Irani-Indian café started by restaurateur Hemant Bhagwani, is now open for business in Midtown. Irani cafés are new to the Toronto scene, but are nothing new to history -- they date back to the 19th century, brought to Mumbai by Zoroastrian Irani immigrants escaping Britain. Not only were they a place to enjoy food, but connect, break down social barriers and religious taboos. Over the years, they’ve become less prevalent and Hemant is working to introduce them to Torontonians.
At the café, you can enjoy a blend of Irani and Indian cuisines, all done traditionally, paired with tea service for a truly authentic experience. Their inspiration for the snack bar draws influence from multiple Indian creeds.
“I designed a menu that remains faithful to Bombay street food, Irani cafés and Indian tea rooms, all of which are inherent to Mumbai’s culture," says Hemant.
Bom-Bay Snack Bar is serving up traditional Indian and Irani breakfast, lunch and dinner items. Here, you’ll find dishes like Parsi Akuri (a spiced scrambled egg, special to the Parsi community of India), Masala Omelette and Parsi French Toast, to name a few.
Their dinner specials include Bombay sandwiches, Frankie rolls, puff pastries stuffed with spicy vegetables or minced lamb, homemade naan and a plethora of delicious vegetarian dishes. You can also enjoy warm dishes such as kebabs, biryanis and a variety of traditional desserts.
Beyond plates of delicious food, they have a very impressive chai list and cold drink menu including mango lassi and a tamarind ginger soda.
Bom-Bay Snack Bar is now open Tuesday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. at 1595 Bayview Avenue for patio dining, takeout and delivery on all major delivery platforms.
