SodaBottleOpenerWala on Lavelle Road has always been a diner favourite, reminiscent of the quaint Bombay Irani Café experience, laced with Parsi flavours and quirky atmospherics. Now, with eight outlets, four cities and six years behind this successful chain, the team at SodaBottleOpenerWala have launched Bhonew, an aptly titled new menu encompassing dishes inspired by different communities of India who have made Mumbai their home.
Expect an extensive bar snacks section with dishes such as the Palak Patta Pakoda Chaat, Meatless Baida Roti, Kundapuri Prawn, Staff Pickle achari Murg and Methi Fish Tikki, among other specials. Old-timers at this quintessential café need not be disappointed since the most loved and popular dishes remain, including the Berry Pulao, Dhansak, Salli Chicken, Chicken Farcha, Khaari Pizzas and the Bhendi Bazaar Sheekh Paratha.
The driving force behind this menu refresh is Chef Irfan Pabaney who has recently taken over as country head for SodaBottleOpenerWala. Sporting a chef coat, signature bandana and shorts, chef Pabaney's earlier kitchen association spans across some of the most high profile Mumbai restaurants such as Under The Over, Seijo and the Soul Dish, Indigo, Hakkasan and The Sassy Spoon. Having spent his early life in South America, and later in Philippines and Nigeria, chef Irfan Pabaney moved to India in 1980. "My focus was to make the Parsi Irani and Bombay Street Food spread even more exciting at SodaBottleOpenerWala. Which is why we are reflecting dishes inspired from communities living in Bombay and a lot of new vegetarian options too", he says.
The bar's signature cocktails include Finding Frenny, a gin-and-tonic spritzer with iced mandarin and cucumber; Rustom Bantawala served in the classic soda bottle; and the Dikrakiri, a classic and refreshing mix of sugarcane juice, rum and citrus juice. There is plenty of wines, beers, whiskey, vodka, rum, and liqueurs available on the menu with standard measures ranging from 30ml to 180ml quarters.
Back to the food menu, the mains include Egg Wrapped Kheema Pulao, Papeta and Gobi Nu Bhaji, Coconutwala Daal, Dhai Ma Bheeda, Chicken Ghee Roast, Dahi Ma Ghost plus combo meals with Tawa Paneer Masala, Parsi Vegetable, Mutton Berry Pulao and Salli Chicken. Then there are the comforting Vada Paos, Bhuna Chicken Sandwiches, Bombay Rasta Sandwiches, Maska Buns, soups, and salads which can be washed down with a Raspberry Soda or an Irani Falooda. In the dessert section, there is the original Parsi Dairy Kulfi, the popular Matunga Coffee Cake and the wedding special Lagan Nu Custard.
Exuding a colonial charm and humorous one-liners which evoke a spontaneous laugh, the 65-seater Soda-BottleOpenerWala is your go-to place for a nostalgic meal with friends and family or a visit during those in-between times simply for a sip of Irani Chai with Bun Maska Jam.
Address: SodaBottleOpenerWala, Lavelle Road, Bengaluru
Average price for two: Rs.1200+
