Bombay Times is a tiny, affordable Indian street food restaurant in the backstreets of Meena Bazaar, just behind the Emirates NBD (if you can’t find RTA parking, there’s a AED10 parking right next door). Owned and run by two Mumbaikar cousins, the restaurant is fast becoming synonymous with good chaat. The (very orange) interior accommodates no more than three tables but there are a couple of high tables just outside where you can also eat…or melt. Thankfully it’s shaded.
Much as I would have loved to try their chaat, 08:30 in the morning was simply too early to contemplate a portion of Pani Puri. I settled instead for a loaded with everything Shahi Paratha followed by, what turned out to be, an extremely farty Chola Bhatura (eating chickpeas in the morning is just asking for trouble).
I can take my share of spice, including chilli, but I get all red and sweaty. Seeing this the restaurant owner (God bless him) probably thought I was getting sick and quickly brought me a deliriously delicious Aamras Puri (made from fresh Alphonso mangos) to cool down.
While all this was going on I must have counted at least six or seven people who came in, ordered a tea and left.
One or two stayed like bystanders of a roadside accident, finding my profusely sweating state amusing. Perhaps they thought I would die…or explode from the Chola.
I had fun at Bombay Times. It’s so…Meena Bazaar. The owner is a really nice guy and treats everyone like a returning regular (which they may have been). If you are in the Meena Bazaar area and fancy a high-octane breakfast, or simply some very good chaat, this is the place to go. Don’t say I didn’t warn you about the Chola…
Waste NOT. Want NOT.
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