Street food’s irresistible charm is undeniable, so much so that it has captivated global audiences through popular shows like the Netflix series “Street Food.” The vibrant flavors and accessible nature of street food are truly addictive. For those in Washington DC craving an authentic and captivating street food experience, the answer is now doubly clear: Bombay Street Food 2 has arrived on Capitol Hill, expanding the delicious reach of its Columbia Heights predecessor.
Street food, traditionally defined as “food cooked and sold in public places, usually outdoors, to be eaten immediately,” has evolved. It’s now a culinary movement found in diverse settings, from indoor food halls to fast-casual spots and even full-service restaurants. Bombay Street Food recognized this shift early on, and now, Bombay Street Food 2 is set to become a key player in Capitol Hill’s dynamic food scene.
Following the success of its Columbia Heights location, which opened last November amidst a wave of exciting Indian restaurants (Punjab Grill, Pappe, Karma Modern Indian, and Rasa), Bombay Street Food 2 brings its spirited and casual dining experience to a new neighborhood. For lovers of Indian cuisine, the arrival of Bombay Street Food 2 is another compelling reason to explore the city’s vibrant culinary landscape. Like its original location, reservations aren’t necessary at Bombay Street Food 2, encouraging spontaneous visits and a lively, bustling atmosphere without excessive wait times.
The ambiance of Bombay Street Food 2, much like its sister restaurant, is designed to transport diners to the bustling streets of Bombay. Murals depicting vibrant street scenes and iconic Bollywood imagery adorn the walls, punctuated by splashes of bright orange and yellow paint. This energetic décor sets the stage for a culinary adventure. A nod to culinary inspiration is evident in a photo collage, likely featuring Anthony Bourdain, a known enthusiast of street food and Indian flavors, holding vada pav, a popular vegetarian street food. Asad Sheikh, the owner, whose experience includes Curry Mantra, London Curry House, and 1947 in Northern Virginia, is a Bourdain admirer, and this influence translates into a menu that encourages culinary exploration.
Vibrant mural inside Bombay Street Food 2 depicting Bombay street scenes
The menu at Bombay Street Food 2 is a delightful fusion, mirroring the original’s successful formula. It’s a celebration of street food, of course, but also features Indo-Chinese specialties – a unique and flavorful adaptation of Chinese cooking techniques popular in India. Dishes like Gobi Manchurian, with its fiery, ginger-garlic infused, sweet and tangy sauce coating crispy cauliflower florets, exemplify this addictive Indo-Chinese element. These dishes are designed to excite and offer a flavorful punch.
Alongside these adventurous options, Bombay Street Food 2 also caters to those seeking familiar Indian favorites. Butter chicken and Tikka Masala are present, acknowledging the need to appeal to a broad range of palates. Sheikh understands this balance is key – these familiar dishes serve as an inviting gateway, encouraging diners to then venture into the more authentic and adventurous street food selections that Bombay Street Food 2 truly champions. Washington DC’s dining scene is known for its increasingly adventurous diners, eager to embrace diverse cuisines, making Bombay Street Food 2 perfectly positioned for success.
To truly experience Bombay Street Food 2, indulging in chaat is essential. As highlighted in the Delhi episode of “Street Food,” chaat encompasses a diverse range of savory street snacks found throughout India. These flavorful concoctions typically feature a base of fried dough or crisped rice, combined with vegetables or legumes, sweet and tangy sauces, and chaat masala, a signature tangy Indian spice blend.
Vada Pav, famously pictured with Anthony Bourdain and likely available at Bombay Street Food 2, is a prime example of chaat. This popular street food features a spiced mashed potato patty, laced with ginger and garlic, lightly crisped, and served on a fluffy bun with chutney. It’s a flavorful and satisfying snack that embodies the essence of Bombay street food.
Bombay Street Food 2's Vada Pav, a spiced potato patty served in a bun
Exploring the “Monsoon” section of the Bombay Street Food 2 menu will likely reveal other enticing chaat varieties. Paneer pakora, chickpea batter-fried dough stuffed with paneer cheese, is a comforting and crispy monsoon favorite. Its warm and satisfying nature makes it perfect for a rainy day, but equally enjoyable at Bombay Street Food 2 regardless of the weather.
For those who appreciate the crispy spinach chaat at Rasika, Bombay Street Food 2 offers its own rendition of palak chaat. While it might have its own unique character, the combination of crispy spinach, yogurt, and tamarind sauce is always a compelling choice. The version at Bombay Street Food 2 promises a satisfyingly crunchy and flavorful experience.
Palak Chaat at Bombay Street Food 2, crispy spinach with yogurt and tamarind
Kati rolls, another Indian street food staple, are expected to be a highlight at Bombay Street Food 2. These flavorful wraps consist of roasted kabobs of meat or vegetables enveloped in thin paratha bread. A paneer roll option, combining cheese with egg, tomato, onion, and chili sauce, offers a vegetarian and protein-rich alternative – think of it as India’s answer to a burrito, and a perfect handheld option at Bombay Street Food 2.
Beyond individual street food items, the thali at Bombay Street Food 2 is a must-try. Thali, meaning “large plate” in Hindi, provides diners with an exceptional opportunity to sample a diverse array of flavors and textures. It’s a complete culinary journey on a single platter.
The menu description for the thali at Bombay Street Food 2 is likely concise, perhaps simply stating “Varieties of dishes as sampler enough for 2.” Ordering the thali is an act of culinary trust, rewarded with a visually stunning and flavorful feast.
Imagine a table adorned with a silver platter laden with dishes showcasing a vibrant palette of oranges, golds, greens, and browns. This is the thali experience at Bombay Street Food 2. The colors are matched by equally vibrant flavors – tangy, sweet, hot, sour, and intensely spicy. The aromatic blend of spices alone is enough to tantalize the senses before the first bite.
Bombay Street Food 2's Thali, a platter of diverse Indian dishes for sharing
The thali at Bombay Street Food 2 is likely to include tandoori chicken legs nestled on fragrant rice, flavorful goat, lamb, and chickpea curries, creamy saag paneer (spinach and cheese), creamy lentils, mango pickles, refreshing raita, soft naan bread, and an array of colorful chutneys and sauces. A vegetarian thali option is also expected to be available, ensuring there’s a thali experience for everyone at Bombay Street Food 2. Sharing a thali is not only a culinary adventure but also a fantastic value.
To conclude the Bombay Street Food 2 experience on a sweet note, gulab jamun, deep-fried donuts soaked in rose-cardamom sugar syrup, are the perfect indulgent finale. These classic Indian sweets provide a satisfyingly sweet and aromatic end to a flavorful meal.
Asad Sheikh’s long-held vision of bringing authentic Bombay street food to Washington DC continues to expand with the opening of Bombay Street Food 2 at 524 8th Street, SE on Capitol Hill. It’s time to embrace the flavors, the vibrancy, and the culinary excitement that Bombay Street Food 2 promises – it’s time to chaat it up and thali too!
Bombay Street Food 2 (Link to original website for now, assuming it will be updated or a new site created)
524 8th Street, SE, Washington DC, 20003 (Assuming zip code for Capitol Hill)
