Hong Kong’s Bengal Brothers has been reimagined as a boozy canteen with dine-in seating and deliciously affordable, accessible regional Indian street food.
From co-founders Vidur Yadav and Tanvir Bhasin, the grab-and-go hole-in-the-wall has evolved and will now pay tribute to the roadside stalls, daily canteens and coffee houses found across the subcontinent. Bengal Brothers ‘deluxe edition’ offers a greatly expanded menu of satisfying street food favourites – think chaats, beer bites, small plates, curries, roasts and sweets, all made for sharing.
READ: Timepieces Inspired by the World’s Highest Peaks
Menu standouts include Prince’s Papri Chaat, the beloved staple of India’s chaatwallas. The lip-smacking snack features crispy crackers and spiced potatoes drizzled with yoghurt and house-made chutney then sprinkled with pomegranate, chopped tomatoes and shallots. Chettinad-style Lamb Curry is a southern Indian dish that reflects the region’s past as a prosperous mercantile community. Spanning influences from as far afield as Myanmar, Malaysia and French Indochina, it combines cinnamon, coconut, curry leaves, turmeric and black peppercorns.
Vegetarians will be tempted by the likes of Jackfruit Dum Biryani. Chunks of marinated jackfruit are layered with fragrant basmati rice infused with saffron, cardamom and star anise, then slow-cooked in a sealed pot with berries and fresh herbs. The result is a satisfyingly meaty dish sure to delight carnivores too.
READ: Sexy New Speakers From KEF
There’s plenty more, including Parsi Keema Pav of spiced minced lamb served with gently toasted, hot buttered buns, and Bombay Vada Pav, an iconic, quick and tasty slider of spiced potato patty slathered with chutney, garlic and chilli. Old Delhi Butter Chicken, an all-time favourite, is done the right way with chargrilled chicken tikka in a silky tomato and cream makhani sauce, while Bengal Brothers’ famous kathi rolls remain, with fillings ranging from chicken tikka, and lamb seekh kebab to chargrilled achaari paneer doused in tangy chutney, onion and lemon juice.
Bengal Brothers’ new beverage programme has been carefully designed for drinking on all-occasions and includes the likes of Sugarcane Smash made with vodka or rum, sugarcane juice, lime, ginger beer and mint; and Pallonji’s Fizz, inspired by a popular parsi soft drink found in the Irani cafes of Mumbai, with gin, raspberry-rose shrub, and soda. Highballs, cold beers, wines, and non-alcoholic drinks round out the list, along with ‘Daam’ good, value-for-quality Scotch for the perfect after-dinner nightcap.
READ: Falcone Brings Napoletana Energy to the Fragrant Harbour
Bengal Brothers is also a platform for showcasing the best of India today, from young, talented chefs to cool producers and products, including Godawan 2, an artisanal single malt whisky from Rajasthan in India and Goan craft gin maker Stranger & Sons.
Located on Johnston Road in Wan Chai, the restaurant trades the bustling streets of Kolkata and Delhi for a convenient and vibrant Hong Kong locale where trams, minibuses and red taxis go by.
Designed by Hong Kong-based studio Brash Atelier, the interior design is inspired by India’s colourful post-colonial canteens and coffee houses, with retro diner-style booths and stools. It’s casual, fun and great for a quick after-work beverage, or for small groups wanting to feast on authentic street fare.
For more Wining & Dining inspiration click here.
LIKE WHAT YOU SEE? FOLLOW ALPHA MEN ASIA ON FACEBOOK, OR INSTAGRAM AND SUBSCRIBE TO OUR HONG KONG-CENTRIC NEWSLETTER HERE
