V-Rating: VVV
Where: 87 Hall St, Bondi Beach
When: Sun - Mon (closed Tues) 5.30pm to 10.00pm
Tel: (02) 9130 1233
Prices: Entree: $5.90 - $6.90. Veggie Mains: $11.90

When I first moved to Bondi Beach there was a dark period where I thought there was no local Indian restaurant. While a life without palak paneer might not seem a high price to pay for a golden surf beach and beautiful sandstone cliffs, there remained a lingering emptiness in my heart (and my stomach) that only a tasty eggplant curry could fill.

Then I discovered Bombay to Bondi (formerly Haveli 87) tucked away at the upper end of Hall street and my life in Bondi became complete.

Like most Indian restaurants, Bombay to Bondi has a good range of vegetarian dishes, most of which are vegan. All up, there are six veggie main choices. These include a not too creamy palak paneer, an eggplant and chickpea curry, a sweet vegetable curry in an almond yoghurt sauce and dahl. There is also the chef’s special mushroom curry which gets two thumbs up.

I last ate there on a Saturday night when most tables in the restaurant were full. As my friend observed, Bombay to Bondi has avoided the Sydney restaurant trick of putting in hardwood floors to amplify the noise and make the restaurant seem full of life and busy. As a consequence, you can eat at Bombay to Bondi on a busy night and still hold a conversation.

Bombay to Bondi has its quirks. The decor is an interesting mix of fairy lights, crystal chandeliers and Indian religious iconography, and the landlord will happily regale you with stories about his colourful career. However, this just makes my love it more. It’s also unpretentious, with friendly, helpful staff (sometimes rare qualities in Bondi restaurants).

It’s possible you’ll find better Indian food in Sydney. However, if you’re in the Bondi area it’s a great choice for vegetarians and Indian food desperados alike.

Reviewed 1 April 2006.

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