By Soren Neupane,
Content Creator, Content Collaborator, Ghost writer

OK fam, brace yourself! This about the name Bombay. In the shadow of British Empire in India, Mumbai wore the name BOMBAY for a century like a borrowed costume. Let’s be honest, a trip to India isn’t always in the weekly budget. A trip to Bombay (Bombayhouse39), however, is just down the street. With Tim and Hillary in tow, with a craving for adventure and garlic naan, I decided to take the much shorter journey…With them…our friendship goes long way. Even before they got married –decades ago – and I wanted to make sure that today too they were in hands so good, even their grandmas would approve. So we head for Bombay House 39. Upper Hutt.

🔥 Bombayhouse39 Just Got a Glow-Up — And It’s Serving More Than Just Food

If you haven’t been to Bombayhouse lately, you’re seriously missing out. It’s in Upper Hutt. This local fave just leveled up with a 5-star chef who’s bringing major gourmet vibes to the table. Think next-level Indian fusion, Insta-worthy plating, and flavours that slap harder than your playlist on a road trip.

Since opening back in 2018, Bombayhouse39 has been the go-to spot for bold, spicy, and totally craveable dishes. But now? It’s entering its main character era.

👨‍🍳 5 star Chef, So?

The restaurant recently welcomed a Chef with serious five-star hospitality cred. Translation: the food’s about to hit different. He’s remixing classic Indian dishes with premium ingredients and chef-level finesse, while still keeping it real with the flavours you grew up loving (or binge-ordered during exam week).

Let me put it this way “A 5-star chef is a food superhero.”

They slice like ninjas, mix like magicians, and plate like artists. Every dish they make is a flavor-flash that makes your taste buds trill and hum. You don’t just taste their food—you embark on a secret journey of tastefulness.

This ‘special’ chef (5 star) adds that ’ oomph’ as you close your eyes with a smack of satisfaction to the otherwise ‘just one of the many night outs’ experience.

Now …expect your go-to Butter Chicken to be richer, smoother, and plated like it belongs in a Michelin-star reel. Biryani? It’s giving royalty. Masala Dosa? Crispy, golden, and served with chutneys that deserve their own fanbase.

My friends were impressed by the venue and the welcome is genuine. Hillary is quite fussy about little ‘propah’ ways to go for an outing even on normal days. And I could see that she was happy to have followed me to our Bombayhouse

Now here’s some facts about Bombay:

1. The City of Seven Islands
   
   Mumbai  was originally an archipelago of seven separate islands: Isle of Bombay, Parel, Mazagaon, Mahim, Colaba, Worli, and Old Woman’s Island. It took a massive land reclamation project over several decades to connect them into the peninsula it is today.
   
   This unique geography made up of islands is directly responsible for the abundance of seafood in Mumbai’s cuisine. Dishes like the famous **Bombay Duck** (which is actually a fish called Bombil), prawn curries, and Patra ni Machi (steamed fish in banana leaves) are staples because the city has always been deeply connected to the Arabian Sea.
   
2. The Portuguese Connection and the “Pão”
   
   Before the British, parts of Bombay were a Portuguese colony. In 1661, Bombay was given to the British as part of the dowry in a royal wedding. The Portuguese left a lasting legacy, not least of which is in the city’s food.
   
   The word Pav, the soft bread roll that is the base for so many of Mumbai’s iconic street foods, comes from the Portuguese word “pão” for bread. The Portuguese introduced the art of baking leavened bread to the region. This gave birth to legendary street foods like Vada Pav (the “Indian burger”) and Pav Bhaji, which simply wouldn’t exist without this Portuguese influence.
   
3. The Rise of the Textile Mills
   
   In the mid-1800s, Bombay became a powerhouse of textile manufacturing, with dozens of mills operating across the city. These mills employed thousands of workers who had long, gruelling shifts and needed quick, affordable, and filling meals.

🌶 Fusion That Slaps

Bombayhouse39’s Indo-Chinese menu has always been fire, but now it’s getting a gourmet upgrade. Chilli Paneer is crisped to perfection and tossed in a sauce that’s spicy, sweet, and totally addictive. Hakka Noodles? Stir-fried with fresh veggies and just the right amount of wok-char.

It’s fusion food that doesn’t just taste amazing—it looks amazing too. So yes, your food pics are about to pop off.

As we three have travelled a lot during our hey-days, we decided to reminisce our conversations with Bombay gems. They say about Bombay: the city does not sleep, because ambition does not like to snore. The name Bombay conjures all these vivid memories of the hustle, bustle, and visions of the uncanny train rides. I remember how they said: From vada pav to venture capital – every idea finds a corner here. Here we are in the Bombayhouse39 enjoying the food and bringing back memories from Bombay.

🍹 Sip Game Strong

Let’s talk drinks. Bombayhouse39 is rolling out a curated beverage menu that’s all about pairing and vibing. Whether you’re into craft beers, local wines, or mocktails that taste like summer in a glass, there’s something here to match your mood.

Try the mango-chilli fizz if you’re feeling spicy, or the rose-cardamom spritz for that soft aesthetic. Either way, your taste buds (and your feed) will thank you.

🎨 Casual Vibes, Fancy Feels

The best part? You don’t need to dress up or drop a week’s paycheck to enjoy it. Bombayhouse39 is still the chill, welcoming spot you know and love—but now with elevated plating, refined spice blends, and a whole new level of attention to detail.

It’s giving “fine dining without the drama.” Perfect for date night, squad hangs, or solo self-care dinners.

💯 Real Flavours, No Cap

The team behind Bombayhouse39 isn’t just chasing trends—they’re all about keeping it authentic. The new chef isn’t here to water things down. He’s here to turn up the flavour while staying true to the roots of Indian cuisine.

“We’ve always believed in offering something special to our community,” the management says. “With our new chef’s expertise, we’re excited to take our dishes to the next level while staying true to the authentic tastes our customers love.”

Respect.

📍 Why You Need to Pull Up

Whether you’re a local or just passing through Upper Hutt, Bombayhouse39 is officially a must-visit. From rich curries and sizzling tandoori to fusion dishes that hit all the right notes, this spot is serving up more than just food—it’s serving an experience.

So grab your crew, charge your phone, and come hungry. Bombayhouse39 is ready to feed your soul, your camera roll, and your inner foodie.

“In Bombay, even the monsoon waits for a CHAI-break’ – Can we have 3 chai please?” laughs Tim.

What a Pukka Kiwi !

A “thank you” to Soren Neupane for sending this review to The Upper Hutt Connection.

18/08/25