A new incarnation of the Mumbai Spices restaurants has opened in Melbourne
Amidst much fanfare and fireworks, guests saw the opening of Mumbai Spices, a new Indian restaurant in Wantirna, Melbourne. Part of a popular chain, Mumbai Spices is the brainchild of Prem Ganapathy who rose from humble beginnings as a dosa seller on the streets of Mumbai, to become the mastermind behind the brands Dosa Plaza and Mumbai Spices with branches in the USA, India and now in Australia.
Mumbai Spices varied menu offers Mumbai-style street food, South Indian dishes and Indo-Chinese cuisine with minimal trappings to help keep the cost of food reasonable.
Anyone who is familiar with Mumbai-style food would recognise and relish the famous street style vada pav, Bombay sizzlers, and Mumbai mutton and biryani dishes on offer. Add to this South Indian favourites like chicken chettinad, dosas with curries, Indo Chinese manchow soup, chilli chicken and drums of heaven and the mouth starts to salivate in anticipation.
The décor at the Mumbai Spices in Wantirna is pleasant and the walls feature sepia-tinted images of Mumbai, from the iconic Victoria Terminus Station and Gateway Of India to Mumbai Local Train, Auto Rickshaws, Gateway Of India and BEST (The Brihanmumbai Electric Supply & Transport Undertaking) Buses, all of them reminiscent of the vibrant, thriving streets of Mumbai. A series of photos of famous Bollywood actors can be seen on top of the well-stocked bar.
“Mumbai is synonymous with Bollywood and I had to have these images,” declared Prem Ganapathy.
The restaurant is spacious and well-lit with a capacity to seat around 120 patrons. Located on the busy Wantirna Road, you can’t miss the brightly lit sign or the large exterior.
Recently, Bruce Atkinson MLC, President of the Legislative Council of Victoria, along with Brian Tee, Shadow Minister for Planning and Shadow Minister for Sustainable Growth, officially opened the restaurant. Several dignitaries were present at the jam-packed opening to enjoy the special food and hospitality.
MC Kaushalya Vaghela introduced the guests to the creative process and efforts that went behind ensuring a smooth opening. Prem Ganpathy, with his distinctive moustache, was seen chatting to guests and wrapping traditional Indian shawls on community leaders as a token of gratitude for their ongoing support.
According to Aloke Kumar, who is the national promoter of the business, along with Aakash Kumar and Tejinder Kalra, plans are already afoot to open another branch of Mumbai Spices in Geelong and Altona.
