Bombay Borough’s Beyond the Jar menu artfully blends India’s traditional fermentation techniques with modern gastronomy
If my first visit to Bombay Borough was a comforting revelation in elevated Indian flavours, my second was a nostalgia-infused journey through the diverse kitchens of India, all wrapped up in the limited-edition Beyond The Jar menu.
Running until 20 October, this menu is a tribute to India’s ancient fermentation practices, reimagined with a modern twist that is equal parts educational and indulgent.
The moment we settled into the space overlooking the busy DIFC in-roads, we were greeted by warm hosts who introduced us to the ferment-forward menu with a tray of vibrant pastes in bespoke jars.
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A walk-through of each jar followed, showcasing the traditional methods behind these tangy creations. The advice was not to taste the pastes on their own, but curiosity got the best of us — and honestly, the boldness of those flavours was just a hint of the culinary journey ahead.
The meal kicked off with a super colourful and vibrant flavoured Kanji Vada, with the fritters placed atop a bed of masala peanuts mixed with a variety of flavours, served alongside a jar of arugula kanji. The bite and sip concept takes a little bit of getting used to, but the experimental play of textures and flavours is certainly interesting.
One of the more intriguing dishes was the Truffle & Burrata Sourdough Naan. While the base itself was lighter than air, the toppings — including caramelised onions, truffle, and burrata — felt a little overwhelming in terms of quantity. That said, the mix of rich burrata and earthy truffle is a classic combination that’s hard to resist.
The ‘winner’ of this meal however was easily the Grilled Scallop Hooman, marinated in a tangy amsul and kefir sauce. The balance of sweetness from the scallops and the zing of the marinade was a revelation. The kefir, known for its distinctive tang, worked surprisingly well with the seafood, lifting the dish without overpowering it. Definitely the most unique thing we’ve sampled in a while!
We wrapped up the meal with a surprise: a Basque Cheesecake with a Jamun Coulis. Not a part of this particular menu, this dessert took us by surprise with its mithai-like flavours — an unexpected yet delightful end to an unforgettable evening.
If you’re seeking a culinary journey that spans generations and regional kitchens, Beyond The Jar is a menu the whole family will savour.
For bookings, call 054 995 8296
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