Bombay Brasserie' Brings Modern Indian Dining To Guwahati's Growing F&B Market

Guwahati: Guwahati's food and beverage (F&B) industry is witnessing a dynamic transformation fueled by the entry of national and international franchises. As a thriving high-growth market, the city has become a hotspot for brands eager to tap into its evolving palate and expanding consumer base. 

The Olive Group is the latest to join the bandwagon of brands tapping into the modern Indian restaurant business with 'Bombay Brasserie,' a luxury dining space recently opened at Guwahati's Central Mall earlier this month, marking the group's first-ever restaurant in the Northeastern region. 

Brands like Bombay Brasserie are taking advantage of the city's growing disposable incomes and changing customer tastes as Guwahati solidifies its position as the gateway to Southeast Asia and the Northeast. 

"This is an experience rather than just a restaurant. While preserving the pan-Indian ethos of the brand, we have made sure that the local culture is well-reflected in our menu, from Naga ghost chiles to Assam tea," Franchise Owner Mukund More told Pankhi Sarma during an interview for Business North East (BNE).

Mukund More's business partner, Apurva Bajaj, also shared details of the new venture in Guwahati. "From the food to the interiors, everything is tailored to resonate with Guwahatians while offering them something completely new," he said, mentioning the rapid growth made Guwahati the ideal location for Bombay Brasserie.

When asked why they felt it was the right time to introduce their restaurant in Guwahati, the Bombay Brasserie owners said, "We think the city is prepared for this. Bombay Brasserie is a contemporary Indian casual dining establishment that serves Indian food and drinks all day long. The idea blends classic Indian ingredients with a contemporary twist. There was a need for franchise brands that could provide a unique experience in Guwahati."

"The idea behind it is 'India on a Plate.' Even though our food is Indian, it uses tastes and ingredients from across the country. For example, Karnataka, Rajasthan, and even the Northeast are used in our coastal cuisine. Our menu now features Assam tea, mustard, and Naga ghost chillies, creating a genuinely pan-Indian experience," the franchise owners said while speaking of how Bombay Brasserie differs from other restaurants in the city. Moreover, the interiors showcase Assamese-specific features while portraying Assam's tea legacy on its teapot wall.

"A major expansion of Guwahati's food sector is imminent, shares Mukund More. Historically serving as the entry point to the Northeast, Guwahati is today known as the entry point to Southeast Asia. The hotel sector is expected to develop rapidly due to increasing tourists, a new airport terminal, and better connectivity. Businesses, customers, and the local economy will all gain from this expansion," More continued.

Bombay Brasserie, The Olive Group's first-ever restaurant in the
Northeastern region (Image- Google)

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Speaking of the challenges behind launching their venture, the owners of the Bombay Brasserie outlet shared that locating the ideal spot was most difficult, as customer experience matters. "After much consideration, we decided on Central Mall because of its visibility, convenient location, and enough parking. It has turned out to be a wise decision for us," they told BNE while sharing their USP, a 'nostalgia menu' featuring dishes and beverages from the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. 

"Our bar transports patrons back in time. We accommodate all tastes and age groups, whether it is a peaceful tea time, drinks with friends, or a hearty supper with family," Apurva Bajaj said. 

When asked how the brand will sustain itself in Guwahati competing with celebrity dining spaces like Roohani, owned by Master Chef Nayanjyoti Saikia, they said, "There is always something positive about competing. It provides consumers with additional alternatives and boosts foot traffic. Expanding the variety of eating experiences helps the industry as a whole. The state, customers, and company owners - all benefit when additional companies open."

This outlet of Bombay Brasserie has a total investment of around Rs 3.5 to Rs 4 crore, which includes everything from setup and interior design to operations and training expenses, according to the owners.

Meanwhile, the outlet is set to offer live music performances and host pop-up events and seminars like 'do-it-yourself cocktail' or food plating sessions, apart from serving finger-licking food items and providing personalized packages for birthdays, anniversaries, business functions, and other get-togethers.