Bollywood Dhaba, on the bustling Hip Strip (Jimmy Cliff Boulevard) in Montego Bay, is among the latest food offerings on the city’s culinary landscape and was launched by three friends — Dhiraj, Sandeep and Ranjit — deciding to embark on an exciting culinary journey by opening a restaurant that celebrates the rich and diverse flavours of northern Indian cuisine. Their venture aims to transport diners to the culinary heart of the region, showcasing beloved dishes that have long been cherished by families and communities.

The idea was presented by Dhiraj Sachdev, who has a passion for food, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. This following stints by the friends in jewellery and electronics businesses.

“Dhiraj always had this passion for food and we actually started with a restaurant called Hunger’s Point, also on the Hip Strip, during the pandemic, selling Jamaican food, as we couldn’t get any Indian chefs due to the travel restrictions. Of course, we knew nothing about the restaurant business, zero knowledge as to what quantities to buy and where to start. However, we had local chefs and always maintained quality which eventually led to customers asking us to expand,” stated Ranjit Singh, a partner at Bollywood Dhaba.

“We started Bollywood Dhaba in April of this year and the reception from the public has been very good. Jamaicans love Indian food, especially the chicken tikka masala, butter chicken and naan, but when they come here and see the variety, they realise it’s much more [than] that. That’s also why we’re encouraging our diners to try more of the offerings including the fish, shrimp, and vegan options. Our menu is very extensive, currently at 16 pages, and we’re coming up with more dishes,” explained Sandeep Punjabi, another partner.

“We maintain our authentic Indian taste by using only spices from Indian; our chefs are from India as well and 80 per cent of our meals are prepared in the tandoor. We focus on cuisine from the northern parts of India; however, when we increase the menu offerings, we’ll expand more choices from the north and include some southern cuisine including Dosa,” Punjabi added.

He also spoke of the eatery’s unique selling points being fresh and made to order and taste consistency.

“Jamaica has given us a lot and this is a way we would wish to share some of our culture with Jamaicans. We want people to come in and try the food and see what they like,” He concluded.

— Photos & text: Aceion Cunningham

Bollywood Dhaba

36 Donway Village

Jimmy Cliff Blvd, Montego Bay

876-435-4900