A love Letter from A Bombay Canteen
Our Story
Dakwala Bombay Canteen
Dakwala, a term derived from “postman”, symbolises a messenger of flavours. Bombay, for us, transcends being merely a city; it embodies a profound emotional connection. Canteen: it represents the essence of Khanawal eateries.
With a nod to the heritage of Bombay’s Khanawals, Dakwala pays homage to the working-class roots of the city’s food culture while adapting to the modern dining preferences of today’s patrons.
Khanawals
Khanawals, these humble establishments, were originally conceived to cater to migrants relocating to Bombay from smaller towns during the early 1900s. For the working class, they provided an opportunity to savour delectable, homemade meals at affordable prices. Over time, the prevalence of street food and budget-friendly hotels has caused the decline of these eateries. Nevertheless, traces of them still linger in pockets of Girgaum and Parel.
IND > NCL
With its vibrant, laid-back atmosphere and unapologetically authentic Indian cuisine, Dakwala Newcastle has ingrained itself as an integral part of Bombay’s culture and society. It serves as a significant means for people to forge connections and bonds.
The Dakwala
Philosophy
Dakwala offers an authentic culinary journey through the diverse and flavourful streets of Bombay, serving dishes that capture the essence of the city's rich food heritage.
Book A TableOur Food
The Food
Our food philosophy celebrates the remarkable diversity of Bombay’s culinary landscape, where every community boasts its unique and flavourful offerings. We take immense pride in presenting you with authentic flavours drawn from the rich tapestry of Bombay’s gastronomic heritage. You could say we are dedicated to delivering the best of Bombay.
The History
Bombay, a city founded by migrants, owes much of its culinary history to the toiling working class. Their meagre incomes led to innovations like the use of account books at Khanawal, allowing customers to settle their bills at month-end, highlighting the deep-rooted connection between food, culture, and economic realities.
Our Approach
Our culinary approach diverges significantly from the typical Indian restaurant experience. Here at Dakwala, we embrace a distinctive perspective — one that involves reinventing traditional Indian dishes and reimagining age-old culinary traditions. This approach results in an immersive dining experience that pays homage to the past while celebrating the vibrant, modern flavours of contemporary India.
and indigenous ingredients
Our Cocktails
The Drinks
Our bar is a modern Indian haven, a gathering place where friends and families come together to savour the finest drinks and create cherished memories. It's the perfect spot to unwind and revel in the spirit of good times, all documented in our dedicated bar book – a meticulously curated collection of wines handpicked from individual producers and crafted in small batches to complement our culinary offerings perfectly.
Dakwala Cocktails
Cocktails at Dakwala are an art form unto themselves, expertly shaken and stirred to perfection. When you sip on a Dakwala cocktail, you’re embarking on a journey of bold flavours that might be uncharted territory for some. Inspired by the diverse regions of India, from the majestic Kashmir to vibrant Kolkata, each of our signature cocktails is a masterpiece–blending seamlessly with timeless classics and enhanced by top-quality spirits.
A Rich Tapestry Of Flavours
But more than just a drink, each cocktail has a story to tell, promising an exhilarating voyage through the heart of Bombay with every sip from our liquor-tinted glasses. Join us in exploring this rich tapestry of flavours and experiencing Bombay’s essence in every drop.
