Bombay BBQ, Brussels

Celebrated table

Bombay BBQ

A pink-fronted Indian kitchen on Chaussée d’Ixelles serves shareable small plates under string lights, earning Le Fooding recognition for its bold spice blends.

The story

Bombay BBQ Brussels Review: Spice-Forward Indian Dining on Ixelles Avenue

A colourful corner on Chaussée d’Ixelles

Bombay BBQ brings a fresh wave of Indian cooking to Brussels with a space that immediately catches the eye. The flashy pink exterior frames a dining room packed with flamboyant posters, shimmering string lights, and neon street lamps. Tim Van Eden Heuvel and Pavan Bajwa developed this Bollywood-inspired setting as part of their broader Mission Masala project. Guests step inside a lively environment designed for sharing plates and swapping stories.

The chef and her spice-driven methods

Chef Ela Waraja leads the kitchen with a focus on traditional techniques adapted for modern sharing tables. She sources spices directly from different provinces to build layered flavour profiles across every dish. The menu leans toward small plates that encourage diners to try multiple combinations rather than committing to a single main course. This approach keeps the pacing relaxed and the portions generous enough for groups.

Standout plates and shared formats

The fish tacos arrive with a curry leaf tartar sauce that balances richness against crisp textures. Grilled chicken transforms into the Old Delhi butter chicken, resting in a creamy sauce built from slow-cooked tomatoes and clarified butter. Vegetarians often gravitate toward the extra crispy fried cauliflower coated in a sticky spicy glaze or the tangy masala potatoes served alongside mint and fennel chutney. Butter naan and saffron rice pilaf anchor the spread while a two-person prix-fixe option simplifies ordering for couples.

Critical recognition and local standing

The restaurant earned a spot on the Le Fooding list for 2026, acknowledging how the team translates regional Indian recipes into an accessible Brussels format. Critics note the seamless blend of theatrical décor and straightforward, ingredient-led cooking. The consistent attention to spice balance and portion sizing keeps regulars returning throughout the year. It remains a reliable stop for travellers seeking robust flavour profiles without heavy formality.

Recognition

Awards & accolades

2026
Le Fooding
Listed

Ambience

A glimpse inside

Details

At a glance

Le Fooding 2026 — Listed
Cuisines Indian

History

On the record

2026
Le Fooding — Listed

Flamboyant posters, shimmering string lights, neon street lamps… After making Ghent and Antwerp dance, Tim Van Eden Heuvel and Pavan Bajwa (Mission Masala) have brought their Bollywood-esque bric-a-bric to BXL. Bombay BBQ is the cool new kitsch place to be on Chaussée d’Ixelles, with its flashy pink facade behind which chef Ela Waraja stews up traditional-fusion small plates seasoned with spices from across India: decadent fish tacos with curry leaf tartar sauce; divine Old Delhi butter chicken, aka grilled chicken in a creamy buttery sauce; Papadi Chaat with tangy masala potatoes and a refreshing tamarind, mint and fennel chutney; and irresistible Indian-Chinese Oh My Gobi (extra crispy fried cauliflower in a sticky spicy sauce). And for the sides, there’s butter naan and saffrony rice pilaf. If you’re having trouble choosing, opt for the two-person prix-fixe menu, which will have bellies dancing. Namaste! // Ambre Oisy

Established

Location

Find us

Chaussée d'Ixelles 280, Ixelles, Belgium
Brussels, Belgium
+32 2 850 82 35
Visit website
Map showing Bombay BBQ