Sips of legacy
Dubai’s dining scene has welcomed countless global imports, but few arrive with the emotional weight of Batliwala & Co. Opening in Bay Square at DoubleTree by Hilton, Business Bay, the fully licensed Irani café and bar is a heartfelt tribute to Bombay’s legendary Irani cafés — spaces that once served as the city’s unofficial living rooms.
Rooted in Parsi heritage, Batliwala & Co. channels a dining culture shaped by migration, memory and community. Think red-checked tablecloths, comforting flavours and an atmosphere designed for lingering conversations — all reimagined for a modern Dubai audience, with full Burj Khalifa views no less.
The menu is a greatest-hits collection of Irani café staples that regulars will recognise instantly. Bun Maska with chai sets the tone, followed by crowd-pleasers such as Kheema Pao, Kolmi Patio, Dhansak and the much-loved Britannia-style Berry Pulao. Desserts lean heavily into nostalgia, with Mawa Cake and Lagan nu Custard closing things out on a sweet note.
True to Parsi cooking traditions, the flavours are mild, balanced and deeply comforting — food shaped by centuries of adaptation rather than heat or excess spice.
Bombay's Legacy
Bombay's Legacy
The Mumbaikars will tell you - before Bombay became Mumbai, these little outposts were cornerstones of socialisation within the Parsi community - a heritage created through nostalgia and migration.
The bar programme adds a playful, contemporary edge. Cocktails riff on Bombay references and Irani flavours, with drinks like the Irani Biscuit Old-Fashioned, Guava Bawa, Berry Fatakri and High Chai. There’s also a nod to old-school favourites, including Pallonji’s sodas and the cult Indian cola, Thums Up.
It’s a drinks list that doesn’t take itself too seriously — much like the cafés that inspired it.
Leading the kitchen is Chef Saurabh Kailash Modi, whose 25-year career spans Melbourne, New York, London and India. From The Cinnamon Club in London to Masala Library and Farzi Café, his résumé is formidable — but Batliwala & Co. is one of his most personal projects to date, rooted in heritage rather than reinvention.
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Curious, expressive, and always chasing new ideas, Zainab sees creativity as a way of life. She thrives on discovering new perspectives, connecting with people, and turning inspiration into something tangible. Her work and her world reflect a balance of intuition, imagination, and authenticity.
Contact me: zainab@nommemag.com
