Last winter Yelpers from all across North America were treated to an intimate, hands-on cooking demo via one of our most popular virtual events to date with Raj and Van Sharma, father and son respectively, of Bombay Mahal, Maine’s oldest Indian restaurant serving up quintessential curries in Brunswick, Maine since 1991.
Since that virtual event, Van and his brother Sumit have gone on to create Rupee Indian Beer specifically to pair with spicy, hearty food like tandooris, kormas, vindaloos, and more. The Yelp Elite Squad in Maine were recently invited to visit Bombay Mahal to try anything they wanted off the menu, including the opportunity to sample this innovative lager.
Photo credit: Cindy Y via Yelp
I love spicy food and the Chicken Vindaloo with medium spice fit that bill. It was tangy and spicy, a bit of cumin, and a lot of other spices served over basmati rice. The dish had onion and potatoes that were done to perfection. The sauces/condiments are so good. There was a bright cilantro sauce and pickled tomato and onion sauce that complimented the dish as well… also the Rupee Beer, which was crafted especially for spicy Indian cuisine. Oh my, it was so good. It was a flavorful lager that paired perfectly with my dish… to be able to have my first taste of Indian food by such an experienced restaurant set the bar pretty high. I can’t wait to go back to try so many other dishes. -WENDY R, YELP ELITE
Photo credit: Todd R via Yelp
I am impressed by all of the press this place has received, and really enjoyed the virtual event with Bombay Mahal early in the pandemic, when virtual events were helping me keep my sanity. These have led me to want to support this business even though it is outside of my regular stomping grounds. So happy I got the opportunity to learn more about this family owned business and taste their delicious creations! -CINDY Y, YELP ELITE
Read the rave reviews from the event to relive the experience!
About Bombay Mahal & Rupee Beer
Raj and Bina Sharma are no strangers to the restauranteur life. Having launched three Indian restaurants across Maine in the 90s, the couple continue to own and operate Bombay Mahal, celebrating 30+ years on Brunswick’s historic Main Street. Rupee Beer – the first lager of its kind in Maine, and brought to you by Van and Sumit Sharma – was designed and crafted by a world-renowned master brewer and an award winning Indian chef to pair perfectly with spicy curry.