As the festive season approaches, many Indian expats in the UAE often miss home. However, the founder of Kabab Bombay believes that Dubai has become a ‘home away from home’ for its residents as she recalls the journey of her restaurant, from its humble beginnings to its current success in the city, she proudly calls ‘home’.
Fatima Hakim highlighted the unifying power of food and festivals in the UAE. She explained that the success of introducing Mumbai’s iconic dishes, such as Naan Chaap, Khichda, and Tikka Boti, led to the opening of their first restaurant, ‘Kabab Bombay’ Rolla Branch in 2010, then ‘Bombay Grills and Woks’ in 2020, Dubai, and now, the most recent one in Sharjah’s Abu Shagara, 2024.
Speaking about how Indians love to gather over food, Fatima said, “People here, love to experiment with food. When we came to Sharjah for the first time in 2010, we had a dream to bring Indian street food and especially Bombay street food to the UAE. We are the pioneers of bringing Mumbai’s authentic famous Seekh Paratha to the UAE.”
Speaking about how Diwali and other festivals bring a significant surge in business, Fatima explained that a change is always important and to capitalize on this, they introduced a diverse range of 12 biryanis to tantalize the taste buds of their customers. Her sons, who also embarked on this journey with her, are equally passionate about adding new twists in the menu.
Fatima’s son expressed his gratitude for the growing consumer base in Dubai and Sharjah, stating that every day feels like a festive occasion. He emphasized their commitment to bringing the flavors of Bombay to the UAE and ensuring that expats never miss out on their favorite dishes.
Lastly, to celebrate the festive season, the founders of Kabab Bombay have introduced a new dish, “Dhamaka Boti,” adding a special touch to their Diwali menu. Hakim expressed pride in the fact that UAE residents consider their flavors to be reminiscent of home.
