Botanik by Cantaloupe & Co, a contemporary Bistro and rooftop bar, will bring you a 2 night pop up event by Bombay Canteen this November as part of their Takeover Series.

Bombay Canteen, a cafe and bar based in India, has made a name for itself for offering a modern and innovative take on Indian cuisine from all diverse regions of the country; promising “you an exciting journey on a plate (and in a glass) with a refreshing new offering”. A marriage of the past and the present, the restaurant reflects a respectful reinterpretation of Indian food and its many iterations. Unsurprisingly, their excellent food and drinks soon put them on the international foodie map when they were featured in Conde Nast Traveller and The Diner's Club - World's 50 Best Restaurants.

At the helm of Bombay Canteen is Head Chef and Partner Thomas Zacharias, who along with Bar Manager Rahul Raghav, will be at Botanik for the 2 day pop up event. For head chef Zacharias, his Grandmother's homecooked food served as a springboard that catapulted his interest in the culinary sphere. He enrolled at Welcomgroup Graduate School of Hotel Administration before moving on to study at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America (CIA) where he honed his skills. Having graduated with top honors from the CIA, he worked at the celebrated three star Michelin restaurant La Bernardin in New York City under Chef Eric Ripert, returning to India to work at Olive Bar and Kitchen. Prior to joining the Bombay Canteen, Zacharias traveled extensively across 18 states where he gained insight into the varied elements of Indian cooking, which foodies will be able to experience at the pop up.

Bar Manager Rahul Raghav meanwhile, will curate inspired cocktails for the pop up.

Day 1 will feature a tantalizing lineup including Quail Egg Kejriwal, RawalPindiChole “Desi Tacos” and Kerala Fried Chicken. And the Canteen Experience Dinner on Day 2 will include Mini Uthapams with Crab Curry, Sol Khadi Ceviche, Navratan Korma Terrine and so much more. With a riveting story behind each dish, the Canteen style experience, great food paired with a retro Indian feel thanks to DJ performances on vinyl records, the pop up events are bound to be an experience to remember.

The "Bombay Canteen Takes Over Botanik" Pop-Up Dinner is the 3rd installment in the Takeover series by Botanik. The concept was to open up the venue to host some of the top international chefs, in order to introduce Colombo foodies to new food and drink, and to give these chefs an opportunity to interact with the rich culture and culinary traditions found in Sri Lanka. Botanik has hosted Jessica Heath, a Sri Lankan- American cookbook author and MasterChef Contestant, as well as Chef Andrew Baldus from MeatSmith Singapore. The hope is to continue to host chefs that align with their vision of pushing culinary boundaries and exposing people to new gastronomic experiences."  

The Cocktail Party will take place in the 2nd of November, while the Canteen Experience Menu will be available on the 3rd. Both events will take place over two sittings on each day. Botanik Bistro & Bar is situated at No 7, Hospital Street, Colombo 1. To make reservations for the Bombay Canteen pop up, call 076 562 1549. For any guests who would like to know more about the Takeover Series at Botanik can e-mail http://[email protected] to be on their mailing list and stay updated with the happenings at the venue.