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At Luxury Wanderings, we are always on the lookout for dining experiences where flavour, setting, and service come together with clarity and intent. Bombay Social delivers exactly that, offering a considered take on Indian cuisine in the heart of Surrey.
Esher: A Polished Surrey Setting
Esher sits just beyond London, known for its leafy streets, well-kept high street, and an easy sense of refinement. It is the kind of place where independent boutiques and restaurants sit comfortably alongside long-established institutions.
Nearby, Sandown Park Racecourse continues to draw a well-dressed crowd for race days and private events, adding a layer of occasion to the area. It is a setting that suits a restaurant like Bombay Social, where the experience is quietly elevated rather than overstated.
A Menu Grounded in Detail
From the outset, the approach is clear. The menu draws on well-known Indian dishes, but executes them with precision and balance, allowing each element to hold its place.
To begin, the Samosa Chaat arrives layered with tangy chutneys, spiced chickpeas, yoghurt, and fresh herbs, offering contrast in both texture and flavour. The Bang Bang Shrimps come with a crisp coating and a gentle heat, lifted by Indo-Chinese spices and finished with a light touch of spiced mayo.
For those sharing, the Tandoor Platter for two is a composed introduction to the kitchen. Chicken tikka, lamb sheek kebab, and fish tikka arrive well-charred from the grill, each retaining its own character without excess embellishment.
The menu is also notably accommodating. It is entirely nut-free, with a strong selection of dishes that are either gluten-free or dairy-free, making it as considered in its structure as it is in flavour.
Curries with Depth and Balance
The main courses continue with the same level of attention. The Old Delhi Butter Chicken is rich without excess, the tomato and butter base carrying depth while allowing the tandoor-grilled chicken to remain the focus.
The Railway Lamb Rogon offers a slower, more traditional profile. The lamb is tender, set within a gently spiced curry that draws on its historic origins without feeling heavy.
Seafood is equally well handled. The Tiger Prawn Malabar presents a lighter, more delicate curry, allowing the prawns to remain at the forefront, supported by subtle spice and a clean finish.
Vegetarian dishes are given the same attention. Paneer Butter Masala is smooth and well-rounded, while Punjabi Chole Masala offers a deeper, more robust alternative built around chickpeas and spice.
Alongside, simple accompaniments such as black daal, bhindi, pilaw rice, and fresh naan complete the table without distraction, reinforcing the kitchen’s focus on balance and structure.
Drinks That Complement the Table
The drinks offering is designed to sit comfortably alongside the food, with a mix of classic and contemporary choices that support the flavours coming from the kitchen.
Rather than overwhelming the meal, the selection leans towards clean, well-balanced profiles, allowing the spices and textures of the dishes to remain the focal point.
Service and Setting
Service is attentive without intrusion. Staff are well-informed, offering guidance where needed while allowing the meal to unfold at its own pace.
The interior follows a similar principle. Contemporary in design yet warm in tone, the space feels considered rather than styled for effect. It works equally well for smaller tables as it does for group dining.
Private hire is also available across selected days, making it a viable option for more structured occasions or celebrations.
A Must-Visit for Indian Food Lovers
Bombay Social in Esher is a restaurant that understands its positioning. The menu is confident, the execution is consistent, and the experience is measured rather than overstated.
For those with an appreciation for Indian cuisine, or simply in search of a well-composed meal in Surrey, it is a place that rewards a visit.
At Luxury Wanderings, it stands as a reminder that refinement in dining often lies in clarity, not excess.
