Bombay Mahal

Bombay Mahal has been a Brunswick staple for years, serving traditional Indian food in a dining room layered with cultural artifacts and modern touches. The kitchen turns out everything from butter chicken to eggplant vindaloo with real care, leaning into local ingredients when it makes sense (blueberry lassi, anyone?). It's small and often packed, but the team moves fast and keeps diners happy even when things get hectic.

• Housemade garlic naan with perfect char and texture
• Maine blueberry lassi and local ingredient mashups
• Tender meats and distinct, balanced sauces throughout
• Fast seating and service even when packed

Start with the gobi pakora or bombay chicken for appetizers, then get the garlic naan (mandatory). The Maine Blueberry Dahi Puri is a curious local riff that works. For mains, the eggplant vindaloo and butter chicken both have loyal followers, though the Kashmiri Malai Kofta and chicken 65 round out the strongest hits. Ask for mild if you're heat-averse. The flavors still shine through.

Compact, modern-meets-traditional decor with Indian artifacts on the walls. Busy and lively most nights, especially weekends, but you won't struggle to have a conversation.

You're looking at higher prices than the old days, but the food justifies it. Mild spice levels still deliver flavor. The naan arrives with real char and texture. Service keeps pace with the crowds, though it won't be glacial either way.

Guests rave about fresh ingredients, tender meats, and distinctive sauces that don't taste like variations on the same base. The staff moves with purpose even when slammed. One recent visitor called it their favorite meal of the trip. Price has climbed, but diners say the quality backs it up.