Bombay Nights

So far I have chosen to focus my ponderings on the cultural differences and consequential matters of economic development that I have in some way experienced I am afraid, though that the blog has failed to capture at least one key point --- Bombay is a lot of fun.

My first introduction to Bombay nightlife was three weeks ago when I attended an expat event at Henry Tham’s, a swanky Chinese restaurant and bar. As I walked through the restaurant’s stylish 15 foot doors, I was blown away. The place was packed with well-dressed people in their 20’s and 30’s drinking expensive cocktails, laughing and shouting over the incredibly loud Indo-house music. The scene could have been out of a bar in New York, London or LA (probably not Boston since I didn’t see any Red Sox gear).

I was taken aback by the whole experience. It was like stepping through a portal to the developed world. After the initial shock wore off, the house music proved to be too much so I joined a group of friends at another rooftop lounge, called Dome, on top of the Intercontinental Hotel. Dome was equally trendy and impressive but thankfully a little more mellow. I have since been to a few more bars and clubs in Mumbai and have yet to be disappointed. While the roads, sanitation, housing stock, public transportation and power infrastructure are all woefully inadequate, I am happy to report that the bars are up to international partying standards. For the wealthy Mumbaikers and expats that can afford spend $10 on a drink, Mumbai is ready to over-serve you in style.