Antonio Kanickaraj on Building Bombay Bistro and Bringing Authentic Indian Hospitality to Westbrook, Maine

Exclusive Interview with Antonio Kanickaraj

In a city known for its evolving food scene and adventurous diners, one restaurant has quietly redefined what Indian cuisine can mean to a community. Bombay Bistro, located in Westbrook, Maine, is not just filling a culinary gap, it is building a bridge between cultures, flavors, and the timeless values of hospitality.

For owner Antonio Kanickaraj, the idea behind Bombay Bistro was rooted in both observation and instinct. Westbrook and its neighboring cities had no truly authentic Indian restaurant, despite a population eager to explore global cuisines. “The people here are passionate diners,” Antonio explains. “They love discovering restaurants, and Indian food offers a perfect haven for food lovers who crave depth, warmth, and complexity.”

That hunger, for something real, made Westbrook the right place at the right time.

Antonio Kanickaraj Journey Shaped by Food and Hospitality

Antonio’s relationship with food is not a trend-driven one. It is the result of over 22 years in the food and hospitality business, shaped by experience across continents. His journey began in India, traveled through the Middle East and Europe, and eventually brought him to the United States. Along the way, one principle remained constant: hospitality comes first.

“For me, this has always been a passion-driven profession,” he says. “Food matters, but how you make people feel matters more.”

That philosophy is reflected in how Bombay Bistro operates; from the kitchen to the dining room.

Antonio emphasizes the importance of building a highly professional team with deep experience. The standards are intentionally high, not for prestige, but to ensure consistency, care, and respect for the cuisine being served.

Authenticity Without Compromise

One of the most common challenges for Indian restaurants in the U.S. is balancing authenticity with local preferences. Bombay Bistro approaches this challenge with clarity and confidence.

“No matter the race or ethnicity, people respect authenticity in food,” Antonio says. “The only thing we adjust is the spice level, never the flavors.”

This distinction is critical. Rather than diluting recipes or altering techniques, Bombay Bistro preserves traditional Indian cooking methods while allowing guests to choose their heat tolerance. The result is food that remains true to its roots while still being approachable to first-time diners.

That commitment to authenticity extends to the kitchen leadership as well. Bombay Bistro’s head chef brings more than a decade of experience from Moti Mahal in Delhi; the legendary restaurant credited with inventing butter chicken. It is a detail Antonio mentions not as a marketing hook, but as proof of seriousness. Authenticity, here, is earned.

More Than a Meal: A Lasting Experience

Ask Antonio what he wants guests to remember, and he doesn’t start with a dish.

“Service and hospitality are what we train first,” he says. “A good dining experience is remembered longer than the food itself.”

At Bombay Bistro, hospitality is not performative; it is intentional. Guests are encouraged to linger, to explore flavors, and to leave with what Antonio calls “long-lasting flavorful memories.” The goal is not speed or turnover, but connection.

This approach resonates deeply in a community like Westbrook, where relationships matter. The restaurant’s warm décor, attentive service, and thoughtful pacing create an atmosphere that feels welcoming rather than transactional.

Standing Out in Maine’s Dining Landscape

Indian cuisine is not new to Maine, but Bombay Bistro has carved out a distinct identity. Its differentiation lies in a combination of factors: authentic food, inviting décor, strong service, and a price point that remains accessible.

What truly sets the restaurant apart, however, is its willingness to innovate without losing its core. The menu features dishes rarely found elsewhere in the state; Truffle Malai Chicken Tikka, Kheema Pav, and Peshawari Naan, alongside creative crossovers like Butter Chicken Pizza and Masala Pesto Pizza.

These offerings reflect a thoughtful understanding of the local culture: familiar formats paired with authentic flavors. It is not fusion for novelty’s sake, but adaptation with intention.

Becoming Part of the Local Culture

Westbrook is a growing, diverse city, and Bombay Bistro sees itself as part of that evolution. By offering both traditional Indian dishes and inventive interpretations, the restaurant appeals to longtime residents, newcomers, and curious diners alike.

“Our menu is designed to attract the community,” Antonio explains. “It gives people something exciting, something different, while still staying true to Indian cuisine.”

That balance has helped Bombay Bistro integrate naturally into the local dining scene, not as an outsider, but as a contributor.

Lessons in Entrepreneurship

Antonio’s advice to aspiring restaurant owners is disarmingly simple.

“Do honest business and don’t get too greedy,” he says.

It is a lesson learned through decades of experience. He believes that integrity builds loyal clientele and meaningful partnerships, both of which matter more than short-term gains. In an industry known for thin margins and high pressure, this mindset has helped Bombay Bistro grow steadily rather than recklessly.

What’s Next for Bombay Bistro

Innovation remains a priority, but not at the expense of consistency. The à la carte menu is revised every six months to keep offerings fresh, while the Table d’Hôte menu changes daily, giving regular guests something new to discover each visit.

This rhythm of evolution ensures that the restaurant stays dynamic without losing its identity.

One Sentence, One Promise

If Antonio had to describe Bombay Bistro to someone who has never experienced Indian cuisine before, his answer is simple and confident: it is a vibrant culinary experience that showcases authentic Indian dishes, delivered with unparalleled hospitality that makes every visit memorable.

In many ways, that sentence captures the heart of Bombay Bistro, not just as a restaurant, but as a philosophy. It is about respect for tradition, openness to community, and the belief that food, when paired with genuine hospitality, can create something lasting.