From fiery curries to floral cocktails, Fireback makes Thai dining a slow-burn romance.
There are few meals that capture both elegance and comfort the way our afternoon lunch at Fireback Mumbai did. Nestled in Lower Parel’s Nilaya Anthology, Fireback makes an instant impression. The space has an understated sophistication—warm tones, organic textures, and a soft wave-like ceiling that gives the restaurant an inviting fluidity. It feels contemporary but grounded, chic yet unpretentious, setting the perfect backdrop for Thai food that is every bit as layered and nuanced as its surroundings.
The menu, created by renowned Chef David Thompson in collaboration with Brand Chef Kaustubh Haldipur, pays homage to authentic Thai cooking while keeping an openness that resonates with the Mumbai diner. It’s the kind of menu that doesn’t overwhelm with choices but ensures each dish is crafted with intention.
We began with the Pork Belly, and it immediately set the tone. Crisp on the outside, meltingly tender inside, and paired with charred cabbage and a tangy tamarind dip, it offered a harmonious balance of richness and acidity. A true standout that marries indulgence with finesse.
The Som Tam followed, and Fireback’s interpretation surprised us in the best way. Instead of green papaya, the salad leaned on juicy pineapple, lending natural sweetness and vibrancy to the dish. Spiked with chili and lime, it was refreshing, bright, and perfect for a warm afternoon. Another small plate that charmed us was the Betel Leaf Salad. Each bite of this Thai paan carried toasted coconut, pomelo, peanuts, and herbs wrapped in a fresh betel leaf. The interplay of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors was addictive—each mouthful its own little explosion of taste and texture.
For mains, we couldn’t resist the Massaman Curry, a comforting, slow-cooked dish that was gently spiced, nutty, and luxurious without being heavy. It was the kind of curry you keep going back to, spoon after spoon, its warmth lingering long after. The Chicken Kra Pao brought in a fiery rhythm—stir-fried with bird’s eye chilies and holy basil, it carried a bold heat that paired beautifully with steamed jasmine rice. It was simple, soulful, and deeply satisfying.
Then came the Sea Bass, another highlight of the afternoon. Perfectly cooked so the flesh flaked at the touch of a fork, it carried a sauce that enhanced rather than masked the freshness of the fish. Subtle, balanced, and elegant, it was a dish that showcased precision and restraint.
No Thai meal is complete without a conversation around drinks, and Fireback didn’t disappoint. We tried the Rose and Chrysanthemum cocktails, both delicate, floral, and refreshing in their own distinct ways. The Rose carried a soft sweetness that paired well with the spice in our meal, while the Chrysanthemum leaned more aromatic and herbaceous, a beautiful companion to the lighter dishes like the Som Tam. Together, they elevated the afternoon into something quietly celebratory.
What struck us most was how the entire experience unfolded at its own unhurried pace. The restaurant feels light-filled and relaxed during the day, ideal for long conversations over shared plates and cocktails. The service mirrored this ease—warm, attentive, and intuitive without being overbearing.
Fireback is an experience of balance between fire and subtlety, tradition and creativity, indulgence and lightness.
Address: Fireback Mumbai, Nilaya Anthology, 16th Floor, One Lodha Place, Lower Parel, Mumbai.
Cost for two (with alcohol): Approx. ₹5,500 – ₹6,000.
