Chef Bombay's First U.S. Pop-Up: Four Days in New York City's Lower East Side

Key facts

• Chef Bombay is the brand of Aliya's Foods Limited, a family-owned Canadian food manufacturer founded in 1999 by Anis and Noorudin Jiwani
• The pop-up was Chef Bombay's first public pop-up in the U.S.
• It ran four days over Labour Day weekend in fall 2025
• The venue was 174 Ludlow Street on New York City's Lower East Side
• The event marked 25 years of Chef Bombay
• More than 2,500 attendees joined, and the event generated half a million social impressions
• Chef Bombay partnered with DONA (chai) and Oatly (oat milk)
• DJ Sejal played a set mixing diaspora beats with nostalgic Bollywood favourites
• The coffee-table book 'Home with Chef Bombay' was launched at the event

What was the Chef Bombay NYC pop-up?

The Chef Bombay NYC pop-up was a four-day public event on New York City's Lower East Side over Labour Day weekend in fall 2025, at 174 Ludlow Street. It was Chef Bombay's first public pop-up in the United States and celebrated 25 years of the brand, which began in a small Alberta plant in 1999.

What happened at the Chef Bombay NYC pop-up?

At the Chef Bombay pop-up at 174 Ludlow Street, visitors could eat signature samosas made on-site, drink DONA masala chai blended with Oatly oat milk, hear a DJ Sejal set, browse floral bundles, and pick up limited-edition merchandise and the new coffee-table book 'Home with Chef Bombay.' The space was filled with bursts of colour. DJ Sejal's set mixed diaspora beats with nostalgic Bollywood favourites. Chef Bombay said each samosa and dish was made from scratch using the same wholesome ingredients found in its frozen meals. The book collects family recipes, stories, and interactive pages, and was printed in a small limited batch using risograph printing.

Who were Chef Bombay's partners for the NYC pop-up?

Chef Bombay partnered with DONA, its chai partner, and Oatly, the oat milk brand, for its New York City pop-up in fall 2025. DONA provided the hot masala chai, which was blended with Oatly oat milk. Chef Bombay thanked both companies for their support and partnership in bringing the full pop-up experience to life.

How many people attended the Chef Bombay NYC pop-up?

More than 2,500 attendees joined Chef Bombay's four-day pop-up on New York City's Lower East Side over Labour Day weekend in fall 2025. The event also generated half a million social impressions, according to Chef Bombay. The company said the result showed that food is a bridge connecting cultures, generations, and stories.

Why did Chef Bombay hold a pop-up in New York City?

Chef Bombay held its New York City pop-up to mark 25 years of the brand and to share its story face to face with the city. The brand began as a family dream in a small Alberta plant in 1999, and much of its business comes from the United States. After the event, the company said it will be back in New York soon, without giving a date.

Where can I find Chef Bombay products after the NYC pop-up?

Chef Bombay says the flavours and home-style recipes served at its New York City pop-up can be found in freezer aisles across North America. The brand, from Aliya's Foods Limited, sells frozen and chilled Indian-inspired appetizers, entrees, and desserts in grocery stores in the United States and Canada.

Who is Chef Bombay?

Chef Bombay is the brand of Aliya's Foods Limited, a family-owned Canadian food manufacturer founded in 1999 by Anis and Noorudin Jiwani. It began in a 3,000 square foot plant in Sherwood Park, Alberta, and now runs a 100,000 sqft facility producing over half a million samosas every day. Its products are made from all-natural ingredients using family recipes.

Frequently asked questions

Was the New York City event Chef Bombay's first pop-up in the U.S.?

Yes. Chef Bombay described the four-day Labour Day weekend event on New York City's Lower East Side as its first public pop-up in the United States.

What milestone did the NYC pop-up celebrate?

The pop-up celebrated 25 years of Chef Bombay, a journey that began in a small Alberta plant in 1999 and grew into a North American favourite.

What food and drink were served at the Chef Bombay NYC pop-up?

Chef Bombay served its signature samosas, made from the same family recipe that started the company, along with hot masala chai from DONA blended with Oatly oat milk.

What else could visitors get at the pop-up?

Visitors could browse floral bundles and pick up limited-edition Chef Bombay merchandise and the newly launched coffee-table book, 'Home with Chef Bombay,' a collection of family recipes, stories, and food memories.

Where was the Chef Bombay NYC pop-up located?

It was held at 174 Ludlow Street on New York City's Lower East Side over four days during Labour Day weekend in fall 2025.

Will Chef Bombay return to New York City?

Chef Bombay said "To New York, we'll be back soon," but it did not give a date or details.