One late-night Instagram scroll sent Le Café founder-restaurateur Ashesh Sajnani down an Irish rabbit hole. He landed on the Lobster Spice Bag, a cult favourite that traces its roots to Ireland’s Chinese takeaways. Traditionally, the post-pub staple is a gloriously messy mix of crisp chips (fries), salt-and-pepper fried chicken, peppers, onions and an assertive hit of Chinese five-spice, all tossed together in a paper bag with a side of rich Chinese curry sauce for dunking.
What began as late-night comfort food has since earned gourmet status. Premium restaurants across the UK began replacing fried chicken with duck, seafood, or shellfish, but it was UK’s Burger & Lobster limited-edition St Patrick’s Day special that propelled the dish into the spotlight. Their indulgent interpretation packed a paper bag with half a crispy-fried lobster, golden king prawns, chunky chips, stir-fried peppers and onions, all coated in fragrant Chinese five-spice and served with warm Chinese curry sauce. The result was familiar in spirit, but unmistakably elegant.
The lobster bag served with Chinese curry sauce for dipping. Pics courtesy/Karen Dourado
Sajnani says he was instantly hooked. “I wanted to bring that taste of Ireland to Mumbai, but through Le Café’s lens. That’s how our limited-edition Lobster Spice Bag (R3750) came about. It is premium shellfish, bold spices and unapologetic comfort food. There’s so much happening in every bite,” he says, stopping by our table as we tuck into the feast. We ordered two bags for three of us at the table, assuming the portions would be modest.
It was a bad call. On that rainy evening, what arrived looked like a humble takeaway parcel but unfolded into a generous spread of lobster, crab, scampi and tiger prawns, all Cajun-spiced, fried crisp and tossed in the café’s signature seasoning. Crispy fries, prawn crackers, sweet corn, bell peppers and Thai chillies bulk up the bag, while herb butter, Italian lime and a punchy house sauce tie everything together.
Ashesh Sajnani
Cold beer was non-negotiable for this seafood indulgence. It cut through the richness of the shellfish, and stood up well to the warming spice. If seafood boils have started to feel predictable, this is a worthy detour. Equal parts Irish takeaway, Chinese comfort food, and Mumbai indulgence, the Limited Edition Special, Lobster Spice Bag is messy, excessive and impossible to eat in a ‘prop-ah’ way. We aren’t complaining.
Bag the timeline
1980s
The original Spice Bag is believed to have emerged in Dublin’s Chinese takeaways.
2000s
The Spice Bag becomes Ireland’s ultimate late-night takeaway, earning cult status among students, pub-goers and taxi drivers.
2022-23
UK’s Burger & Lobster launches its Lobster Spice Bag as a limited-edition St Patrick’s Day special across the UK and New York, replacing fried chicken with lobster and king prawns.
AT Le Cafe, Jewel of Chembur, Road Number 1, opposite BMC Office, near Natraj Cinema, Chembur.
CALL 67099977
