Bombay Pizza House Puts Spice in the Slice

You might want to take it easy on the crushed peppers at , because every spicy bite of their specialty pizzas will hit you faster than Pacquiao’s left hook.

The new restaurant, which opened Jan. 1 at 31871 Alvarado Blvd. in the former Columbus Pizza space, offers traditional and unique specials alike.

While their Combination, Meat Lover’s and BBQ Chicken pizzas might give a run for its money, Bombay Pizza’s staples are their Indian fusion fare — Curry Veggie Delight, Curry Chicken Masala, Chili Paneer (Indian cheese) and Chicken Tikka Masala — each made with a secret curry sauce of blended Indian spices.

“We wanted to have a fusion of Indian and American style pizza,” said owner Gursewak Gill, who runs the business with help from his wife and a cousin.

Gill, 33, a Union City resident and former gas station manager, said he was inspired by similar restaurants in Canada.

“I tried Desi-style pizza in Toronto and loved it,” Gill said. “I wanted to bring it here to give people a new and different taste.”

With its opening, Bombay Pizza House becomes the only pizza restaurant to offer curry pizza in Union City. Residents craving the spicier Indian flavors no longer have to drive to Pizza and Curry in Fremont, of which Gill is also a fan. “We like their taste as well,” he said.

Though the restaurant opened only two weeks ago with no advertising as of yet (expect Pennysaver coupons in the mail soon), business has been doing well, Gill said.

“January’s supposed to be a slow month, but we’re doing okay,” he said. “If things keep going the way they’re going, we’ll have to hire more people soon.”

He credits much of their rapid success to their reasonable prices. “Even our specialty prices are cheaper than other pizza places in Union City,” he said.

Prices range from $4.99 for a small single topping pizza and $9.99 for a small specialty pizza to $14.99 for an extra-large single topping pizza and $20.99 for an extra large specialty pizza.

Much of their support also comes from the Indian community, which by Gill’s estimate accounts for 75 percent of their clientele. But the restaurant has something for everyone, he said.

In addition to their unique and classic pizza pies, Bombay Pizza also offers several sides and desserts. Gill said he’s in the process of acquiring an alcohol license so that he can serve beer as well.

Gill also remodeled the former Columbus Pizza location to make the restaurant more inviting and to offer a dine-in option.

The previous business only had a pick-up counter, whereas the renovated Bombay Pizza features seating for 25 to 30 customers, two flat-screen TVs, wi-fi internet and new lighting, paint and flooring.

Delivery is also available for $2 for Union City residents.

Bombay Pizza House is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

For more information on Bombay Pizza, visit them on Facebook.