New Bollywood-themed restaurant now open in Hoover

A new restaurant that blends the flavors of Indian cuisine with familiar American styles is now open in one of Hoover’s most popular shopping destinations. Bham Now visited Desi Twist—a brand-new Indian fusion restaurant in The Villages at Brock’s Gap—to learn more during its opening weekend.

Desi Twist is Birmingham’s first Bollywood-themed restaurant

Located in The Villages at Brock’s Gap at 1031 Brocks Gap Pkwy SUITE 151-B, Desi Twist is a brand-new Indian fusion restaurant that blends familiar fast-casual concepts with rich flavors of Indian cuisine. The new restaurant was founded by Ali Mathani, a Hoover native and local entrepreneur who previously created the Milky Way Ice Cream Bar next to Wilson’s Market in Southside.

“We are very excited to open Desi Twist in Brock’s Gap. I grew up in this area and graduated from Hoover High, so it’s a special feeling to open a new restaurant here.”

Ali Mathani, Desi Twist

• Desi Twist: 205.593.4034 | Facebook | Instagram
• Address: 1031 Brocks Gap Pkwy SUITE 151-B, Hoover, AL 35244
• Hours: Sunday through Wednesday, 11AM to 9PM; Thursday through Saturday, 11AM to 10PM

Here’s what guests can expect at Desi Twist

According to Mathani, Desi Twist’s menu is highly customizable, similar to build-a-bowl concepts like Chipotle and CAVA.

“Desi Twist’s main feature is our bowls, which guests can customize with their choice of protein, base and toppings. But the next-biggest thing for us is our handhelds—we reimagine beloved Indian dishes and ‘twist’ them into an American style.”

Ali Mathani, Desi Twist

On Desi Twist’s menu, you’ll find creative dishes like:

• Butter Chicken Pizza with Naan Bread
• Chicken 65 Burger
• Pulled Nihari Beef Burger w/ Consume
• Biryani-style burger tacos
• Paratha Smash Burger
• Peri Peri Chicken Burger
• Lamb Burger

In addition to food, Desi Twist serves Desi-inspired cocktails like the Spicy Desi margarita, the Cucumber cooler and the Espresso chai martini.

Mathani credits Desi Twist’s creative dishes to his “partners in crime”—his two mothers, who are the behind-the-scenes force creating every dish.

“To me, the best thing about Desi Twist is that I get to work with my moms. They’re the ones that made this possible—they have the recipes and they do all the cooking.

I’ve been to just about every Indian restaurant in Birmingham, but to me, none of them can beat the taste of mom’s homemade cooking. And now, we’re excited to share that food with Birmingham!”

Ali Mathani, Desi Twist

Check out Desi Twist in the Village at Brock’s Gap

• Desi Twist: 205.593.4034 | Facebook | Instagram
• Address: 1031 Brocks Gap Pkwy SUITE 151-B, Hoover, AL 35244
• Hours: Sunday through Wednesday, 11AM to 9PM; Thursday through Saturday, 11AM to 10PM

Excited to try Desi Twist? Tag us @bhamnow to let us know!