That time of the year when lavish feasts are spread out, new year resolutions are made, and the Parsi community dresses in the finest clothes. To celebrate Parsi New Year the right way, we’re rounding up the best of the feasts in the city. And no, you don’t have to be Parsi to indulge in these sinful festive dishes.
Navroz Feast: Here's Our Pick Of The Best Parsi Restaurants To Indulge In
Bawi Bride Kitchen, Mahim
Parsi New Year is not complete without the city’s favourite Parsi blogger, Bawi Bride. This year too you can order in from the Bawi Bride Kitchen and it will be delivered to you. They've also bagged a couple of awards for being the best food blogger.
What To Order: From yummy Parsi delicacies like Sali Boti, Pomfret no Pulao, chicen puffs and Patra ni machi to desserts like Lagan nu custard, egg fudge and saffron peda - Bawi Parsi has it all.
You can place your orders at 9819285720 or drop an email at bawibride@gmail.com (You'll have to order for minimum four people)
SodaBottleOpenerWala, Multiple Locations
A popular go-to for authentic Parsi delicacies with a Mumbai twist, SodaBottleOpernerWala now has multiple outlets in Mumbai including BKC, Powai, Thane and Lower Parel. It's a happy vibe, Parsi culture-inspired decor, amazing food and cocktails which makes this place everyone's favourite.
What To Order: Their traditional Parsi cuisine like berry pulao, chicken farsa, egg kejriwal, dhansak or patra ni machi. To add a Mumbai twist they have dishes like bacon vada pav as well which pays a classic tribune to Mumbai's popular street food. While you munch on these delicacies, sip on their amazing in-house cocktails with Parsi twist to them. For instance, there's a cocktail called BumSuckerWala which basically is vodka, frozen Rasberry and thyme.
Jimmy Boy, Fort
If you want to enjoy a no-fuss, delicious meal, head to Mumbai’s older, or possibly the oldest, Parsi joint in Fort. Jimmy Boy focuses on all sorts of Parsi food, from farcha to cutlets to dhansak. All in all, Jimmy Boy is a classic Iranian cafe which willl take you back to the good old life of Bombay.
What To Order: They also have our favourites, lagan nu custard and raspberry soda to keep us satiated after a hearty meal. Also, don't forget to gorge on their famous Patra Ni Macchi. If you're more of a breakfast person, there's nothing better than Jimmy Boy's bun maska dipped in delicious hot tea.
P.S.: If you’re in town, make sure to visit this iconic restaurant and have a chat with the servers about its legacy.
Dinshaw's Xpress Café, Oshiwara
If you're looking for a wholesome thali, visit Dhinshaw Express, a cute cafe in Oshiwara. While this one's not entirely dedicated to Parsi fare, they've got an entire special menu called Bawa Nu Bhonu. Based on your taste and preferences, they menu is divided into sections like 'For the love of Chicken', 'For the love of pao', 'For the love of mutton,' etc etc.
What To Order: While they are like an all-day cafe with the usual fast food, every Parsi year they launch a special Parsi thali called Bawa nu bhonu. The veg thali includes potato cheese balls, veg dhansak, rice, lagaan nu custard and the popular Pallonji drink. For non-veg lovers, there's a special thali for chicken and mutton lovers which includes chicken farcha, kheema kebab, chiken dhansak, berry pulao etc.
Brittania and Co., Fort
Started in 1923, Britannia and Co. is not just an iconic Parsi restaurant in Mumbai, but a definite must-do on every tourist’s bucket list. If you’re planning on stopping by this cafe at Navroz, don't forget to order a plate of berry pulao, with chicken cutlets, and the legendary Lagan Nu Custard. You will get it all within INR 1,000. (Which definitely is worth the money, and taste!)
What To Order: Well, this video on the legendary cafe will do more justice than our words.
Jumjoji: The Parsi Dinner, Andheri
The name of the restaurant literally means 'come let's eat'. Pretty chandeliers, quirky decor and a piano - we fell in love with this place the minute we entered it. Located in The Orb, near the Mumbai Airport, Jumjoji is an elite Parsi cuisine fine dine known for lip-smacking Parsi delicacies and offbeat cocktails. One's thing's for sure, there is enough variety here to leave you spoilt for choice.
What To Order: Their menu is neatly divided into authentic Parsi cuisine, fish main course, egg main course, chicken main course, mutton main course and desserts.
Ideal Corner, Fort
Another favourite amongst the Parsi community. Located in an art-deco building in Fort, this Parsi cafe saw a small start before it became so popular. Passionate about cooking, the founder Pervez Mehta started off with a few Parsi snacks. After an overwhelming response, he soon expanded the menu to include almost all Parsi delicacies which we see today in this cafe. Enter the cafe and you'll be welcomed with a bike parked inside.
What To Order: Do try their mutton sali boti and chicken dhansak when you drop by Ideal Corner.
Pro-Tip
We've also listed out the best Parsi dishes you must try on Navrooz. Here's our guide to the top 8 dishes we love.