Mumbai is known for an eclectic mix of Irani Cafes spread across its broad spectrum. While the count has definitely fallen in the recent years, we're always hopeful when we hear about a new entrant.
House Of Daaruwala is a quaint setup in Andheri, a modern twist to the age-old legacy, that reeks of all things Irani.
As you enter, you see seating on either side in long booths, and tables in the middle. The restaurant has its quirks - a set of characters created for the brand that are all over the restaurant, even on their plates!
The restaurant has a saloon-style set up, with glass top tables and typical Parsi bentwood chairs and checkered tablecloths.
The menu is a delight to look at, with drinks like Little Zizou, One Flew Over Cusrow Baug, Guns Of Navroze and Being Cyrus that got us really intrigued. Drinks are by the quarter, with cocktails, mocktails, wine, beer and even liqueurs that are in offer (though, we opted for the famed Raspberry soda, as always.)
The menu is the brainchild of chef Sameer Bhalekar (of Mirchi and Mime fame), so we decided to do the most obvious thing whenever anyone enters a Parsi restaurant and just ordered their Chicken Farcha (crispy and flavourful!)
We also tried their Salli Boti, Saus Nu Chicken, Berry Pulav and Dhansak. While the food was interesting enough, we felt that the flavours weren't what you would find in a Parsi home.
Still, the portions were large in quantity and quite filling, enough to leave you on a high note and in good spirits.
All in all, the experience certainly was a merry one, with ample food and drinks and the promise of a heritage that will stand the test of time.
House Of Daaruwala is a quaint setup in Andheri, a modern twist to the age-old legacy, that reeks of all things Irani.
As you enter, you see seating on either side in long booths, and tables in the middle. The restaurant has its quirks - a set of characters created for the brand that are all over the restaurant, even on their plates!
The restaurant has a saloon-style set up, with glass top tables and typical Parsi bentwood chairs and checkered tablecloths.
The menu is a delight to look at, with drinks like Little Zizou, One Flew Over Cusrow Baug, Guns Of Navroze and Being Cyrus that got us really intrigued. Drinks are by the quarter, with cocktails, mocktails, wine, beer and even liqueurs that are in offer (though, we opted for the famed Raspberry soda, as always.)
The menu is the brainchild of chef Sameer Bhalekar (of Mirchi and Mime fame), so we decided to do the most obvious thing whenever anyone enters a Parsi restaurant and just ordered their Chicken Farcha (crispy and flavourful!)
We also tried their Salli Boti, Saus Nu Chicken, Berry Pulav and Dhansak. While the food was interesting enough, we felt that the flavours weren't what you would find in a Parsi home.
Still, the portions were large in quantity and quite filling, enough to leave you on a high note and in good spirits.
All in all, the experience certainly was a merry one, with ample food and drinks and the promise of a heritage that will stand the test of time.
