No wonder Parsis take their food very seriously. Parsi cuisine does live up to the hype. Wait. Parsi food is more than ‘Dhansak’ and ‘Kheema Pav’. Over the years, Parsi food has become more Indianised. It has a perfect blend of Iranian, Gujrati, British, Portuguese and Goan cuisine. Parsi cuisine is loved in Mumbai and the city is dotted with charming Parsi restaurants. On the occasion of Parsi New Year, we bring to you a list of must-try Parsi dishes and where to try them in Mumbai. Here we go:
Akuri
Too bored of egg bhurji or omelette? Try Akuri, the Parsi version of scrambled eggs with fried onions and loads of spices such as black pepper, ginger, coriander, and chillis is a must try. It is usually served with bread.
Where to try in Mumbai: Kyani & Co., Lohar Chawl, Kalbadevi
Chicken Farcha
Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, no we are not talking about KFC’s fried chicken but Marghi Na Farcha is the Parsi version of fried and spiced chicken treats. It is also called ‘Chicken Farcha’. These divine delicacy not only makes a perfect starter but also goes well with all sorts of curries.
Where to try in Mumbai: Dinshaw’s Xpress Cafe, Off Oshiwara Link Road, Andheri West
Sali Boti
‘Sali’ means potato sticks and ‘Boti’ means chunks of meat. The Parsi version of mutton curry is rich and appetising and is made with boneless mutton in an onion and tomato sauce and served with fried potatoes. One can experience an explosion of flavours of tomatoes, onions, jaggery, and vinegar.
Where to try in Mumbai: Ideal Corner, Fort
Dhansak
Dhansak is probably the one dish we all might have tasted or at least heard of. And trust us, it does live up to the hype. The dish is a beautiful blend of lentils, vegetables, and meat, flavoured with the secret ‘dhansak’ spice. The meat and lentils curry is sweet and rich in flavours.
Where to try in Mumbai: Café Military, Fort & Sassanian, Dhobitalao
Mutton Cutlet
Mutton cutlets are one of the common Parsi snacks you probably have tried. The dish is prepared with potatoes, ginger, turmeric, and spices. They are then deep fried and served with chutney.
Where to try in Mumbai: Café Excelsior, Azad Maidan, Fort
Patra Ni Machhi
Patra Ni Machhi is a steamed fish preparation in which a fish is coated in a coconut chutney and wrapped in a banana leaf. The fish is steamed to melting perfection in banana leaves.
Where to try in Mumbai: Jimmy Boy, Horniman Circle, Fort
Parsi Sev
Parsi Sev holds a pride of place on the table on every occasion in a Parsi household. The dish is traditionally served with sweet yogurt. The dessert is cooked with dry fruits, nuts, and jaggery.
Where to try in Mumbai: Bawi Bride, Dr Baba Saheb Ambedkar Road, Dadar East
Lagan Nu Custard
The iconic dessert is a great dessert. The Lagan (wedding) Nu Custard is garnished with cashews, almonds, and pistachios and is often served in Parsi weddings and festivals. The custard is rich, creamy and nutty and is bound to brighten up everybody’s mood.
Where to try in Mumbai: Jimmy Boy, Horniman Circle, Fort
Berry Pulao
A flavourful and colourful pulao, layered with saffron and dried cranberries is an interesting delicacy and is a signature dish on its own. It is cooked with the added goodness of ghee and loads of whole spices.
Where to try in Mumbai: Britannia & Co., Ballard Estate, Fort
Kheema Pav
Yet another quintessentially Parsi dish Kheema Pav is simple to make and amazingly delicious. Minced meat is marinated in red chili powder, ginger paste and salt before cooking. With the right mix of flavours, Kheema Pav is a delectable dish and is fit for every occasion.
Where to try in Mumbai: Good Luck Café, Hill Road, Bandra West
