Parsis and Mumbai are just inseparable and over the years they have shaped the culinary graph of the city giving some of the most delectable dishes that we still enjoy. For the uninitiated in 19th century, India was home to many Zoroastrian settlers, who then had fled from Iran and were later the known as Parsis.
And over the period of time they took their food out to the cafes and today there are many cafes which are more than 100 years yet standing stall amidst all the competition and creating a nice for themselves.
Here the list if the best in the city. Bookmark it for your next visit.
Britannia & Co
Some places are not just a restaurant but an institution in itself and the same goes for Britannia & Co. so way back in 2019 when Boman Kohinoor senior partner at the iconic Britannia & Co restaurant passed away it almost shook many. Located inside colonial bungalow in Ballard Estate, Fort, this place opened doors in 1923 and still sees the bentwood furniture that were once imported from Poland. From their mutton berry pulao, chicken berry pualo, the dhansak that comes with a serving of rice and the caramel custard are enough to give you a high on Parsi flavours.
Price for two- Rs 700
Ideal Corner Café
Located in a busy area, this place vouches for its Bheja Fry, Mutton Dhansak and the creamy Chocolate Mousse. If you eaten in any Parsi home this place will remind you of that place. The main feature of this café is that the menu is ever-changing which brings in a new freshness to the place. There’s something new on the table every day. The yellow and blue tiled décor makes this place much vibrant and cheerful.
Price for two- Rs 500
Kyani & Co
The moment you spot checkered table cloths and vintage wooden furniture, you get to know that that you are at Kyani & Co’s. This Parsi café which is more than 100 years old known for its cutlet curry with some is an absolute world charm. Right opposite Metro Cinema in Marine Lines, this place is quite popular amongst office goers. Their mutton kheema fry, chicken sali boti, and dhansak is surely not to be missed. This pocket friendly place should be on your list next time you visit the city. And yes, they bake their own breads too.
Price for two – Rs 500
Jimmy boy
This Parsi hotspot in the city, Jimmy boy is that perfect old Irani cafe in the city. The Lagan Nu Bhonu (veg & non-veg), a platter, the chicken cutlets and the Dhansak (veg, chicken/mutton) along with the apple pie, ginger ice cream are a killer here. Don’t miss your favourite Pallonji's flavoured cold drinks. Located in a busy hub of the city this one sees a relatively modern décor than the others.
Price for two- Rs 500
B Merwan & Co
Those with a big sweet tooth this is your place. Probably the oldest Irani cafes in the city, their mawa cake and mawa kachori are their USP. You need to reach here early as these stuffs get over in a jiffy. The shop opens at as early as 7am. The breakfast items here sees mostly egg-based paired with some traditional bun or brun. Give their egg akuri a try. The ambience sees an old world charm with typical Irani-style chairs and table.
Price for two- Rs 400
Yazdani Bakery
This place is a must for every Parsi or Parsi food lover. The Yazdani Bakery has been there for more than three generations and is still standing the test of time. The menu is written in colourful chalk on a blackboard that can be spotted on the door. Simple rustic wooden benches and humble interiors make this place worth a visit. You can spot octogenarian sipping cups of milky Irani chai and reading newspapers here. The place also sees framed pictures of strapping gentlemen who are showing off their chiseled muscles. The khari biscuits, shrewsbury cookies and fiery ginger biscuits are a must to try and the brun-maska is the showstopper.
Price for two- Rs 500