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Ask any Parsi the reason for living and they’ll probably say, “Khavanu, pivanu majja ni life!”, meaning ‘Eat, drink and be merry!’, and for most it’s a saying they take very seriously. So naturally when it comes time to celebrate, Parsis tend to do it big and Parsi New Year is no exception. Navroze, also known as Nowruz, marks the beginning of a new year according to the Shahenshahi Zoroastrian calendar. It symbolises renewal, growth, and the triumph of light over darkness – themes deeply rooted in Zoroastrianism. But it also means an excuse to feast on delicious Parsi food. This year Navroze falls on the 16th August and if you’re in Bombay, it’s a chance to hit the town and explore the delights the cuisine has to offer.
Parsi food is a curious cultural creation. Though it is heavily influenced by Persian cuisine and culture which served as the root of the Zoroastrian religion, it’s also adapted more towards the flavours of Gujarat – the state where Zoroastrian immigrants first landed in India – and evolved further to meet the demands of old Bombay, another stronghold for Parsis in the country.
Today, most people know Parsi food as Dhansak or even Bun Maska Chai (which is technically Irani cuisine, and a whole other conversation altogether) but there is a world of delights to explore beyond these staples. From ‘everything per eedu’, to the delights of ruby red Raspberry, there’s a lot of quirky favourites to be found.
Slurrp caught up with the city's expert foodies to find out more about the Top 10 Parsi restaurants you should visit this Parsi New Year.
1. B. Merwan and Co., Grant Road - Recommended by Sushmita Rekhi (@sushiontherolls_)
“Whether you're a devoted food enthusiast or an eager explorer of diverse flavours, B. Merwans & Co. offers a window into the unique culinary traditions of the Parsi community.” says Sushmita, “This quintessential Parsi cafe is all about the traditional Parsi food and best of the cakes and puddings. The main reason to visit is to experience its rich culinary heritage, enjoy freshly baked treats like mawa cakes, mawa samosa, freshly baked brun maska/ Bun Maska, and immerse yourself in the authentic Parsi flavours that have been cherished for generations.”
Address: Opposite Station, Alibhai Premji Road, Grant Road East, Grant Road, Mumbai
Price: ₹100 for two people (approx.)
2. Britannia and Co., Fort - Recommended by Sohail Kasmani (@voraciousblogger)
A well-known spot for locals and tourists alike, Britannia has all the old-world Parsi charm you could hope for. “What's not to love about Britannia & Co.?” says Sohail, “The air is thick with nostalgia as you take in the vintage décor – the wooden furniture, the classic photographs on the walls. Soft rays of sunlight filter through the windows, casting a warm glow on the mosaic-tiled floors. And the dish that left a mark on my taste buds? The Dhansak with caramelised rice. Imagine tender meat, lentils, and a medley of spices, all served with fragrant rice. It's a taste of history and comfort all in one plate.”
Address: Wakefield House, 11 Sprott Road, 16 Ballard Estate, Fort, Mumbai
Price: ₹1,000 for two people (approx.)
3. Cafe Military, Fort - Recommended by Roxanne Bamboat (@thetinytaster) and Sohail Kasmani (@voraciousblogger)
“Café Military is a living relic of Mumbai's past,” says Sohail, “Café Military exudes an old-world charm that's hard to resist. The dimly lit interiors are adorned with sepia-toned photographs, transporting you to a different era. And the dish that left a mark on my taste buds? The Patra Ni Machi. Think delicate fish, marinated in vibrant green chutney, and wrapped lovingly in banana leaves. Unwrapping this culinary delight is like opening a window to a world of flavours.” This spot is also a favourite for Roxanne who says, “I love this place so much because it is as unpretension as any Irani Cafe and is the only one that will serve you cold chilled beer along with your food. The staff is wonderful and the food is quite lovely. My favourites here include their mutton cutlets with or without the tomato gravy and their kheema with salli. The caramel custard is also quite lovely.”
Address: Ali Chamber, Tamrind Lane, Near Fort, Mumbai
Price: ₹500 for two people (approx.)
4. Ideal Corner, Fort - Recommended by Kalyan Karmakar (@thefinelychopped) and Kurush Dalal (@kurushdalal)
This may not be the first name that comes to mind for most, it seems to be the favourite for the city’s foodies. “I first came across this nondescript restaurant while working out of Lakshmi Building in Fort. I went there at least once a week from office since that day. It is a fixture of the food walks that I conduct in Fort,” says Kalyan Karmarkar. “I love sitting by the window and watching life pass me by while I dig into the mutton dhansak which is both sumptuous and soporific or the mutton cutlets, whose juicy and spicy mince meat filling give it a near sensual feel. And I can never come to Ideal Corner and not pack the mutton kevabs (kebabs) for my wife who is Parsi and who dotes on the food at Ideal Corner. Especially the akoori.” It also has an interesting past to explore. “Ideal Cafe is a born again Irani restaurant and just around the time most cafes were shutting down, this one came up. It used to be a motorcycle store for Ideal Motors which was the company. They have some amazingly good Parsi food and the gentleman who owns it really cares about what he does and it’s probably the best place to walk in for a Parsi Meal in Bombay.” says Kurush.
Address: 12, 1st & Ground Floor, Hornby View, Gunbow Street, Fort, Mumbai
Price: ₹550 for two people (approx.)
5. Jimmy Boy, Fort - Recommended by Roxanne Bamboat (@thetinytaster) and Ishani (@relatedtofood)
If you’re looking for an all-round Parsi meal, this Fort gem is worth a visit. “This is a great spot for a Parsi meal because the menu is far more elaborate than anywhere else,” says Roxanne, “They've got almost everything the cuisine offers and it's one of the very few places that also does the entire elaborate Parsi style Lagan Nu Patru (Wedding Feast). It's like a set meal and covers all the popular dishes and condiments, even dessert that you'll find at a celebratory meal. Chicken Fish Mutton Egg - the works!” Ishani adds, “The vintage vibes definitely teleport you to the 80s and Kyani Bakery for its Mouthwatering Chicken Pattice.”
Address: Plot 11, Ground Floor, Vikas Building, Nyamurti, GN Vaidya Road, Central Library, Fort, Mumbai
Price: ₹800 for two people (approx.)
6. Malido Cafe, Fort, - Recommended by Kurush Dalal (@kurushdalal)
Besides the old-school cafes and restaurants that have become synonymous with Parsi cuisine, there are some more modern takes making their way onto the scene. For a slightly different experience, Kurush recommends Cafe Malido. “It’s a higher end restaurant and slightly on the expensive side but they have some good Parsi dishes,” says Kurush. Although they’re named after the classic semolina-based dessert, Kurush believes it’s their mains you want to focus on. “They do the famous Mutton Berry Pulao and they serve it with dal – which is very sensible.”
Address: 15-17-19, Ground Floor, Bharthania Building, C Block, Burjorji Bharucha Marg, Fort, Mumbai
Price:₹600 for two people (approx.)
7. Kyani and Co., Marine Lines - Recommended by Jeevika Sharma (@the_gastronomic_guide) and Sushmita Rehki (@sushiontherolls_)
“Nestled in the heart of Mumbai, Kyani & co. stands a cherished gem among Parsi restaurants,” says Sushmita, “Serving up an authentic and flavourful experience, it is one of my favourite places to enjoy some good authentic Parsi Cuisine at pocket friendly rates. With over a hundred dishes listed on their menu, this place serves a wholesome meal within 200 bucks for two. I highly recommend you to try some of their classic dishes like Dhansak, Sali Boti, Akuri & delightful bakery treats like mawa cake, Bun Maska with some authentic Irani Chai” It's humble appearance belies a long history and many famous patrons but this has never affected their commitment to quality, affordable food. "There is nothing exceptional about the decor of the place but their food, the vibe inside the restaurant and the affordable prices make it worth visiting." says Jeevika.
Address: Jer Mahal Estate, JSS Road, Opposite Metro Cinema, Marine Lines, Mumbai
Price: ₹300 for two people (approx.)
8. Parsi Dairy Farm, Marine Lines - Recommended by Jeevika Sharma (@the_gastronomic_guide)
While not a Parsi restaurant per se, Parsi Dairy Farm is one of the most recognisable names in the city. It serves a variety of dairy products and quintessential Gujarati sweets which also find a place at Parsi tables. “The Parsi dairy farm is my go-to place for sweets,” says Jeevika “They prepare sweets in Desi ghee and the quality is excellent. They have a variety of sweets to choose from but my preference is their Rasgulla which is what I often find myself ordering whenever I’m there. You can make a choice of anything made of dairy like milk and ghee, and you won't regret it.”
Address: 261-263, Shamaldas Gandhi Marg, Kalbadevi, Mumbai
Price: ₹200 for two people (approx.)
9. Parsilicious, Grant Road - Recommended by Roxanne Bamboat (@thetinytaster)
When it comes to getting great grub, bigger doesn’t mean better and that's definitely the case with Partylicious. “This isn't a restaurant but more a take away kiosk next to Grant Road Station.” explains Roxanne, “It's a tiny outlet where you can grab a snack but the food they offer has a loyal fan following. Excellent cutlets - chicken and mutton even their Bheja na Cutlets are fab. The Chicken pie and the Atheli Chicken with Chips are winners. You can pick up your food or have it delivered home.”
Address: Shop 5, Chandrakala House, Naushir Bharucha Marg, Grant Road, Mumbai
Price: ₹150 for one order (approx.)
10. Sassanian, Dhobi Talao - Recommended by Kurush Dalal (@kurushdalal)
It’s been around since 1913 and though most people know it better as a bakery, Sassanian has a much wider range of options to offer. “They do some very good Parsi main courses,” says Kurush, “and they’re supposed to be quite well-known for their Dhansak and their Curry Rice.”
Address: 98, Marine View, Near Dhobi Talao, Marine Lines, Mumbai
Price: ₹400 for one order (approx.)
