The Parsis living in India are Persian Zoroastrian immigrants who came to India around the 7-9th century CE and settled on the west coast of India, in Gujrat. Parsis love food and their richly flavored cuisine are a proof of the same. Their food has evolved into a unique regional cuisine resulting from an amalgamation of Persian, Indian and British influences over the period of time.
Parsi cuisine comprises an assemblage of dishes that are as vivid as the culture itself. The community after migrating from Persia settled on the coast of Gujarat. The Parsis ate mainly stews, meats, dry fruits and nuts where were predominantly owning to their Persian heritage. Fish was added to their palate after settling on the coast, and later, with the British influence in colonial India, they took to European style snacks and desserts, adding their own local touch.
Parsi cuisine is an eclectic mix of hot and sweet, spice and nice. Their recipes use varied ingredients that might seem a bit unconventional but are a treat to the palate of everyone. Any tourist or resident in Mumbai cannot miss the experience of devouring mouth-watering Parsi dishes such as Salli Boti, Kheema Pao and Berry Pulao.
Parsis love adding a variety of sweet and sour ingredients in their dishes which result in some stellar preparations such as Kolmi-no- patio (a sweet and sour prawn curry), or a Jardaloo-Ma-Gosht(Mutton cooked with apricots). European influences can be found in dishes such as Saas –ni-Macchi, which is a take on the Western “Bechamel” or the white sauce, or the ever popular “lagan-nu-custard” (influenced from the British caramel custard).
The egg known as ‘edu’ in their language is a staple of Parsi cuisine.They can eat an egg with almost anything. Parsis strongly believe, ‘When in doubt, break an egg on it’. They have dishes such as bhinda (ladyfinger) par edu, tamato (tomato) par edu and salli (potato chips) edu.
No mention of Parsi cuisine can be complete without a mention of the famous “Dhansak”, traditionally served with brown rice and kababs. This rich meaty preparation is made from good quality mutton or chicken with spiced pulses and is arguably the most popular dish from the Parsi cuisine’s repertoire. Traditionally enjoyed on lazy Sunday afternoons, Dhansak is a perfect example of the intermingling of Persian and local Gujarati cooking styles.
If you are looking for some fine flavorsome Parsi meal, then ‘Parsi Dhaba’ at Della Adventure and Resorts should be at the top of your list. The place is known for its Parsi culinary legacy, and it offers a rustic dining space giving you a wholesome dining experience. From appetizing Dhansak to delectable Salli Boti and Patra- Ni- Machchi, savor your favorite Parsi delicacy in a lush open-air sitting at Della Adventure and Resorts. The aroma of the food on your table might fill your stomach, not your taste buds. If you haven’t tried Parsi food yet, it’s time to explore! Come and discover a satisfying and rare gastronomic experience at the ‘Parsi Dhaba’!!