SodaBottleOpenerWala: A Delicious Mouthful!
GETTING OUR DAARU ON
EEDU MERI JAAN
Eedu, egg, is a constant in Parsi dishes. And to me, egg is and always will be, comfort food. So it went without saying that a few egg dishes came to the table that day. Eggs Kejriwal (INR 195) and Tomato Papeta Par Eeda (INR 165) were both demolished in short order, alongside Spicy Mushroom on Khari (INR 195) – khari biscuit topped with mushrooms and cheese, aka more comfort food to the likes of me, Chicken Baida Roti (INR 275), parantha stuffed with mince chicken and eggs (what is it about a meat stuffed parantha that is so satisfying?!) and Goan Sausage Pao (INR 425). To keep our cholesterol levels elevated, we supplemented these starters with the goodness of fried onions, the Kanda Bhajji (INR125). Oh and just because I am not mentioning much of the veg fare, doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist, just that I’m a confirmed non-vegetarian!
We were already somewhat full by this point (I feel you rolling your eyes and saying obviously) but we manfully moved on to the mains. Breach Candy Awesome Okra (INR 245) is slivers of fried okra in a lovely masala that will (a) make you forget that you’re eating bhindi, and (b) make you want to keep crunching! I was excited to try a dish called Bacon Keema Macaroni ((INR 425) but wasn’t thrilled with it once it arrived, while the Bhendi Bazaar Sheekh Parantha (INR 325) which I was not initially drawn to, turned out to be superb! You can’t go to a Parsi eatery and not eat Mutton Dhansak (INR 500) or its veg counterpart if you’re so inclined, as well as Paatra Ni Macchi (INR 645). Both dishes were expertly executed; special mention for the tiffin carrier presentation of the dhansak. But the star of the show and the dish I will insist on ordering on future visits, is that other Parsi specialty, Berry Pulao (INR 445/475; chicken/mutton). I have a weakness for rice with dry fruits and a hint of sweetness, especially when paired with meat and this one with nuts, berries and fried onions just hit the spot.
CHAI AND CUSTARD
Dessert had to include Caramel Custard (INR 145) an old standard that many places just don’t get right. Luckily SBOW did not disappoint. I also really loved the Toblerone Mousse (INR 195) which had a rich texture and a wonderful taste. The establishment also boasts a small bakery from where you can procure fresh baked Shrewsbury Biscuits and Naan Khatai. With a father who grew up in Pune, Kayani’s Shrewsbury biscuits are the stuff of legend, and having something akin available locally is a treat…not that it will stop me demanding and cajoling boxes of Shrewsbury from Kayani’s out of Pune-ites! We rounded out this meal with, what else, chai! Irani Special Chai (INR 60), Masala Ni Chai (INR 70) and Parsi Choy (INR 80) – black tea delicately flavored with lemongrass and mint helped us kick start our digestive systems, and we left a very happy bunch. One word of warning: if you’re doing valet, expect to wait a bit – given the location and full house.
