BUN AND TEA IN BOMBAY...

Before the sun rises and on the crowing of a rooster , the furnace is lit for a baking . The aroma of a freshly baked bread surrounds the small lanes of South Bombay and essence of vanilla used  in making Mawa cakes (Muffins) tempts everyone passing by to have a brunch. That’s the ecstasy which every individual of Bombay gets from an Irani/Parsi Restaurants. Irani/Parsi Restaurants are the most old iconic brunch stops which have their own stature in terms of their quality and class. Gushing sounds of a rush in a early hours of morning and a challenge to find a wooden chair of a thick straws as a seat. The tapping sounds of a Cup and Saucers on the tables covered with a transparent glass which makes easy to read the menu fixed inside. Its been almost a many decades these restaurants fills in the empty stomach every morning and refreshes so many minds with a soothing taste of tea.

 South Bombay comprises of many Parsi and Irani Restaurants and from the time of British regime. One of the most famous Parsi restaurants in the area of Ballard estate is “Britania and Co”.. If anyone watch Hindi movies this Parsi restaurant was showcased in the most acclaimed movie of 1988 “Tezaab”… “ Bawa yeh Murga Bahut Accha hain “ a marwadi character making a statement to a tall , fair built uncle sitting with a Rooster on his counter table.. Mr. Boman Kohinoor a man who has still kept his restaurant reputation up to date. The history goes this way …Mr Bomans father wanted to start this restaurant, when this restaurant was renovated and decorated; he wanted to get quick permission from the British commissioner, to start it straight away. Those were the days of the British, so he thought of giving it a British name, so that the British municipal commissioner at that time being British on seeing the name Britannia he will grant permission immediately. That was the British era, so that is why he gave the name ‘Britannia’. Till today this restaurant is famous for their dish called as “Berry Pulao” though it is expensive but anyone would be tempt and don’t think about shelling out money for this wonderful. It is said that the visit to Britania is incomplete if you don’t have a Berry Pulao.

Moving further from Ballard Estate one who is born during 70s and his childhood days of 80’s will never forget the bread pudding of Kyani and co. Those Sundays of 80’s will always be fresh in my mind. Me and my brother use to take bicycles on hire from Chira Bazar by paying just 2 Rs for 2 Hours . Driving happily on the empty , clean and potholes less streets of Bombay our main destination was Kyani and co. The tempt of eating Bun Bread , Pudding and Chocolate milk would force us to pedal fast as if we both are participating in a race. Tring Tring move aside man.. use to be our statements to the passerby who were coming in our way like a hurdles stoping us to munch our favorite brunch. Parking our bicycle and jiggling sounds of a coins and a green five rupee note was enough for us to order our favourite. “Good morning uncle , kem cho (How are you)” was our first words before we run upstairs and catch the seat which can give a view to the downside of a café.. “ Ek Bun Maska , Pudding aur Paani kum Chai” (Tea with less water and milk to the fullest) was our command to a simple person who was taking our order as he was doing his job. 

Looking at the menu carefully again and make sure the calculated money what we got would be enough to pay . Burp sounds after sipping a hot tea use to create a stare from others reminding us to maintain the table manners , but who the hell cares.. Kyani and co still a very famous Parsi restaurants in the outskirts of South Bombay. It was a must go joint for all the Parsi Dasturs after finishing their duties at Atash Behrams. Be it a Parsi New Year , Jashan (Prayers for Happiness) , Gathas (Prayers for departed souls) all the Parsi families would rush to Kyani for filling in their empty stomachs with Cakes , Puddings and Omlettes of this restaurants. Those were the days of 80’s when Kyani was getting a stiff competition from his neighbor “ Bastani and Co”.. Some of them said they are both hand in hand.. I really miss munching the chicken patties offered to us by one of beloved Adi Uncle and his bachelor brother Behram. “ Dikra Raspberry pise” (Will you have Raspberry drink) ..Yuck was the only expression as me and my brother hated the sweet taste of Raspberry. Secondly there were no free promotional goodies which we use to get after opening the cap of Thumbs Up.. I remember we use to collect the pictures of our Favourite cricketers like Kapil Dev , Srikanth , Dilip Vengsarkar , Sunil Gavaskar which were printed on the thick soft plastic of the cap. The more you collect you are eligible for a prize. I still remember buying Easter eggs from Kyani and co during those days . Till today Kyani has continued its legacy.

I know many who always remark on the question that whats your favorite Parsi Cuisine.. “DHANSAK , CURRY RICE , BOOMLA(Bombay Ducks) , MUTTON NA KABAB”..Hold on before your mouth starts watering. Ideal dishes of Bawajis and to have them a lovely place situated in the thin lanes of Hutatma Chowk is “ IDEAL RESTAURANT”.. No one can never forget the aroma of a fresh cooked brown basmati rice and a thick Dal with a Chicken or mutton dipped inside. Mutton Kabab to add some more relish and a Caramel custard completes every person desire of satisfying his/her hunger after having a blissful lunch at theIdeal. One of the best place to have Parsi Lunch and Dinner in South Bombay. I don’t have much memories about Ideal but I remember eating Bombay ducks , Mutton Patties which my aunt use to get for us in evenings. “ SASSANIAN RESTAURANT” is also one of the most well know place for DHANSAK lovers. To add more information on DHANSAK .. 

Dhansak is a popular Indian dish, especially popular among the Parsi Zoroastrian community.It combines elements of Persian and Gujarati cuisine. Dhansak is made by cooking mutton with a mixture of lentils and vegetables. This is served with caramelised brown rice, which is rice cooked in caramel water to give it a typical taste and colour. The dal cooked with mutton and vegetables served with brown rice, altogether is called dhansak. In Parsi homes, dhansak is traditionally made on Sundays as it is a heavy dish to digest and owing to the long preparation time.Dhansak is also always had on the fourth day after the death of a near one. There is no meat consumed for three days after the death of a near one. And dhansak is used to break this abstinence on the fourth day. Dhansak hence, is never prepared on auspicious occasions like festivals and weddings. Coming towards one of the most old theatre in South Bombay New Excelsior stands opp to it is also one of the most famous Parsi restaurant “CAFÉ EXCELSIOR”.. All Dhansak lovers will not miss this joint. A leg piece of a chicken which will be enough to fill you up . I still remember separate family room cabins upstairs usually filled up with Families , college going love birds and office going couple deciding about their future with just 2 cups of tea.

Now who can forget stepping out of platform No 1 of Grant Road station opposite to it stands one of the most unforgettable Parsi café and still going strong for 10 decades. The Light green colour painted window panes above the restaurant is itself a landmark and a billboard named with big letters “B MERWAN AND CO.”. Whether a labourer , an artisit , a Government officer , Professor, an individuals of all professions will be found enjoying their favorite Mawa Cake which was and still today one of the favorites in whole Bombay.  “Where will I get good Mawa cakes”?? The answer would be get up early in the morning rush to B.Merwan before 9am or else you will miss this sweet and hot muffin to grub with a tea or a glass of a milk. Started in 1914 by Boman Merwan, the grandfather of one of the current owners, Sarosh Irani, it has been the best place for anyone who likes to indulge in a delicious breakfast or their most famous mawa cake and samosas. 

I still recollect my old college days taking a train from Charni Road station and covering a distance in just 2 mins . Rushing with my friends to B.Merwan and ordering the lovely muffins along with Omlettes, Kheema and Milk. It was enough to keep us going on till lunch hours at 2 pm. Few months back there was a news that this café is on a verge of a shut down which created a disappointment in thousands of hearts of B.Merwan lovers , but no it was again up and still going strong. Some of the old citizens who don’t  have a money to dine are never left empty handed. They are been given bread and cake to eat though the visit of them is regular. Parsis strongly believe in Charities and serving the poor. One of the best thing about these restaurants which they have maintained till date. No Cards please.. Only Cash.

I am not been biased mentioning only about these cafes , there are many other cafes too which is giving a shine to our good old Bombay.  But above everyone these Parsi/Irani restaurants have been a part of everyone memories whether the situations were Happy , Sad or regular. 

Jimmy goes for a Stroll... A story to tell..

It was a drizzling month of July 1988 , All bags packed and set to leave his beloved Bombay, Jimmy a banker was migrating with his family to Australia leaving his mother in tears and making his father feeling proud that his son is on his path of making a better career. Jimmy who grew in a city of dreams and loved this city so much was in a depressed mood that he will miss this wonderful city for a long time. Those greenery of Hanging Gardens , Sands of Chowpatty , lovely streets of Flora fountain will be now memories as he was not sure when he would turn up. “6 Months Mamma-Pappa you will be with me watching an Opera in Sydney’s Opera House”..Jimmy told very confidentally. With a happy smile father replied “My dear son you make your best in your life , such opportunities are very rare , we will be happy watching movies over here at Opera House Charni Road , it is not that we will not come but to settle there I wont be convinced”.. Large bags to move downstairs was a bit challenge as the floors of Banaji Building were quite narrow and half cracked so carefully Jimmy loaded all the bags in an Ambassador taxi called specially by Fali Uncle. There was no stopping for tears , Jimmy’s mother cant hold her emotions to the fact that their son is going seven seas far.

All formalities done with the custom officials Jimmy with his wife Peenaz was all set to board his flight to Sydney. Looking from a gate Jimmy bid farewell to his city not knowing when he will turn back. Hands waving towards Jimmy that was a moment when he broke down but the thought of the opportunity forced him to move towards the Air India flight. The announcement was made and the seat belts were tied. “Ladies and Gentlemen welcome on Air India flying to Sydney , the journey would be completed in 17 hours , I hope you will enjoy the flight”..There would be a new beginning in the next 17 hours for Jimmy. The flight was disappeared in the clouds the tears were now dry and the hope that their son will do well and successfully return back.

Time and tied waits for no one, there was no turning back for Jimmy . Letters , greeting cards of Pateti Mubarak were the best gift for Jimmy from his parents. Few of the times Trunk calls would allow Jimmy to have a emotional touch with his parents in Bombay. Days and nights gone by Jimmy was busy with his banking work slowly was promoted to a Sr Investment banker in one of the reputed banks of Australia. Jimmy now only speaks the language of dollars. Peenaz was busy handling the responsibility of the family with their children studying in a convent school and are no longer considered as Indians but only from an Indian origin..Aussies we are..Jimmy always maintained the distance from the Australian culture though ofcourse he was an Indian by heart. But situations force to adopt the culture sometimes when you need to grow among them. Jimmy always had discussion with his father on the cricket matches played between India and Australia. “ You guys lost the match on your own home ground , your team is a waste”..Jimmys father use to tease him whenever Australia lost to India. In defence Jimmy always made his point clear that he is an Indian more than an Aussie. “I am proud of you my son”.. That makes Pappa happy. But Cricket was not only the part of discussion between father-son duo ..Years passed on Business trade news , Government policies  were always a part of discussion between father and son through letters. Jimmy paniced and it was night of March 1993 when there was long trunk call happened to his parents to make sure they are safe. ISD sooner started making life more better for Jimmy.

It was a time now for Jimmy to get his children attain the Zoroastrianism and do their childrens Navjote. “Why can’t we do their Navjote here in Sydney , we all have our friends here”..Peenaz said. “What about your Mom “?? Jimmy replied as Peenaz father passed away when she was very young. “ What about my Mamma-Pappa”??.. “ We will call them here “..This was a moment when Jimmy was ecstatic as he will be seeing his parents back after a long long time. Now there were series of calls made to Mamma and Pappa from Sydney to Bombay.. “ Don’t call it Bombay its Mumbai now” .. Pappa said. That was year of 1995. Time to stand in a long queues of passport office , give some chai-paani to the officials to get the passport done quickly so that a long waited parents can meet their beloved son. “ It will take 2 months for a passport to come but there were series of documents you need to submit” said an Passport officials. Finally a bell rings on a third floor of Barucha Mansion with a postman smiling “ Congratulations sir I have brought your passport”. This was the news which made an old parents so happy that the time has come to see their son.  “ We are coming to Sydney son” Pappa with his excited tone and glass of whiskey to toast a cheers and thanking Ahura Mazda.  All set to fly it was a again Fali uncle to called for a taxi to Sahar airport.. “ Hasta Ramta Aavjo” (Go happily and come Happily)..Fali waving to the most awaited parents whose wait is gonna get over today.  It took again 17 hours for one mother who was going to get welcomed by his son in tears of happiness and 17 hours for a father who was a proud to have his son reached on the level of success. There was a happiness all over Sydneys airport and a sigh of relief for a son that his parents are hale and hearty. Corridors of Jimmy’s home were eagerly waiting to welcome his parents. With a broad chest Jimmy’s father entered the house earned by his son through his hardwork. 10 days of happiness passed away so fast that time came for them to return back to their motherland. Showering blessings on the newly Zoroastrianism attained children Jimmy’s parents returned back with a happiness and tears in their eyes to India.

Years passed on and the world entered the millennium , Jimmy got so busy with his new position of a CEO and now the distance came in between Sydney and Mumbai. With E-mail , Skype , Gtalk and more technologies coming into existence the distance was getting bleak. It was Ronnie Fali Uncles Grandson who got connected with Ray , Jimmy’s son whose real name was Raiyomand but Aussies prefer Ray  on Facebook. Pictures of Ray with his parents during the parties and other celebrations were published on Facebook ..But now the old eyes did not have enough vision to see clearly their darling son grown on a top position with his grayish hair.. IT WAS A NIGHT of August 2012 when Jimmy’s new Samsung Galaxy Grand vibrated and this was the call which made Jimmy completely broked , being a top CEO of a multinational bank Jimmy collapsed like a hungry popper who don’t have a single penny in his pocket. “ Your Dad is no more” said Fali uncle in a very sad and sorry mode. Jimmy’s father was suffering from a heart problem and that morning he bid this world a goodbye forever. “Where is Mamma”?? a curious Jimmy wanted to know. “She is in a shock and completely alone”.. Jimmy hang up the phone and lets leave now , a concerned Peenaz who never saw her husband in such state. Qantas was the only option available rest everything is booked. Jimmy was in not a state of mind to wait for a agent to get him a best deal. Jimmy left immediately to say final goodbye to his friend,guide and loving Pappa. Those 17 hours again was the worse hours which Jimmy had… Jimmy’s Plane landed on the runway of Sahar Airport . “ Do you have anything to declare”?? asked the custom official.. Jimmy with his grim face gazed at the officer and replied “Nothing”.. Jimmy and Peenaz came out of the Airport and were escorted by a cabbie with their luggage. As they drove towards Colaba there was a huge jam reason , jimmy was loosing his patience as his Fathers dead body was waiting for his sons arrival. As the cab moved further heavy rains welcomed Jimmy . The traffic was moving slow as the jam was due to the bad roads which Jimmy was surprised to see. But the bad roads didn’t bother much as Jimmy was awaiting to reach Tower of silence. After a long wait Fali uncle came towards Jimmy as his cab took a halt at Tower of silence. “Where is Mamma”?? Jimmys curiousity was increasing , he rushed towards her to give a tight hug of consolation . After the rituals Jimmy , Peenaz and all bid a final farewell to the departed soul.

“Nothing doing Mamma , now you are coming with us “?? Jimmy made his point very clear that he is not going to leave his mom alone anymore in this city. Jimmy Mamma was pretty silent as still she was not completely recovered from the shock of loosing an important person of her life. Now there are four days left for Jimmy he didn’t wanted to lock himself in a room of Barucha mansion. He decided to be alone for few hours and go for a small stroll. JIMMY GOES ON A STROLL… Coming towards the main circle he was eagerly waiting for bus No 66 to come where in he can take a small ride in a Double decker bus . Jimmy recollected his old school days where he use to race with his friends to win the front seat of the upstairs bus deck where the wind gust would hug you in its cool arms for a second and force to close your eyes . Awaiting for few mins 66 Bus came to an halt at the stop but to Jimmy’s surprise the top deck was missing. He let it go , awaiting for another one his eagerness to take a ride in a Old Bombay’s Double decker bus was shattered. He asked one gentlemen standing next to him that there where is the vintage bus of Bombay to his curious query the reply “ Woh to bund hogayi”(It is no more in function)..

Jimmy decided to walk and thought to revive his old memories as he was not anymore sure now to return back to this city taking his Mamma to Sydney. The walk in the lanes of Flora Fountain were not that good as there was a huge rush of public gushing towards their work.  “My God so much of rush have I landed to some wrong place”..wondering the city has completely filled up with no place even to walk comfortably. The heat was increasing as the rains took a small break , Jimmy came towards the circle where he known there was a Gola wala (Ice Candy seller) keeping that hope of having the chiller he saw a Mcdonalds restaurant where there was a huge crowd sitting with their meals. “How stupid I can be , it is not necessary that the seller would be here again , but he was very good”.. He walked ahead and cames towards the Heritage Victoria Terminus (Now CST).  Come on lets meet my good friend Burjor who was a operator in a single screen cinema. I am sure he is must have become very old . Jimmy remembered the days when Burjor use to give him free tickets. Jimmy rushed towards the hall and to his surprise there was no presence of his good friend Burjor , the gate which opened happiness to all the movie watchers was closed completely. This is shut down sir , a pan shop owner with a pity in his voice. Where must be my friend?..He thought to go to his house and check at Princess street. Jimmy’s stroll start becoming little faster with a curiousity to know the whereabouts of his good friend. He cames towards the gigantic Azad maidan , which was looking now more of a Battlefield than the olden days cricket grounds . The difference which Jimmy found out was in those days every youngster playing on this ground wanted to become Kapil Dev or Gavaskar , now every youngster is using this ground to learn the tricks and trades of politics. There was a huge chaos and all cops were gazing their eyes to make sure that nothing turns up ugly. “ THIS IS NOT MY BOMBAY”…Jimmy muttered to himself.

Looking depressed he decided to walk further , the feeler he got after watching the old Xaviers college was something refreshed his memories. Jimmy had a Girlfried named Melissa Pereira who was from Xaviers. But that was a infatuation stage which passed away. A smile but again a curiousity about Burjor forced Jimmy to take a further walk. Now he was close to Princess street but there again there were only few things which Jimmy could stop refreshing his memories after seeing them. Metro cinema which is now a Multiplex . Jimmy and Peenaz watched so many movies in this theatre after leaving from their offices. A cup of Tea and pudding at Kyani and Co. Still few things were existing for Jimmy.  Looking for his old friend Jimmy reached Madina Mansion where his friend Burjor was staying.  KNOCK KNOCK ..” Who is there”?? an Old voice came behind the door.. “Its me Burjee , your friend Jimmy Vatcha”.. An old man wearing Sudra and Pyjama with a big glasses which can help him to have a better vision saw a polished man standing on his doorsteps. My dear friend Jimmy where were you,  I missed you a lot replied the good old Burjor.. The House was completely messed and there were quite big rats in the house. “ I got the news of Uncles death , sorry for that I couldn’t come”..”Whats wrong with you Burj? We are of same age and what happened to you , you look weak , and broken” Jimmy replied. Burjor replied “ My dear friend Jimmy , its been years now that you have left this city where we shared all the happiness and sorrows of our young life. You left the country but I never gave up though today I am collapsed but this city has given me bread and butter. My son left me and went to USA and its been now almost a years he has not come back. I am surviving on trusts help. Theatre is closed but still I am alive with my old memories. No one speaks with me but I hear a voice of this city every moment and feel that every person in this city is talking to me. Things have changed my dear friend and change is inevitable. But we have to live ”…

Jimmy leaves the house and the day comes when he has to now return back .  Jimmy knows that now all these are lovely memories which he refreshed during his stroll and now he will never return back to his loving city as his mother was now with him.  He only uttered few words when he was boarding his Flight “ My dear Dad and My dear Bombay you will be missed completely”……..

JIYO PARSI OR PAALO PARSI.. ITS TIME TO DECIDE..

I Indeed salute the initiative called "Jiyo Parsi" by Government of India and rest. But there are many factors which today are playing a big challenges for this initiative to get successful. I would like to highlight few points here.

1) Giving birth to a baby is not enough , a child is a big responsibility further. Making sure to give them the best. Most important factor is the time. The way today world is moving in a fast direction things are becoming more and more expensive . One earning member and a family to support. Are the community leaders ready to support them with a good financial help, educational help, housing help, medical help etc.

2) Girls getting married outside the community... Nothing offensive.Everyone has their own choice to make , but did anyone tried to identify why this is happening?.. Lot many say Parsi boys are not well settled. They dont have their own house. They want only boys from USA,UK and in Bombay they should not be residing in far suburbs. Terms and conditions apply.. Jiyo Parsi hopefully change this. Though Government has given their support but why there are no Parsi guys in Government jobs , where we are also termed as Minorities. Is Government not doing anything on this

3) Initially in olden days many Parsi companies were having majority of Parsi employees . Today even a Parsi youth has to struggle and is not given a preference in these companies, coz these are all now Union drivens. Majority of Politicians have their caste quotas there. Why cant our Parsi Enterprenuers give preference first to our community people. Think on it..

My views over here are not to criticize anyone but along with a new family member there comes a big responsibility and those are only fulfilled when an individual along with his hardwork gets support from few peers.

Hopefully after Jiyo Parsi , things change .. We Pray..