Every culture has its own special cuisine and so does the Iranis. A lot of amalgamation has happened over the years, but there are still few dishes which Irani cafes are known for. In fact many of those recipes are said to have given birth to the local ones, like the brun maska is believed to be the great great grandfather of the Mumbai vada pav!

Brun Maska:
The most famous item available at an Irani or a Parsi cafe is the brun maska. A loaf of bread as soft as a baby’s cheek is served, with the loaf cut into two halves with a layer of salted butter holding the pieces together. The term “maska” in Irani actually means butter, whereas the bruns or breads are typical of Irani bakeries. This is similar in concept to French breads. Round balls, crusty outside, soft inside, heaven all over when they are served fresh, warm, sliced with a generous dollop of butter slathered in.

The correct form to have brun maska is to dip it in the excruciatingly sweet and milky tea served in white cups which bore the sign of honest hardworking labour.

Fresh Apple Pie:
New lines of cake and pastry shops have made their way in Mumbai, but the apple pie has survived. Crushed appled draped in wheat flour are baked in wood burnt ovens to give its typical flavour, remains a favourite even today among people visiting Irani cafes.


Fresh Apple Pie

Irani Chai:
This is a signature item at Irani or Parsi cafes. The tea is prepared with extra milk and masala, to get its typical taste. Irani chai is usually served with Brun maska. Sometimes referred to as the “khadi chammach ki chai” because of the extra sugar added to it, which could make a spoon stand in the cup.


Irani chai

Dhansak:
Dhansak is a popular dish, which combines Parsi and Gujrati cuisine. In Parsi homes, Dhansak is traditionally made on Sundays owing to it’s long preparation time. Dhansak consists of lentils, vegetables, spices, cumin seeds, ginger, and garlic together with meat and either gourd or pumpkin. Within the Parsi community, dhansak usually contains goat meat(mutton); it is rarely made with other meats, or without meat.


Dhansak

Berry Pulao:
It is a signature item at the famous Britannia Restaurant. It is a dish similar to biriyani, which is cooked with barberries. This berry which is added is also known as Zerish berry.


Berry Pulao

Caramel Custard:
Among the desserts offered at Irani cafes, caramel custard tops the list. As a matter of fact, there are many restaurants offering Parsi or Irani food which boast about the quality of caramel custard.

Caramel  Custard

Custard

Khari Biscuit:
As the name suggests these are salty biscuits which were a typical offering at an Irani cafe along with the chai. These biscuits are made with plain flour, ghee and salt, of course worth trying at an Irani cafe.


Khari Biscuit 


Chocolate Mousse