Peek-a-boo into Mumbai's Parsi legacy
Wrapped up work early that day. The sun hadn't set and that gave one an option to view the sunset at one of the sea facing stretches in Mumbai.
So, off I drove to Marine Drive. The setting sun left a gorgeous hue in the sky. Mumbai is crazy paced. But if you happen to be at the sea side, somehow time always manages to stand still!
And the breeze also gives you a crazy hunger prang!
Been a month that I'm here in Mumbai and had read much about the few still-functional Irani cafes in town. Always wanted to check them out.
Bingo! Zeroed in on Kyani & Co. in Marine Lines - not very far, great reviews and yes catering to my 'Parsi cafe' need!
What followed was an hour of being deported to an era bygone. The dim lights, the old wooden furniture, the checker board table mats and above all the calm, composed boys around who were more than happy to suggest the best from the menu.
The menu was a book in itself. A never ending list of keema pavs, cakes, juices, puffs, sandwiches, and the much hyped "salli boti" and "caramel custard"
Food was good. Or if I might say just about average. But bang for the buck in every way you can think of.
Plus the ambiance gives you a nostalgic feel and lets you forget all your worries for once.
You can while away an hour at ease watching a group of school kids catching up over Bun Maska and the Irani Chai; or an old couple having a Masala Omelette, discussing life in general; or a couple of office goers, who had probably wrapped up early and walked in for a filling meal of Keema Pav with a choice of cake, baked fresh in the oven!
There can be enough debate on whether the food is that great or whether the name 'Kyani' lives up to it's expectations... but all that parked aside for a bit, that place is quite a charmer with it's rich heritage.
Walk in anytime and you are sure to have a great meal and enjoy all the fuss around.
Oh! Did I not mention the old Parsi man sitting at the cash counter? One can visit Kyani only to see him, carrying on the legacy for years now.
Check it out if you haven't yet. I'd definitely go back.
So, off I drove to Marine Drive. The setting sun left a gorgeous hue in the sky. Mumbai is crazy paced. But if you happen to be at the sea side, somehow time always manages to stand still!
And the breeze also gives you a crazy hunger prang!
Been a month that I'm here in Mumbai and had read much about the few still-functional Irani cafes in town. Always wanted to check them out.
Bingo! Zeroed in on Kyani & Co. in Marine Lines - not very far, great reviews and yes catering to my 'Parsi cafe' need!
The menu was a book in itself. A never ending list of keema pavs, cakes, juices, puffs, sandwiches, and the much hyped "salli boti" and "caramel custard"
Food was good. Or if I might say just about average. But bang for the buck in every way you can think of.
Plus the ambiance gives you a nostalgic feel and lets you forget all your worries for once.
You can while away an hour at ease watching a group of school kids catching up over Bun Maska and the Irani Chai; or an old couple having a Masala Omelette, discussing life in general; or a couple of office goers, who had probably wrapped up early and walked in for a filling meal of Keema Pav with a choice of cake, baked fresh in the oven!
There can be enough debate on whether the food is that great or whether the name 'Kyani' lives up to it's expectations... but all that parked aside for a bit, that place is quite a charmer with it's rich heritage.
Walk in anytime and you are sure to have a great meal and enjoy all the fuss around.
Oh! Did I not mention the old Parsi man sitting at the cash counter? One can visit Kyani only to see him, carrying on the legacy for years now.
Check it out if you haven't yet. I'd definitely go back.
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