Celebrations are always synonymous with food and the Parsi community definitely knows how to plan a feast. Nawroz, the Parsi New Year, was celebrated on Monday and while the community feasted on home-made delicacies, Delhiites who wanted to sample the festive spread were left with very few options as the cuisine is not easily available in the city.
SodaBottleOpenerwala an Irani café in Cyber Hub in neighbouring Gurgaon has planned a week-long Nawroz festival to allow foodies to sample traditional treats. The restaurant is a modern take on the traditional Irani cafés in Bombay filled with old world charm.
Apart from the regular berry pulao, sali chicken and lagan nu custard , the chefs have come up with dishes like Palao dal -mutton/vegetarian, chutney eda na pattice and a special Nawroz platter to celebrate the New Year.
Those looking to sample what is probably the most well-known Parsi dish of all -- dhansak -- will be disappointed as dhansak is a dish that is not a part of a festive menu but it is usually served after a four-day mourning period when someone passes away, explains chef Anahita Dhondy of the restaurant.
Since it is a celebration there are a number of quirky cocktails on offer as well which chef Anahita suggests will be a perfect accompaniment to the mewa nu achar , tareli macchi and chicken farcha that are part of the special platter.
With restaurants serving cuisines from different parts of the world bursting onto the food scene it is a treat to try flavours that are familiar to the palate yet unique.
The festival is on till August 24.
