A Parsi restaurant that is almost an institution in Mumbai. Location Ballard Estate Phone/Contact Info 91 22 2261-5264 It might surprise some people that South Mumbai is doted with Quaint Irani joints, which are known as Iranian restaurants. And these restaurants serve Parsi food. The Parsi community or the Zoroastrians, they came to India from Iran a few centuries back. The most popular among these Parsi restaurants is this, the Britannia, located at Ballard estate. This building was designed by George Wittet, the architect of the Gateway of India amongst others. The heritage of this building is very apparent and the interiors make it even more quaint. The restaurant itself is about a century old. It is run by the Kohinoor family of the Parsi community. They have a simple philosophy that there is no love greater than the love of eating. "Britannia Restaurant has been in existence from 1923. When I was born my father started the restaurant". The late Mrs. Kohinoor's Berry Pulao is exclusive to this restaurant. Now the berries are imported all the way from Iran and they are cooked with long green basmati rice with marinated meat, and then garnished with fried onions and dry fruits. It is an entire meal in itself and the recipe is a well guarded secret. "And this berry, my wife brought the recipe from Iran. Here she has improvised by adding a little special masala and kabab. And next comes the Khansak, the Sali Boti. Khansak, which is chicken or mutton served with brown rice and lentils. Or you could try the Sali Boti. Now, boti is mutton served with gravy and is garnished with thin fries. This goes very well with Indian bread or roti. Britannia also has some seafood option, you could try the Bomil fry or the fried Bombay duck and also the patrani-mach. "Patrani Machi, in Parsi language, 'patra' means leaf. And now this pomphret fish is cut into big pieces and they are wrapped in banana leaves. There are chutney added to that, and then they are wrapped in banana leaves and steamed. So this becomes Patrani Machi". You can also ask for some raspberry soda to complement your meal, but make sure you leave some space in your tummy for some home-made Caramel Custard. "During World War II, these premises were requisitioned by British Army. So, in 1947 when I got back the place, I just painted it plain. We did not habe money to spend for that type of ambience and renovation". I am Premjit showing you Mumbai. "We are all working in unity to keep the tradition going".

• published: 02 May 2010
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