Say Saal Mubarak like Bawas do

The Guide gets everyone into Parsi new year celebrations, giving you a lowdown on the best places to tuck into Tarapori Patio, catch a Parsi comedy or buy an authentic Gara

It's Navroze (new day), the beginning of a new year for Mumbai's Parsi community. These guys love their food, and their song-and-dance (and their booze). So, we decided to tell you how you too can be part of the festivities, without losing your religion.

The tradition of Parsi Gujarati plays (they are miles apart from the weekly Gujarati fare that gets dished out each weekend) is age-old, and we have theatre veteran Adi Murzban to thank. More recently, funnyman Dinyar Contractor has kept the laugh riot flag flying every Parsi New Year. Here's what playing on stage this evening:


Garas by Roshan Davar.

Watch:u00a0A Parsi Gujarati Comedy
Hasa Has is a non-stop variety programme of songs, sketches, dance and musical parody. At 6.30 pm, Tata Theatre, NCPA, Nariman Point. Call 22833838
Pappa Mane Pannavo (Dad, get me married) directed by Dinu and Jamshed Bagli. At Bhavan's Chowpatty, 7.15 pm. Callu00a0 23698085.
All Is Well, at Rang Sharda, Bandra Reclamation, 7.15 pm. Call 26430544.

Eat: Authentic Parsi Bhonu

The snack shop just down the road from Colaba Post Office has Lagan Nu Custard (Rs 40), Mutton Dhansak (Rs 85), Chicken Potato Cutlets (Rs 25 per piece), Mutton Potato Cutlets (Rs 25 per piece), Salli Boti (Rs 70), Parsi-style Bhuna Ghost (Rs 70) and Kashmiri Pulao Dal (Rs 85) on its menu today. They also serve Bhakra (Rs 50), a dry Parsi sweet that's made from mawa (solidified milk), and Tarapori Patio or dried Bombay Duck pickle (Rs 85). Free home delivery in and around Colaba and Cuffe Parade.
Sunshine Snack Corner, 13, Hampton Court, Colaba. Call 22150646

Patra Ni Machhi (Rs 175), Chicken Farcha (Rs 75 per piece) and Lagan Nu Custard (Rs 80) make it to the menu only on special occasions like today at Mocambo's. The Chicken Farcha is first marinated in a "special Parsi masala" before being rolled in egg and breadcrumbs and shallow-fried, says Mocambo's Pervez Mistry. Menu staples include Kashmiri Pulao Dal (Rs 180), Sali Boti (mutton and chicken for Rs 150 each), White Kid Ghosh (Rs 200) and Dhansak (mutton and chicken for Rs 150 each) available from 12 pm up to 4 pm.
Mocambo Caf ufffd and Bar, Fort, 23-A, Sir PM Road. Call 65065264

The catering service run by pickle queen Nargish Lala is offering Chicken Farcha "with boiled egg and French Fries" (Rs 75), Mutton Kebabs (Rs 150 for 12), Kid Ghosh (Rs 110), Kashmiri Dal Pulao (Rs 110), Patra Ni Machhi (Rs 195), Jardaloo Sali Chicken (Rs 100) and Lagan Nu custard (Rs 30). Mrs Lala says she prefers advance notice to last-minute orders, but feel free to give her a call to check if she has food left over from her many orders. Don't forget to "bring your own dabbas" to carry your goodies home.
All Rounders, 64-66, 2nd Marine Street, Call 22085198

Shop: For Traditional Parsi Garas
The ancient art of Parsi embroidery dates back to the Bronze Age in Iran, and finds influences from China and Europe. Roshan Davar, the woman behind the Roshan's Inspiration label retails Parsi garas (sarees that sport intricate thread embroidery bearing motifs of birds, Chinese men and women and flowers. Roshan also stocks Jhablas (tiny tunics) and coats. Call 22833078.
For Naju Davar's modern Gara collection, call 23866052

Theobroma
South Mumbai's favourite deli lives up to its tradition. We are talking about serving yummy food. We're referring to their Bawa roots. The Parsi family-run place has some traditional goodies that have been given a Western kick. Mawa cakes that are synonymous with Irani caf ufffds turn into contemporary brownies. Each rosewater-scented mava mithai brownie comes at Rs 50 a piece. The Custard Tart comes packed with raisins and charoli, a sort of nut that's a staple in Parsi desserts. At Rs 60 a piece.
Colaba Causeway and Off Linking Road, Bandra. Call 22880101

And Few More...

Enjoy authentic Parsi fare including Chicken / Mutton Dhansak,
Chicken / Mutton Salli Boti, Fish Patra and Custard.
At: Britannia & Co Restaurant, Ballard Estate.
Call 22615264

Dig into a festive spread that includes Patra Ni Machhi, Chicken / Mutton
Pulao Dal, Chicken Farcha, Lagan Nu Achar and Lagan Nu Custard.
At: Jimmy Boy, 11, Fort.
Call 22700880

Relish authentic Parsi cuisine including Patra Ni Macchi, Chicken Farcha, Khara Papeta Pe Eda, and Mutton Dhansak Pulao with Rose Champagne.
At: Shamiana, The Taj Mahal Palace, Colaba.
Call 66653366

Oakwood gives you a chance to
sample a variety of Parsi delicacies including Salli Murg, Dal Dhansak and Parsi Sevai.
At: Oakwood Premier Mumbai, 29/1, JR Mhatre Road, opposite Iris Park, Juhu, Vile Parle (W).
Call 66238888

Dig into Chicken Farcha, Chicken Ra Ra, Paneer Lahori and Khumb Khazana. Polish-off your meals with Custard or Kulfi.
At: Pebble Bay (Kitchen & Bar), 11/1 Kalpak Corner, Guru Nanak Road, Turner Road, Bandra (W).
Call 26425063