From heritage cafes to modern kitchens, Mumbai serves up the spirit of Nowruz one plate at a time
When Mumbai celebrates Nowruz, it is more than just the turning of the Parsi calendar. It is the smell of caramelised onions and warm spices drifting through old Irani cafes. It is the comfort of sitting across from friends and family with a plate of dhansak in front of you. This festival, observed by Parsis as the beginning of the new year, is a moment when food takes center stage as the heart of the celebration. And in Mumbai, the city with one of the largest Parsi populations in India, there is no shortage of places to indulge.
Here are five restaurants where you can savour a true taste of Parsi heritage this festive season.
Inside the National Centre for the Performing Arts at Nariman Point, Cafe at the NCPA pairs cultural refinement with hearty Parsi flavours. The menu for Nowruz often includes Patra ni Kolmi—prawns wrapped in banana leaves with chutney—alongside Zereshk Polow (also known as Zereshk Pilaf) and Parsi Masala Dal. Desserts such as Kahlua Crème Caramel or Mango Dacquoise round off the experience. The setting is airy, with a touch of theatre, making it a fitting space to mark a special occasion.
For decades, Jimmy Boy in Fort has been a go-to destination for Lagan Nu Bhonu—the traditional Parsi wedding-style feast. Plates arrive loaded with salli boti, berry pulao, and caramel custard, each dish true to homely flavours. Although the iconic Fort outlet is currently closed for renovation due to structural issues, their Mahim kitchen continues to serve loyal customers through takeaways. For many Mumbaikars, no Navroz feels complete without a taste from Jimmy Boy.
Opened in 1923, Britannia & Co. is more than a restaurant—it is a piece of Mumbai’s history. High ceilings, bentwood chairs, and old photographs create a setting that feels unchanged for decades. The Mutton Berry Pulao, Fish Patra, and Salli Boti are legendary, while desserts like chocolate mousse and caramel custard have their own loyal following. Here, food is not rushed—it is meant to be savored slowly, allowing conversation to flow as generously as the raspberry soda.
At their BKC outlet, SodaBottleOpenerWala adds a modern spin to the season’s festivities. Their special “Saas-Bahu” themed menu, often running around Nowruz, offers dishes from both the ‘mother-in-law’ and ‘daughter-in-law’ sides of the kitchen. You might find tareli macchi alongside shepherd’s pie, or gos no saas next to a fresh Yazidi salad. It’s a nod to tradition, but with a cheeky sense of fun—a reminder that food can be as much about laughter as about recipes.
At Mahalaxmi Racecourse, Gallops offers a dining room surrounded by lush green views. Their Nowruz menu, usually available for a limited period, blends signature Parsi dishes with a touch of modern flair. Expect items like Aflatoon Akuri, Sexy Salli Boti, and a richly flavoured dhansak dal. Desserts, such as Udvada Mango Ice Cream, bring in a coastal sweetness to end the meal. The atmosphere here feels celebratory yet calm, perfect for a New Year’s lunch or dinner.
These five eateries are not just places to eat—they are keepers of a community’s culinary heritage. From the quiet elegance of Cafe at the NCPA to the spirited buzz of SodaBottleOpenerWala, each offers a different way to experience Parsi culture.
For the Parsis of Mumbai, Nowruz is about more than food—it is about togetherness. Families dress in their best, visit fire temples, and gather to exchange wishes for health and prosperity. Restaurants become extensions of the home, filled with familiar aromas and the warmth of shared memories.
In a city known for its constant motion, these moments of slowing down and sitting together over a meal are rare treasures. This Nowruz, let the city’s kitchens remind you of the power of good food to connect hearts, tell stories, and start a new year with flavour and joy.
