Parsi Diaries

Bawaji Cafe,a delivery and takeaway joint in Lower Parel,is inspired by Irani eateries and Mario Mirandas works

The scenes of a bustling bazaar,depicted by Mario Miranda in black-and-white,strike a lovely contrast to the pop-coloured walls of Bawaji Cafe. The illustrations,reprints of the late cartoonists works,in fact,capture the very neighbourhood in Lower Parel where this new eatery is located.

Although the tiny Bawaji Cafe is chiefly a delivery and takeaway joint,its owner,Vistasp Contractor,did not want it to be just another place. A Parsi,he was keen to carry forward the legacy of the now-dwindling Irani cafes. A delivery and takeaway is the first step towards that. But I wanted my first food and beverage enterprise to exude a sense of humour and quality food at affordable pricing the key qualities of an Irani joint. Mario Mirandas works fit in perfectly with the concept, says Contractor,also an investment banker.

A fan of Miranda,the 33-year-old has purchased the rights to use the cartoon figure of a Parsi as part of his logo from the artists family. Contractor is also in talks with them to retail reprints and other merchandise that Mirandas family has been coming out with.

The outlet,although too small to allow for a leisurely meal,is meant to follow the Irani cafe format in terms of the food and pricing. Bawaji Cafes menu,therefore,includes a variety of chicken,mutton and vegetarian rolls as well as mini-meals of Parsi specialties such as salli boti with pav,dhansak-rice,kheema-pav,and curry-rice,with prices between Rs 70 and Rs 140. The dessert section also stocks lagan-nu-custard apart from chocolate mousse,and brownies.

The eatery,which started on Monday,opens at 7 am everyday. Like any Irani cafe,we want the people in the neighbourhood to have an option for breakfast. We are starting a live egg counter next week,where patrons

can have akuri,bhurji or omelettes,served with bread,within Rs 100, he says,adding that a variety of chai will soon be added.

Eventually,the entrepreneur also wants Bawaji Cafe to become a joint where people can grab a quick bite after leaving office or order in from if they are working late. We plan to make it a chain that will become an affordable option for quality food in office areas where Parsi and non-vegetarian options are limited, adds Contractor.

dipti.nagpaul@expressindia.com

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Parsi Diaries

Bawaji Cafe,a delivery and takeaway joint in Lower Parel,is inspired by Irani eateries and Mario Mirandas works

Bawaji Cafe,a delivery and takeaway joint in Lower Parel,is inspired by Irani eateries and Mario Mirandas works