Akuri is basically scrambled eggs. You can have it for breakfast. Serve it with Rotli or toasted bread. The way you make each dish changes based on the method and process used in cooking the eggs. Ingredients change the flavor of the spicy scrambled egg dish. You can make it spicy, sweet and savory […]
Author Rita Jamshed Kapadia With photos from my travel to Munnar in Kerala! Indians love tea, they are crazy about it – and they even have a special word for it – chai. India is one of the largest tea growers in the world. Tea is grown in the north andthe south – in exotic places […]
Indians love tea, they are crazy about it – and they even have a special word for it – chai.
India is one of the largest tea growers in the world. Tea is grown in the north and the south – in exotic places like Munnar in Kerala, Darjeeling, Assam, and Nilgiri Mountains. The tea gardens are a sight to see. Beautiful terraces are carved into the earth and from far they look like manicured gardens. Tea from Darjeeling and Assam is world famous for its aroma and taste.
Tea was introduced in India by the British during early 1900’s, those were early days of the British Raj. Large swaths of land were converted for mass tea-production. Ironically, the British introduced tea in India to break the Chinese monopoly. Tea was originally consumed by the westernized Indians, but it became widely popular over time. Today, looking at the popularity of tea one cannot tell of its origins from China.
But the story of story of tea in India goes beyond the tea gardens in exotic mountains and valleys, covered with mist and lush greenery. Tea is woven intricately into the Indian social fabric.
Chai is the common equalizer in India – from the rich to the poor. No matter what their position in life, an Indian relishes a cup of tea. The rich ones have their tea served in fancy tea-pots, delicate porcelain cups on well laid out tables with cookies and pastries. The not-so-affluent have it in more humble settings. But the joy and satisfaction is the same.
No matter where you go in India, even the remote village, you are likely to find a tea-stall, with a Chai-walla brewing the concoction, squeezing every last flavor. There is always a crowd of eager and tired folks waiting patiently for their chai. Tea re-vitalizes your body. It is a great anti-oxidant.
India has one of the largest railway networks in the world. Every train station has tea-stalls. Hawkers carry tea-buckets doling out hot cups to weary travelers as the trains pull into the train stations. One of my enduring memories growing up in India is traveling on the train in the sleeper-coach and waking up to the lilting calls of the tea-hawkers.
There are many stories of how tea brings people together. When you visit friends – tea and snacks are probably the most common offering. A cup of tea bonds friendships and heals differences. A guest rejecting an offer of a cup of tea may even hurt their feelings. The ultimate bonding is sharing a cup of tea – between two people – albeit in different saucers. When you visit a commercial establishment, as a sign of respect for the customer, tea is offered. Read more in my cookbook for Tea.
Recently, I was invited to speak and present “The Place of Tea in Indian Culture and the Kerala Tea Gardens” at the Boston Athenaeum. Here is a short synopsis. I am delighted that my Cookbooks were displayed and showcased in the museum! Thanks Hannah Weisman! Hannah is the Director of Education at Boston Athenaeum.
The museum is a historical place and encourages historical books. The Boston Athenaeum is steeped in history. Founded in 1807, the Boston Athenæum is one of the oldest and most distinguished independent libraries and cultural institutions in the United States.
Tea / Chai Recipes:
Ginger Tea
Masala Chai
Parsi Chai
Cardamom Tea
Teas of India Cookbook
More on The place of Tea in Indian Culture on ParsiCuisine.com
Chai is the common equalizer in India – from the rich to the poor. No matter what their position in life, an Indian relishes a cup of tea. The rich ones have their tea served in fancy tea-pots, delicate porcelain cups on well laid out tables with cookies and pastries. The not-so-affluent have it in […]
By SARAH KHAN Glamour hub, culinary capital, coastal metropolis: The teeming city of Mumbai has enough sights, glitter and art for everyone. Photo Hanging out at sunset on the promenade along Marine Drive on the Arabian Sea. Credit Poras Chaudhary for The New York Times Call it India’s financial epicenter, glamour hub or culinary capital — […]
Also known as Queen Elizabeth cake. Ingredients: For Icing: Method 1. Preheat oven to 350°F/ 176°c. Lightly butter a 9 x 12-inch baking pan and then sprinkle the surface lightly with flour, or line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper.2. To a bowl add the dates and baking soda, and pour boiling water […]
You can download digital Parsi cookbooks and traditional recipe collections directly from ParsiCuisine.com Free Downloads, which offers classic texts like the digital cooking book Vividh Vani by Meherbai Jamshedji Wadia.
Recipe of Batasa Is it true that the Dotivala family invented the famous Parsi Batasa ? How and when did this come about? Yes, our forefathers were the inventors of the famous tea time biscuit popularly known as Batasa. It was in the early 1800’s when our forefather Mr. Faramji Pestonji Dotivala joined the Dutch […]
By Scott Maier on January 26, 2016 NEW YORK– You have another reason to drink that cup of coffee. Researchers including an Indian-origin medical student now report that regular caffeine consumption does not lead to extra heartbeats, which may lead – in rare cases – to heart- or stroke-elated morbidity and mortality. The study, led […]
By Author-publisher Meher Marfatia Among the most iconic institutions gifted to Bombay, the Time & Talents Club stays robust and relevant. Its firm humanitarian resolve engages with philanthropy and entertainment in wonderfully equal measure Eat from here so others eat too,” she said. That was my grandmother, who would buy copies of everybody’s favourite cookbook […]
VASANU is very healthy to eat in the winter. Best time is to take a one inch square at breakfast time. This nutritious, vasanu recipe is from my grandmother. Rita Jamshed Kapadia INGREDIENTS General: 1 1/2kg Ghee 1/2kg Char jaatnu magaz 50g Goonder 2 1/4kg Sugar 500g Ghau nu Dudh (Wheat milk powder) 500g Kammar Kakri 400g […]
Papeta par eeda aka Potatoes and Eggs is a easy dish to make anytime. Have it for breakfast, lunch or dinner, it is fully satisfying and yummy. A Egg Fritata is similar and made in a pan just like this parsi favorite. Enjoy with fresh Rotli or toasted bread. Kheemo, Chicken Liver / Kaleji / […]
My mega coffee table Cookbook “Parsi Cuisine Manna of the 21st Century” is available for $29.99 EBook and Hardcover are available. Contact us if you have questions. Thanks, Rita. Review Truly a labor of love to preserve the unique Parsi (Persian-Indian) culinary heritageby Roshan RivetnaThis is a “must have” book for Parsi-Zoroastrians, especially those living […]
Harkening back to our countries of origin, to celebrate the New Year and the coming of Navroz, we are suggesting that we tell our friends and neighbors who we are by sharing a snippet of our culture, and reviving the tradition of giving them a gift of ‘mithu mohnu’ – any sweet dish. We suggest we […]
Quick and Easy Parsi Malido Video and Recipe Ingredients2 oz canola oil2 – 4 oz butter (to tastes and diet needs)1 cup coarse semolina1/2 cup bisquick1 1/2 cups sugar1 1/2 cups water Garnish Ingredients2 oz chopped / slivered almonds1 oz raisins1 tbsp Ghee or Oil1 – 2 tsp vanilla essence (to taste)2 tbsp rosewater (optional, […]
Doodhi ni Barfi Ingredients: 800 gm Doodhi / Lavki 400 gm sugar 200 gm mawa / khoya Pinch of cardamom 0ne drop of edible green color (optional) 5 tsp chopped pistachios and almonds Method: Boil the doodhi for 1 minute Put the doodhi in a non-stick pot and then put 400 gm sugar. Keep cooking for […]
Mumbai’s 110-Year-Old Parsi Dairy Farm Loses Food Licence After FDA Hygiene Crackdown July 18, 2026 by arZan ParsiKhabar The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended the food business licence of Parsi Dairy Farm Pvt Ltd, the 110-year-old Mumbai institution, after an inspection found serious hygiene and food safety violations at the outlet.What the […]
by Rukshad Bhagwagar This Sunday morning I walked across to my neighbour Dhunjisha’s ‘Naju Mansion’ in Byramji Town to say hello. I was surprised to see him sitting at the head of his 24-seater dining table, dating back to the Ying dynasty (valued by Christie’s at 8.9 Cr), along with what seemed like two delegations […]
UK’s oldest Indian restaurant keeps serving as court fight delayed. UK’s oldest Indian restaurant keeps serving as court fight delayedVeeraswamy is facing eviction by the Crown Estate, which wants to refurbish the Regent Street building it has occupied for 100 yearsPatrons dining at Veeraswamy Indian restaurant in Regent Street, 1973. A legal showdown between Britain’s […]
Honey Cake Ingredients1 1/2 cup Plain flour 1/2 cup Butter 1/4th cup Oil 3/4 cup Sugar powder 1 1/2 tsp Baking powder 1/4 tsp Salt 1/4 cup Milk 1 1/2 tb sp. Vanilla essence 3 Eggs For Honey syrup 1/4 cup of water 4tb sp.of honey 2 tsp. of rose water Mix together to make […]
On New Year day, Birthday, Anniversary or a Festive occasion the parsi auspicious dish to make is Dhun Dar. “Dhun” a gujarati word means “wealth” and “Dar” is a translation of the indian lentil called “Dal” which come in various lentils of Toovar dal, Masoor dal, Channa dal, Urad dal and so on. The dal […]
Father’s Day is a holiday honoring one’s father, as well as fatherhood, paternal bonds, and the influence of fathers in society. Recipe for baking Parsi Nankhatai a Cookie for Father
Buryani, Doodhi ma gosht and Doodhi skin par eeda Buryani is generally made with Doodhi (Lauki, Gourd), Cucumbers (Kakdi ), Eggplant (Vengnu) OR Tooryiya. Buryani is an old dish made in parsi homes back in India. This buryani is generally eaten with biryani or rice pulav. I made this from “Vividh Vani by Meherbai Jamshedji Wadia”. However the […]
by Rita Jamshed Kapadia Known as Bottle Gourd in USA. Doodhi is a vegetable also known as Lauki, Lavki in India. Buy one that has soft skin and if you dig your nail into it, it should leave a mark and feel soft. Doodhi is very good for diabetes. Drinking it as a juice has been […]
Cook the doodhi and chicken together to make a satisfying meal. Serve with warm rotli (roti) and methia nu acchaar (Hot Mango Pickle). For recipe, see videos below. Cookbook has full recipe 😋
ONLY 7 DAYS LEFT10% OFF ✨ Pick up our new Bella Purses and charming boxes at a special discounted price. Offer valid till 30th May 2026.Hurry up, limited stock available.Please visitwww.unescoparzor.com/parzorcrafts to see all our products
The Radcliffe Institute event “Cooking and Culture: A Conversation with Priya Krishna,” held on April 16. A recording of the program is now available on our YouTube page or by clicking the image below. Please feel free to share with your family, friends, and colleagues. Ready for more? Visit our current exhibition Cooking Up Change: Women’s Agency and […]
I wandered around in the kitchen section of Costco almost unconsciously thinking I need better non-stick pans. My eyes rested on a wonderful box of Ebelskiver pancake. Here is what I got, the dutch also call them Poffertjes. Here is the recipe enjoy.
Parsi Popatji / Popatjee INGREDIENTS METHOD 1. Break the eggs in a deep glass bowl and whisk them. Add two tablespoons ghee and the yeast and mix well. Add the milk and mix again. 2. Place the flour in a liquidizer and pour the mixture into it and whisk well. Pour the mixture into a […]
Malai Khaaja are a treat in India, missing these in USA, I made these and they are slightly different, but they do satisfy the malai khaaja craving! Recipe Ingredients 1 heavy cream carton. Small size of 8 oz. 1 tin evaporated milk 1 lb. Mava / Khoya 3 tsp Sugar or to taste 1 tsp […]
That Parsi food is all about sweet and sour flavours is a completely wrong notion, says fifth generation Parsi chef Mahrukh Mogrelia. “Not all our food is sweet and sour. There are a lot of fresh herbs and homemade spices that go into Parsi cooking,” shares Mahrukh, a resident of Nana Chowk in South Mumbai, […]
Which wine is good for diabetes? View all The best wines for diabetics are dry red or white wines, which contain little to no added sugars and minimal carbohydrates, reducing the risk of blood sugar spikes. Ideal choices have less than 2 grams of sugar per serving, such as Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon […]
Saffron Elaichi Gulab Jamun by Rita Jamshed Kapadia The Gulab Jamun is one of the most popular indian sweet, served at restaurants in the states.”Gulab” means “Rose” and “Jamun” means a “Drop”. Translated these are literally “Drops of Rose”. In this recipe the flavor is real kesar (saffron) *and elaichi (cardamom) * so I call these “Drops […]
This Chicken Soup improves immunity and helps during a flu or cold. Ingredients 1 lb or 4 chicken drumsticks 2 Tomatoes chopped 1 large red onion sliced 2 inch piece of cinnamon stick 2 tsp Ginger Garlic paste (adoo lasan) 1 tsp salt or to taste (optional can omit for a low sodium diet) 1 […]
Masala Lab: The Science of Indian Cooking (Penguin). Food science, handcrafted music, infographics and a healthy disregard for “authentic food”. https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1GD9yxUsVm
Step 1. Cut potatoes in very small pieces and fry in hot oil. Step 2. Cook chicken in yogurt and spices. Step 3. Make orange saffron rice like zarda. Step 4. Make white basmati rice. Step 5. Fry onions till golden brown. Step 6. Assemble all of above in layers. Seal in an airtight container, […]
Recipe 2 handfuls of rice1 level teaspoon of salt 1 liter of water Boil all of the above together, cool and strain. Drink the water ! For centuries, boiled rice solutions were used to treat infant diarheaThe first such advice was written in Sanskrit 3000 years ago. Onlvrecently has the idea achieved worldwide scientific approval. […]
Jane Borges jane.borges@timesofindia.com The OG creators of Mumbai’s famed mawa cake shut business on Jan 1, taking away with it a delicious memory. For most early-morning local train travellers, getting off at Grant Road station was a temptation hard to resist. The whiff of freshly baked brun pao and the mild but unmistakably sweet aroma […]
Shrewsbury Shortbreads Ingredients 2 cups / 4 sticks very soft butter (leave outside overnight) 4 cups self-rising flour 1 cup Sugar Cookie Cutters Method Whip sugar and butter till creamy Add flour and make dough. Wrap dough in 2 cylindrical rolls and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 1 hour. Using the chilled dough cut […]
By City Shor Editor’s Note: In gujarati but easy to follow steps visually. I knew Lily aunty at the Parsi Industrial in Khanpur and have had many of her tasty Dar ni Pori. Albeit have brought them over to USA. Aunty has been making this celebratory dish called Dar ni Pori since 1970s! Lily Sahuna […]
by Rita Jamshed Kapadia Lagan nu Custard is made with eggs and is delicious! Recipe from my mother Parin Homi Munshi. More recipes in cookbook. Order HERE. Ingredients 6 cups milk or 3 cups heavy cream 1 slice bread 3 eggs 1 cup sugar 2 tsp vanilla essence OR 1 tsp Rose Essence 3 […]
These are awesome. Simply baked with olive oil, salt and black pepper they come out crunchy. Very good and healthy for all ages. Ingredients 1 Can of Garbanzo, Chickpeas 2 Tbs of Olive oil Salt to taste Black Pepper to taste Method 1) Preheat the oven to 400 degrees 2) Rinse the […]
Ceremonies prior to the marriage Rupiya Peravanu Rupiya Peravanu literally means gifting rupees in Gujarati language. This ceremony marks the unofficial engagement when both the families acknowledge the acceptance of the marriage alliance. On this day, ladies from the groom’s family pay a visit to the bride’s house. The bride is presented with a gift […]
Chicken with Apricots / Jardalu ma Marghi * Jardalu ma marghi is one of those fruit-and-meat dishes that reach far back into ancient Parsi culinary history, long before the migration to India. The starring ingredient in this royal dish is a type of apricot that comes to us from central Asia. Its scientific name is […]
Serves 6 Ingredients Spice ingredients for one pot of tea: 1/2 of a star anise star 10-12 whole cloves 7 whole allspice or 1/4 tsp ground allspice powder *See photo below 1 heaping teaspoon of cinnamon bark (or 2 short sticks) 7 whole white peppercorns 1 cardamon pod opened to the seeds Other ingredients: 1 […]
This fish shaped dessert is very popular among the Indian Parsi community. It is molded in the shape of a fish because the fish is a symbol for fertility and good luck. It can be sliced and eaten as dessert. Storage Instructions: Can be kept outside for 2 or 3 days, refrigerated for a couple […]
Yalda on December 21 is celebrated in many parts of the world. Eating watermelon in the winter is believed to keep you healthy in the new year. Watermelon seeds are one of the items in the health food – parsi vasanu and the gujarati word is “char jat nu magaj”. Pumpkin and Watermelon seeds keep […]
Yes, saffron is considered both a spice and a herb, often called a “herbal spice,” because it comes from the flower’s stigmas (spice part) but is used extensively in traditional medicine like other herbs, offering color, flavor, and health benefits. While technically a spice from the Crocus sativus flower, its powerful medicinal uses, aroma, and use in herbal […]
This pickled cranberry sauce goes with Thanksgiving Roasted Turkey. If you do not have the time (one week) to pickle the cranberries, you can make it with fresh cranberries. Recipe for pickled cranberries. (These cranberries are almost like the Indian Bor we used to get in India) 1 cup fresh cranberries, not dried. 1 cup […]
Today, the beginning of thanksgiving week, we are thankful for everyone & everything in our lives 💖🙏💝 It is starting to smell like Thanksgiving in our home. We have started the brining process for the turkey. Thanksgiving Turkey 🦃 series – Day 1 Brine the bird Wash the turkey well, rinse and add the brine […]
Thanksgiving Turkey 🦃 series – Day 2 Flip the bird and stuff it.
Wash and Chop 2 long sticks of Celery.
Saute in 1 tsp of oil for 3 minutes. Cool.
Take out the Turkey from refrigerator.
Flip the bird in the pot and open the cavity.
Fill the cavity with sauted celery.
Cover pot and put it in the refrigerator.
By Rita Kapadia Recipe for Agarni Ladva Boondi: 2 1/2 cups gram flour (not superfine variety) 500 ml. milk (optional to remove sugar impurity) 1/2 tsp. cardamom powder 3 cups ghee for deep frying 2 fine hole shallow strainer metal spoons, or use a colander with holes (be innovative) 1/2 tsp vanilla or rose essence […]
Edible Candy Turkeys You will need: Bag of Candy Corn Cupcake containers Blanched Almonds for garnish Reeses Peanut Butter Cups Oreo Cookies with thick cream center Chocolate covered Raisins Assemble: Take a Oreo cookie and stick a peanut butter for the turkey body. Stick a chocolate covered raisin on top for the head of the […]
All those Biharis in a position to remember the smells and flavours of their breakfasts from the 1950s-60s, may jump at the mention of Polson butter. It may please them to know of a very intimate connection between Pestonji Edulji Dalal, the founder of Polson butter and Patna. The library at the National Dairy Development […]
A historic Parsi dinner was held at Mansion House, the official residence and office of the Lord Mayor of London, last Friday evening. Food was a significant highlight of the evening, with award-winning celebrity chef Cyrus Todiwala crafting a typical Parsi menu. The dinner was a “feast of memory, a taste of Bombay recreated in […]
What is Britannia and Co famous for? The restaurant is famous for its authentic Parsi food. What should I order at Britannia and Co? Go for the iconic Berry Pulao, Sali Boti Mutton or the chicken cutlets. Recipe by Rita > Britannia Sali Boti – specialty of famous Britannia restaurant in Mumbai.
Red hot mutton cooked to perfection amid sizzling hot spices, crowned with beautiful golden potato shreds. (Salli) by Rita Jamshed Kapadia Ingredients 4-5 Tbsp of oil 1 bowl of chopped onions 2 Tbsp ginger garlic paste 300 gm of boneless mutton or chicken 1 tsp red chilli powder 1/2 tsp of turmeric powder 1 1/2 […]
Parsi Sandhra – An ancient delicacy. Sandhra are fluffy white pancake like delicacy. They are made from rice flour that is kept to rise. You got to make them to know the taste of bygone days!
Finding specific Parsi community restaurants in Paris, France can be challenging, as the community is smaller compared to India and is often integrated within a broader Persian/Iranian or Indian culinary landscape. The Association Zoroastrian de France (AZF) is the organization that brings together Zoroastrians in France. Activities Challenges faced One of the challenges faced by the AZF […]
Tomato and Eggs go well together. A parsi favorite anyday. Served with toast on the side is my favorite way to enjoy this classic. It is a sweet and spicy dish with ginger, garlic and hot peppers. Recipe INGREDIENTS 1 lb ripe tomatoes 1 tsp. salt Grind together l/2 tsp. cumin seeds 8 cloves garlic […]
Independence Day is celebrated annually on 15 August as a public holiday in India commemorating the nation’s independence from the United Kingdom on 15 August 1947. On this day the Indian Independence Act 1947 came into effect, transferring legislative sovereignty to the Indian Constituent Assembly. India attained independence following the independence movement noted for largely […]
Parsi Style Dudh Na Puff (Milk froth) Cold Foam Serves 3-6 glasses Recipe for Cold Foam Dudh na Puffs Ingredients 2 Cups Milk 1/2 Cup Sugar 1 drop Rose essence (optional) Method Boil milk to a full boil. Add sugar and boil for 5 minutes Cool and refrigerate overnight in covered airtight glass bowl Add […]
INGREDIENTS: INSTRUCTIONS: How To Make Kaju Katli: 1. Begin by placing 1 1/2 cups of whole cashews in the freezer for 10–15 minutes. 2. Once they are slightly cold, add them to your mixer or blender and grind them into a coarse powder. PRO TIP: Do not over-grind, as this can cause the cashews to […]
Did you know Bhakra are similar to Varadhvara? Varadhvara are made fresh and served at Weddings to the guests. Read about the wedding ceremonies. Recipe from Rita’s cookbook “Parsi Cuisine: Manna of the 21st Century” 750 grams fine wheat flour 350 grams semolina (Ravo) 400 grams castor sugar 500 grams pure ghee 1 ½ tsp. […]
A quick and easy fish curry. Ingredients 1 lb salmon fillets (I used salmon fillets but any fish like cod, haddock or shrimps can be used.)3 tsp marchu lasan (Green Chillies and garlic minced together)3 tsp Besan / Chick pea flourDry curry spice powder: 1 tsp each of turmeric, red chilli or paprika, cumin and […]
Navroze / Nowruz / Nooruz Commemorated in a grand and elaborate fashion, preparations for Navroze begin well in advance. Houses are cleaned to remove all the cobwebs and painted new. They are then adorned with different auspicious symbols, namely, stars, butterflies, birds and fish. New attires are ordered and made especially for the festival. On […]
I did this with French Beans and the house came down on me!!! – Rita In reference to quote “Homogenising the ingredients made it easy for Mahrukh to sneak some nutrition into her unsuspecting children’s diet. “Mum would grind all kinds of veggies into the dhansak without letting us know. Once she added beetroot, and […]
10 days of Muktad along with the holy days of Gatha Food cooked for Muktad prayers is kept on a table set aside with the Afargan. Items like Malido, Daran, Papri for chasni are prepared. After the prayers are done the food is partaken of with clean hands.
Papdi to eat with Malido from the famous Vividh Vani cookbook Recipe translated from Gujarati to English by Rita Jamshed Kapadia Click here for the Guide to Old Measures Ingredients 1 tipri Wheat Flour (See tipri measure) 1/4 lb Sugar (fine barik) Method Mix above with little water to make a very tight dough. Keep for 1 […]
From Nonna’s Kitchen: A Trip to Mumbai Anna Francese Gass runs a website “Heirloom Kitchen” where she chronicles her cooking escapades with grandmothers. One such grandmother she cooked with is Khurshid Mehta of New York. Anna writes… One of my favorite aspects of cooking with Nonnas is not just the recipes I learn but also the stories behind […]