As we enter the month of Ramzan, we sniff out the best iftar treats around town, with a little help from city chefs
As we enter the month of Ramzan, we sniff out the best iftar treats around town, with a little help from city chefs
Ramzan is a special time of the year for foodies in Mumbai. Iftar parties and iftar special delicacies line up on streets around the city, having patrons spoilt for choice post sunset. Come the holy month, there’s much more than Mohammed Ali Road to look forward to — food wise, with pockets of the city like Byculla, Masjid and Colaba playing hosts to iftari food connoisseurs. We get celebrity chefs to recommend their favourite joints to go to during Ramzan and their choice of iftar specials for the season.
Narinder Singh I love the creamy and rich firni at Suleman Mithaiwala at Mohammed Ali Road. It’s a special treat, so I don’t indulge in it often, but during Ramzan, I like to make the trip to enjoy the luscious and decadent firni. It’s a traditional dish I hold very dear. Another place I like to visit specially during Ramzan is Taj Ice Centre at Mohammad Ali Road. Another place I would definitely recommend people go to during Ramzan is Shalimar Restaurant in Bhendi Bazaar. Narinder is the executive chef at True Tramm Trunk
Rakesh Talwar For me, Ramzan is incomplete without mutton khichda from Delhi Darbar, Colaba, as well as their chicken white. There’s also the chicken matka and dahiwala chicken that Lucky Restaurant in Bandra serves up. The chicken matka is made in thick tomato gravy with spices and goes best with a tandoori roti. The dahiwala chicken, on the other hand, is a personal favourite since I’m a no-chilly person. The sourness of the curd goes so well with the right amount of spices they add. I go for a crispy naan with the dish and top it off with my favourite dessert, firni. Rakesh is the head chef and at Atlas Hospitality.
Kshama Prabhu Ramzan is a foodie treat in more ways than one. Places near the Mahim Dargah are quintessentially authentic and hospitable at the same time — they will always serve you with a smile. There are some really good treats to discover, especially the baby falooda. My other Ramzan favourites include the tundey kebabs in Jogeshwari, because they simply melt in your mouth and the meat quality and marinades are outstanding. Also, for those who prefer a more sit-down kind of experience, the galouti kebabs from Kakori House are also worthy of mention. I love all meats and the flavour profiles of these kebabs are exquisite and rare. Kshama is the executive chef at The Bar Stock Exchange
Hardik Parekh As the holy month of Ramzan starts, going out to get the real taste of authentic food is a must. Everyone I know — me included — goes down to the best known places to relish and savour authentic delicacies. My personal favourite is Noorani Milk Centre, that serve up some great malpua and rabdi. It is situated next to Minara Masjid. You cannot beat Delhi Darbar in Colaba for their authentic biryani and the firni. Hardik is the executive chef at Light House Cafe.
