While the mystique of Irani cafes continues to gain popularity with look-alike ventures capitalizing on their appeal, attempts to popularize Parsi cuisine are also gaining ground. The 15 people who assembled on April 14, 2019 at the Hyderabad home of Dr Ssonu Irroni and her filmmaker son Jehangir (see "Suicide at the cinema,” Parsiana, August 7, 2018) to imbibe Parsi culture and cuisine, all belonged to sister communities, except for the writer of this piece. The diverse group included the owner of a beauty parlour and spa, a model, an actor, a businessman, a yoga teacher, a restaurateur, people from the information technology sector, employees of multinational companies and a Scottish visitor to Hyderabad.
Jehangir (l) and Ssonu Irroni: offering a curated culinary experience
Welcomed with a ses and a sprinkling of rosewater, the guests were fascinated by the colorful chalk, divo and photographs of the Irroni’s ancestors. A short documentary video on the arrival of the Parsis in India was screened. The meal prepared by Ssonu included akuri, pav, masoor, Parsi stew and chicken dhansak. Dessert comprised of mithu dahi and sev. "This concept to make Parsi culture known through food was very well received,” said Ssonu.
Sophia Khan of Offbeat Tracks, a travel company that curates novel experiences for their customers and had joined hands with the Irronis for this event, called the experience "great... People enjoyed the whole cultural aspect,” she noted. Beyniaz Edulji