Irani café


Irani cafés are Iranian-style cafés in the Indian subcontinent. They were originally opened by Zoroastrian Irani immigrants to British India in the 20th century, fleeing Islamic persecution in West and Central Asia. In India, Mumbai and Hyderabad boasts a number of Irani cafés, which are very popular for Irani chai. In the 1950s, there were 350 Irani cafés; today, only 25 remain. Karachi, Pakistan, was also home to many Irani cafés.

History

They were originally opened by Zoroastrian Irani immigrants to British India in the 20th century after they fled from Islamic persecution in West and Central Asia.
Writing for the Hindu Business Line, on "Mumbai's Irani hotspots", Sarika Mehta stated, "The classic format of these cafes is basic with a subtle colonial touch; high ceilings with black, bent wooden chairs, wooden tables with marble tops and glass jars that allow a peek into the goodies they hold. With huge glass mirrors on the walls to create a feeling of space, visitors are greeted with eagerness and a whiff of baking. The speed of operations is impressive and service quite hassle-free."

Fare

Mumbai cafés may serve bun maska or brun-maska, and paani kam chai, or khari chai, mutton samosas, and kheema pav, akuri, berry pulao, vegetable puff, vegetarian/chicken dhansak and biryani, cherry cream custard, cheese khari biscuits, plain khari biscuits, coconut jam and milk biscuits and Duke's raspberry drink.
Many Irani cafés offer sweet and salted biscuits like rawa, til-rawa coconut, nan-khatai, Madeira cake.

Cultural references

wrote a poem based on instruction boards found in his favourite Irani café: the defunct Bastani and Company in Dhobi Talao, Mumbai.

Footnotes