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What’s Your Favourite Veg Parsi Dish?

Think of ‘Parsi cuisine’ and your mind is flooded with a plethora of non-vegetarian delicacies – from sali-boti to patra-ni-macchi… mutton dhansak, lacy cutlets and chicken farchas and who can forget the meme-worthy ‘eedu on everything’! Which is why, when we asked community members to share their favourite Parsi ‘vegetarian’ dish, many responded with: “Ehh?!?!?” But behold… Parsi cuisine has a vegetarian universe too! The enthusiastic response comprising delicious veg delights nearly converted us. NEARLY!

Community Members share their preference on their favourtie Vegetarian Parsi Dish:

Dr. Ruzwin D Desai [Dentist]: It has to be the Veg Stew! It transports me to childhood holidays at my Granny’s… waking up to the irresistible aroma of Parsi veg stew – my nose twitching, eyes widening in hungry anticipation of that mouth-watering treat! Granny always said, “Life’s like Stew’ – a little sweet, little sour, sometimes tangy, sometimes spicy and yet always soft and enjoyable!”

Sarosh Dastoor [IT Professional]: If there’s one dish that can melt my stress faster than my mother-in-law announcing the end of her stay, it’s Bhaji-dana! A humble yet heroic combo of leafy greens and peas simmered in the tastiest soul-hugging gravy. And the Surti Bhaji-dana – a total masterpiece! One bite with soft rotlis or rice, and the world feels right again. It’s comfort, nostalgia and happiness served in a bowl!

Farida Contractor [Home Chef]: My favourite Parsi veg dish is Paapri or green flat beans – in fact, this is the season for them! It tastes amazing when spiced just right – I’d also won a prize in a cooking competition with Paapri! I typically marinate it a day in advance using all raw ingredients with little oil and cook it next day with lots of garlic. Those wondering what Parsi vegetarian dish to have, prepare it right away! It’s just Yummazing!

Eric Bhiwandiwalla [Class VII Student]: For me, it would have to be our famous, flavourful dhansak dal – an incredibly tasty comfort food. The pulses and vegetables, slow-cooked with dhansak masala and mix of vegetables like brinjal, pumpkin and methi is a perfect balance of flavours. Served with fragrant brown rice and protein-rich soya kababs with ‘kachubar’, it leaves me eagerly awaiting the words: ‘Jamva Chalo Ji!’

Jeniffer Daruvala [HR Professional]: This question made my brain freeze! Parsi and vegetarian in the same sentence just doesn’t compute for me! I choose Vasanu – an energy-packed winter speciality made with the kind of love (and ghee) only Parsis understand! A spoonful of vasanu and you’re ready to fight Siberian winters – or at least a Mumbai December. I could finish an entire box in one go!

Farhad Chichgar [Ret’d]: My absolute favourite is Titori – every time I have it, it brings back nostalgic memories of my late mamaiji who made it like a Michelin chef! I enjoy its slight crunch from the sprouted Vaal beans and onions. It’s soft, creamy texture is drool worthy and the sweet-sour-tangy (khatto-mittho) taste gives the dish an extra zing. Paired with some lemon wedges and garma-garam rotlis, it’s a testament to magic found in life’s simple pleasures!

Roxanne H. Shroff [Class V Student]: I enjoy Sev-Dahi! It’s made at home on every happy occasion – I simply love the combination of the fried, sweet sev with mitthu dahi. Just one bite fills me up with warmth and happiness from inside and reminds me of all the good times spent with my loved ones!

Neville Pithawalla [AGM, Indamer Aviation]: Okra or Bhido is my favourite vegetable and my favourite dish is ‘bhida-ma-kando’. Easily prepared and high on flavour, it’s super for health too as it contains magnesium, antioxidants, fibre and vitamins and helps in controlling blood sugar. Then there’s always the option of adding the ultimate Parsi garnish – our beloved eedu – and eating it as the yummy ‘bhida par eedu’!

Daisy Udwadia [Home-maker]: My all-time favourite has always been Tareli Vengna-ni-Pori (fried brinjal slices). This crispy and spicy treat, coated with masalas and pan-fried to golden perfection, delivers the perfect crunch outside and a soft, melt-in-the-mouth centre. In our home, the moment the dish is set on the table, siblings became wrestlers, adults turned referees and someone’s always shouting, “Please count how many you took!”

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