About Batlivala & Khanabhoy, Alwarpet, Chennai
The country is finally waking up to Parsi cuisine. This ancient cuisine is a mix of old Persia settled in Gujarat. If that’s not versatile I don’t know what is. The cuisine was bought to the Indian soil in 8th century from Persia and settled on the west coast. Parsi food gained more development by adapting the Indian food habits and retaining some of its uniqueness. Bawis has a deep love for food which is evident in their cooking. Even their everyday dishes are prepared with excellence and buck-loads of flavour. Chennai has been invaded by Parsi cuisine by the arrival of ‘Batlivala & Khanabhoy’ in Alwarpet area. Foodies have started darkening their doorway with endless calls for food. In the city dominated by good old Italian, Chinese, Indian and Regional cuisine, Parsi food is like a breath of fresh air. Foodies find the Spartan interiors of the restaurant surprisingly refreshing.
Parsis save their flashiness for the food itself. They are simple creatures at heart and their surroundings reflects exactly so. Batlivala & Khanabhoy is being given a typical Iranian café look with basic wooden furniture and bare walls. The décor is homely and Spartan with flashes of quirkiness breaking the surface in between. Their hallway for example is a collage made out of multi-coloured cupboards that covers the entire wall on both sides. Inside your eyes meet a rather simple décor. In the name of Iranian theme they have mounted the walls with old-fashioned vintage Parsi advertisements. The vibe is casual, fun, creative and vintage. Service is mention-worthy. The staff is courteous and provides a smooth hassle-free dining experience. You can judge their authenticity by the presence of regular Parsi families.
Enjoy the traditional Parsi fare at Batlivala & Khanabhoy. While dining here won’t leave a heavy dent on your pocket it’s something you should take your time with. Menu is filled with classic Parsi delicacies like, bharuchi akoori, Sali per eedu cupcakes, cheese eeda cutlets, kheema kebabs, boti soti, suran na cutlets, lollypop na farcha, lagan sara istoo pattice, patra ni machchi, mamaiji’s prawn kebabs and chicken Russian pattice. It’s a carnivore’s haven. Most of the menu is non-vegetarian. In main course they prepare, cauliflower in coconut milk, Sali boti, Sali jardaloo chicken, gravy cutlets, kaju chicken, red prawn curry, dhansak, surf and turf nu pulao and kheema pav. You can’t walk away from here without tucking into their classic desserts i.e, lagan nu custard.
Insider Tips
- The compact space fills up quickly, and you have a good chance at spotting a Parsi family or two. The restaurant gets as noisy as an Irani café at teatime and it is a good idea to book ahead
- Parsis have little affection for vegetables, and contemptuous glares will not be unusual if you complain about the lack of vegetarian options at a traditional Parsi eatery. However, this is Chennai and Uday has tried his best to appease local taste buds without straying too far. Yam cutlets and veg dhansak are your best bets
- The service is noticeably courteous, though orders can take a while when the restaurant is buzzing. Try to order everything in one go for seamless dining
