DORABJEE & SONS — Restaurant in Pune

[wrote this in 2023 for my blog]

On a laid-back Saturday afternoon, I discovered myself leisurely wandering through the streets of central Pune, my absolute favourite place to be in during the weekends. I was here scrolling the local shops, browsing Paithani Sarees, to buy my beloved mother a New Year’s gift.

The subtle rumblings of hunger in my stomach nudged me to make a beeline for Dorabjee's. Needless, to mention every time I’m in Central Pune I can smell their Dhansak from afar. Well, Dhansak is a Parsi dish, a vegetable soup full of lentils, with all the seasonal vegetables, infused together with the mild aromatic spices. At Dorabjee and Son's, the vegetarian menu boasts of two stars: the vegetable Dhansak and the veg Pulav. But if you are a non-vegetarian, you’re in for a treat.

So there I took a Rapido to Dorabjee’s, which was some 2/3 kms away. My charioteer? A kid, or as I now suspect, a Teenager. What put my nerves at ease, you ask? Oh, just his "007" tattoo proudly flaunting a James Bond gun, until, well, we almost turned a middle-aged pedestrian into an unwitting dancer. We almost hit the man. Miraculously, we survived the urban rollercoaster and triumphantly pulled up at Dorabjee's. The sheer relief I felt when I dismounted that Rapido was nothing short of a cinematic happy ending. Phew, indeed!

At around 4 we landed Dorabjee’s which was not very crowded but was filled in decent numbers. The waiter graciously ushered us to our table, strategically positioned at the end of the room. I have this weird affinity with the end spots – you know, the ones that offer a panoramic view of the entire scene. Call it a quirk, but there's something oddly soothing about having a back seat to the unfolding spectacle of life. It's like my brain can kick back and relax, knowing it has a handle on everything around. Back in the school days, I'd plop myself down in any old desk, but come university, oh, you'd find me on that coveted last bench, soaking in the reassuring breath of the room. It's the little joys, right?

While my food was being prepared, I was enjoying the antique vibe of the place, and the variety of people that were around me. Adjacent to me was a suave English-speaking gentleman, accompanied by his gorgeous date, I could feel the sexual tension next to me. Across the way, a quintessential Indian Saheb held court with his Lady and a surprisingly sophisticated son. Despite being knee-high, the young lad had the table manners of a miniature diplomat. Eating out always triggers my memory of that Chekhov gem: "A good upbringing means not that you won't spill sauce on the tablecloth, but that you won't notice it when someone else does." Ah, the symphony of spilled sauces and unspoken social grace!

It was a one page menu, grippy, and alluring. Every dish that was mentioned in the menu seemed to have a story to tell. For a moment it felt, I was on a gastronomical-blasphemy and the dishes were my concubines. We ordered, Chicken Cutlet, and Dum Biryani. The cutlet was crunchy, just how I wanted it to be, a little buttery, but butter is where the flavour comes from. Dum biryani was tasty, a culinary masterpiece. The chicken was so well cooked in Dum, not to mention that it melted in my soul.

What truly sets Dorabjee and Sons apart, in my humble opinion, is the rich tapestry of culture and tradition that they've diligently woven over the approaching 150 years. The food here has always been cooked in Kolse(Coal), and there’s always at least a family member in the kitchen. While enquiring about the place, I found the owner talk about the meat they serve, “less masala, less oil, and more of the authentic flavour of meat”, this exact idea is the reason why Dorabjee and Son’s have been seeing loyal customers, ranging from Thackeray, Nassiruddin Shah, Shatrughan Sinha, Kapoor Family, and Me, haha for the last 145...

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I recently had the pleasure of dining at A Restaurant, a truly vintage gem that has stood the test of time. From the moment you walk in, the restaurant transports you to a different era. The ambiance is charming and old-school, with wooden furniture, vintage decor, and a cozy, nostalgic vibe that instantly makes you feel at home. You can tell that A Restaurant has been a part of the local scene for many years, and its rich history is reflected in every corner of the place.

As a lover of traditional Indian food, I decided to try their biryani, which seemed to be one of their signature dishes. After hearing about its reputation for authentic flavors, I had high expectations, and I’m happy to say that the dish did not disappoint. The biryani was incredibly flavorful and aromatic, with a perfect balance of spices. The rice was cooked just right, and the meat was tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. It’s one of the tastiest biryanis I’ve had in a long time, and it certainly lived up to the hype.

However, while the taste was fantastic, I couldn’t help but feel that the dish was overpriced. At such a high price point, I expected a bit more in terms of portion size or additional accompaniments, but it felt like you were mainly paying for the ambiance and the history that comes with the restaurant. For the price, I would have appreciated either a larger portion or at least a complimentary side dish or drink. This is one area where the restaurant might want to reconsider its pricing, especially for those who come expecting value along with great taste.

In terms of service, I found it to be quite good. The staff were courteous, attentive, and knowledgeable about the menu. They were happy to make recommendations and answer any questions I had about the dishes. The food arrived in a reasonable amount of time, and the overall dining experience was relaxed and enjoyable.

The restaurant itself is a great place to dine if you appreciate a quiet, vintage setting, and it’s clear that many people come here as much for the ambiance as for the food. That said, if you’re dining on a budget or are particular about portion sizes for the price, you might find some dishes to be on the expensive side. While I personally enjoyed the meal, especially the biryani, I would have been more satisfied if the pricing felt more in line with the portion sizes and overall value.

In conclusion, A Restaurant is a great spot if you’re looking for a trip down memory lane and some truly delicious, authentic biryani. However, be prepared to pay a premium for the experience. I would recommend it for special occasions or if you’re in the mood to enjoy a unique dining experience in a vintage setting, but if you’re just after a good biryani at a reasonable price, you might want to explore...

Dorabjee & Sons Restaurant, located in the heart of Pune’s bustling Camp area, is a culinary gem that has stood the test of time since its establishment in 1878. Stepping into Dorabjee's feels like stepping into a bygone era, with its charmingly old-fashioned decor and ambiance that speak of its rich history. This iconic eatery is synonymous with authentic Parsi cuisine, making it a must-visit for both locals and visitors who crave a taste of tradition.

The menu at Dorabjee’s is a delightful exploration of Parsi and Irani culinary heritage. A standout dish that you simply cannot miss is the Mutton Dhansak, a flavorful concoction of lentils and meat, served with caramelized rice and a tangy kachumber salad. The meat is tender, and the spices are perfectly balanced, making every bite a hearty and comforting experience. Another favorite is the Salli Boti, which features succulent pieces of mutton cooked in a rich, slightly sweet tomato gravy, topped with crispy potato straws. This dish perfectly captures the essence of Parsi flavors—sweet, sour, and savory.

For those who prefer chicken, the Chicken Farcha, a Parsi-style fried chicken, is a delightful appetizer. It is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, with a subtle blend of spices that tease the palate without overwhelming it. The Berry Pulao, another signature dish, is a harmonious blend of fragrant rice, tender meat, and tart barberries, creating a symphony of flavors that is both unique and satisfying.

Dorabjee’s also caters to vegetarian palates with dishes like the Veg Dhansak and Paneer Akuri, a spicy scrambled paneer that is perfect for breakfast or a light meal. Accompanied by freshly baked bread or pav, these dishes are both hearty and flavorful.

The service at Dorabjee’s is warm and welcoming, with a staff that is knowledgeable about the menu and eager to share the history behind each dish. The restaurant’s atmosphere is relaxed, making it an ideal spot for family gatherings or a quiet meal alone.

In conclusion, Dorabjee & Sons Restaurant offers more than just a meal; it offers an experience steeped in tradition and history. Whether you are a connoisseur of Parsi cuisine or a curious foodie, a visit to Dorabjee’s is sure to be a memorable...