May 06, 2003 01:27 AM
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(Updated May 06, 2003 01:32 AM)
DORABJEE'S -- A landmark ''shack-eatery'', on Dastur Meher Road, parallel to Main Street, off M. G. Road in Pune, can seat only 30-35 persons at a go. It has always been a household name, for the last 115 years or so, to residents of Pune and regular Mumbai-ites, who frequent the city. As a matter of fact, city limits and the bridges are of no context when people come from far and wide, just to partake of the specialities of this really old place that hasn't changed a whit since 1888. It was started 115 years ago, by Dorabjee Sorabjee, and is now run by the fourth generation descendants of Sorabjee. It is one of the oldest and most famous restaurants, whose ''Biryanis,'' ''Chicken Farchas'', and a host of other dishes have retained their finger-licking taste. The ambience retains the old world charm.
The mouth-watering ''Mutton Dum Biryanis,'' egg-coated, deep-fried ''Cutlets,'' ''Dhansak'' for lunch, ''Mutton Kheema-Pav,'' and ''Akuri-on-Toast'' for breakfast, followed by a fantastic baked ''Egg Pudding,'' are the highlights of this place. Though the menu is limited, everything on it spells QUALITY. What makes the place a recipe for success, is their divine ''Mutton Biryani'' that is a bite over the rest, and is still going strong over a century, courtesy its reasonable pricing, apart from the unique flavour that comes from the Dorabjee's tradition of preparing the food over charcoal, and adding volumes to its unbeatable taste.
Jimmy or Darius, the owners, are mostly always behind the counter during their meal times, together with their old and new coterie of very courteous and friendly waiters, in a place with a very neat atmosphere, hygienic and clean, purified cold water and a decent washroom. But one cannot help pondering over the run-down condition of the place, especially as they can well afford to spruce it up, with the kind of success and fan-following they have. Unfortunately, this isn't possible because the family is involved in a long drawn court case . No structural changes have been made, and the place has retained its old world ambience, except for a lick of paint now and then and, of course, change of furniture.
Though their prices have more than tripled over the years, they have maintained their quality and quantity of food and service, and in fact, the place is decently done-up inside to give it a quaint Parsi ambience, which is quite apparent with most Parsi families over weekends, frequenting Dorabjee's, from all over Pune, and also from Mumbai, especially during the racing (horses) season.
Parking is not too easy to find, though not impossible, and, of course, no valet parking. All in all, a visit here is a must whenever in Pune.
P. S. The Management at Dorabjee's adheres extremely strictly to their timings. Breakfast by 0930 hours means Breakfast by 0930 hours. Lunch by 1400 hours means Lunch by 1400 hours. PERIOD. Haven't really been there for dinner, so am not in a position to advise dinner timings. Will find out sooner or later though. Thanks .... and ''Happy Munching !!''
