Enter Soda Bottle Opener Wala and you feel like your old Irani café just got a makeover, a quirky one at that
Soda Bottle Opener Wala (SBOW) is a chain of all-day dine-in bistro with branches in Mumbai and Delhi. It serves popular Parsi delicacies as well as some Iranian / Persian signature dishes. I was invited along with a bunch of enterprising mothers from JAMM’s, for lunch, to sample their food at the newly opened branch in Powai, Mumbai.
The Decor
What bowls you over much before their food is the vibrant and lively decor.
For me the only thing that needs to be good at a restaurant is its food; the décor, service and other such criterias are usually secondary. But in case of SBOW let me talk about the décor and the general “happy vibes” that I felt just by being there.
It took me exactly 20 minutes to soak in the sights of this modernized Iranian café, before I set my eyes on the menu. Witty posters sandwiched between the table cloth and it’s glass top, funky objects pinned onto the wall, the restaurant rule board, antique lighting suspended from the ceiling, bawa’s family tree frames, typical Iranian café wooden chairs, the tiled floor, all capture your attention instantly. Every single corner of this establishment resonates fun and creativity. Not a dull moment anywhere.
I was told by friends who had been there earlier that the place gives you a positive feel and for me it really turned out to be a “happy vibe” place to hangout with friends, colleagues or even with kids.
The Food
Food at SBOW is a pleasant change from the regular speciality restaurants. Mainly because there aren’t many dedicated places serving just Parsi fare, it is always offered along with other cuisines and somewhere the authentic touch in preparing the dishes is lost. So, for Parsi food this is a place to try.
What we were served at Soda Bottle Opener Wala
Starters / Sides
• Chicken Baida Roti – Minced chicken wrapped in egg layered, wheat roti. Very close to the ones you get at the road side stalls. One word – delicious!
• Kolmi Fry – Succulent prawns wrapped with onion rings and deep fried, this is quite a delicacy.
• Chicken Farcha – A popular Parsi starter of batter fried chicken strips. Reminded me of the KFC strips in a way.
• Mushroom on Khari – The humble tea time bake khari gets a creamy topping of mushrooms and white sauce. Seems like an in-house specialty.
Mains
• Anaida’s Irani Haleem – Mildy spiced, this mixture of mashed wheat and meat is a treat. Loved the perfectly done “barista” (sliced fried onion) on it.
• Bohri Keema Pav – Saucy minced meat, spiced to perfection transports you to Bohri Mohalla.
• Prawns Patio – Mildly spiced gravy with perfectly done prawns.
• Berry Pulao – The pulao is similar to fried rice minus the vegetables but graced with special Iranian zar berries which give the dish its name.
• Chicken / Mutton Dhansak – Attractively served in a 3 compartment “dabba” (tiffin) which holds the gravy, rice and onion salad respectively. The dish is traditionally prepared when there is a death in the family and so it is a humble mix of lentils and meat which are cooked with minimal spices. Nothing fancy but gives you a feeling of wholesomeness.
• Patra ni Machi – A Parsi staple of fish steamed in banana leaf. Found it bland and the fresh not too fresh.
• BreachCandy Okra – Deepfried Okra (lady finger) on a bed of tangy tomato based sauce. Not something I did order :-
Desserts
• Mawa Cakes – Their mawa cakes are freshly baked in-house, at every outlet and are a succulent delicacy not to be missed.
• Aunty Jeero’s Tobelerone Mousse – Are you a chocolate lover? Then DONOT miss this one.
• Parsi Dairy Kulfi – If you can’t get to Parsi Dairy then fret not. SBOW brings it to you. Worth trying once, if you haven’t already.
• Lagan Nu Custard – The infamous baked egg dessert of the Parsis had to be good.
• Red Velvet Brownie – Moist and usual brownie. Nothing exceptional.
Mocktails
• Sekanje Bin – I absolutely loved this unique concoction of plums, mint and soda. You shall not stop at one.
• Raspberry Soda – Attractive looking, refreshing, pulpy fluid to sip on throughout the meal. This is a signature drink at Irani cafes.
What I recommend you should try at Soda Bottle Openerwala
Sekanje Bin
Chicken Baida Roti
Chicken Farcha
Kolmi Fry
Anaida’s Irani Haleem
Chicken / Mutton Dhansak
Aunty Jeero’s Tobelerone Mousse
Mawa Cakes
Other facts
Location – Powai. Bang on JVLR, near the Powai Plaza junction. It replaces the Pizza Hut outlet.
Parking – Valet available
Timings – Noon to Midnight
Meal for 2 costs – Rs.800 to Rs.1000 minus the taxes
Alcohol served – Yes
Suitable for – Formal & Informal meals. Can take family and kids along.
Have you been to any of the SBOW outlets? Do share your experiences & photos with me.
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Till then, Love Being a Mommy!
Being a Mommy 