ITP Indian Travel Places: Food, Travel, Tourism Business Events and Trade Shows
Phone: 022 61876818
Address: The Orb, 1st Floor, Unit 11 A & B, IA Project Road, Navpada, Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Chakala, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Time: 11 AM – 3 PM, 7 PM – 12 Midnight
Meals for two: Rs. 2,100
Cuisines: Parsi
Facilities: Full Bar Available, Table booking recommended, Smoking Area, Indoor Seating, Luxury Dining
I’m addicted to Parsi food. And criss cross Mumbai looking for it. So, when I heard that Jumjoji (at Bandra Reclamation, which shut several years ago) has been born again, I rushed to check out one of my most favorite cuisines with my favorite people.
From fabulously curated Parsi food walks to equally fab international tours, this lovely bubbly food and travel writer, has been making waves. And of course, knows her Parsi food really well. Roxanne Bamboat is the tiny taster with a huge fan following.
Make-up artist to the who’s who and celebrities, Tejas Shah is a celebrity himself. From natural to outlandish, this genius is in great demand for print, runway, bridal, TV and film work. It is his birthday celebration time and what better than Parsi food? Tejas, who is great fun, is a dyed in the drool foodie, most of his friends are Parsis and he loves Parsi food. We have a super afternoon. But would we make a special trip? Not really.
Jumjoji: The Parsi Diner, Chakala, Mumbai – Decor
It’s called the ‘Orb’ and it is a sprawling gleaming shop and dine mall nudged next to the JW Marriott, still work in progress. Tucked away here, Jumjoji charms with its decor. Tiled floor, chandeliers, sepia toned photos, antique typewriter et al.
Jumjoji: The Parsi Diner, Chakala, Mumbai – Food
You must read their menu with great care. It’s wittily written. Each dish is credited to a Parsi aunty or uncle. We ordered across the menu at lunch time. I went back for a quick recheck (after landing at T2) and tried their vegetarian dishes. It’s the soft, springy mutton kababs with just the right sparkle of spice that we recommend. The rest of the dishes, though attractively served, lacked the authentic Parsi flavour.
Minus Points:
It’s a comprehensive menu, which included all Parsi favorites (they’d made an effort to add in vegetarian dishes, too) but almost all dishes disappointed. Be it the creamy soft Akuri, the green coriander coconut chutney steamed Patra ni Macchi, sweet, spicy Saas ni Macchi, Kolmi Patio, robustly spiced staple Dhansak, Berry Pulao — all lacked punch and zing. Stodgy Lagan nu Custard disappointed. No alcohol.
My Point:
Jumjoji charms with its decor, witty posters, nostalgia and wit. Sadly, the charm does not spill onto the plate. While Roxanne may drop in if she’s in the vicinity, we would not come back to Jumjoji till it gets its act together. However, we’d all certainly keep an eye on the Orb to check out what new restaurants are taking birth in this brand new gleaming cradle of hospitality.
