Exploring Mumbai's Ramazan Delights: A Phirni Expedition

As the sun dipped below the horizon and the call to prayer echoed through Mumbai's streets, I embarked on a personal journey to savour the flavours of Ramazan. My singular goal was to sample the renowned phirni’s offered in the city. Fueled by anticipation and a growling stomach, I eagerly embarked on this adventure.

My first stop had to be Mohammed Ali Road, a bustling hub of Ramazan festivities. Navigating through the maze of stalls and eager crowds, I finally zeroed upon a vendor displaying an array of mouth watering phirni. The creamy dessert, served in small clay pots, was a revelation of flavours – rich, sweet and infused with the essence of cardamom and saffron. With each spoonful, I felt myself being transported to a realm of culinary bliss.

Noorani Milk And Sweet Centre
I ventured to Noorani Milk And Sweet Centre to delve deeper into this exploration. Upon arrival, I was welcomed with gracious hospitality and presented with a pre-prepared assortment of phirnis, featuring three distinct flavours: mango, malai and kesar. Served in a traditional manner, the dessert provided a soothing blend of sweetness and creaminess. The mango-flavoured phirni evoked memories of indulging in mango ice cream, with just the right amount of sweetness.

Shalimar Restaurant
Next, I ventured to Shalimar Restaurant, a legendary establishment steeped in history. When I took my first bite of their phirni, I knew I had discovered something truly exceptional. The texture was velvety smooth, the flavours perfectly balanced, and each spoonful left me yearning for more.

Shabbir’s Tawakkal Sweets
As my adventure through Mumbai's Ramazan festivities continued, I made my way to another renowned sweet shop: Tawakkal Sweets. Nestled in a vibrant newly redeveloped neighbourhood of Bhindi Bazar, this iconic establishment beckons the promise of exquisite desserts.

Entering Tawakkal Sweets, I was greeted by the sight of trays filled with an enticing array of traditional sweets, each more tempting than the other. Among them was their famed phirni, which is hailed by locals and visitors alike. Eager to taste this celebrated delicacy, I placed my order and watched as the skilled artisans behind the counter brought the phirni to my table in an earthenware bowl, garnished with kesar and a lavish portion of chopped almonds.

With the first spoonful, I was transported to a realm of pure delight. Tawakkal Sweets' phirni was all things rich and creamy, with a twinge of rose water.

Jaffer Bhai’s Delhi Darbar
Finally, I concluded my phirni expedition at Jaffer Bhai's Delhi Darbar, a culinary gem known for its exquisite Mughlai cuisine. Here, the phirni was served with grandeur – in an ornate bowl adorned with silver leaf. The texture of the phirni here was luxurious and velvety, with a slightly grainy feel from the ground rice. It had a slightly thick consistency that held its shape when scooped but was still soft and creamy to the palate.

Reflecting on my experience, I realized that my journey had been more than just a quest for delicious food – it was a celebration of culture, tradition, and the spirit of Ramazan. In each bite of phirni, I tasted the rich tapestry of Mumbai's culinary heritage, reaffirming my love for this vibrant city. At that moment, surrounded by the sights and sounds of Mumbai's bustling streets, I found solace and joy in the simple pleasures of indulging in the flavours of Ramadan. It was a culinary experience that will linger in my memory long after Ramazan has ended, a testament to the city's rich culinary heritage and the spirit of celebration that defined this festive season.