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Director Imtiaz Ali who wrote and produced the ‘She’ that is currently streaming on Netflix recently took a trip to one of Mumbai’s oldest bakeries with a couple of friends, and took to Instagram to gush about the same. The ‘Jab We Met’ director was at Kayani and Co., probably one of Mumbai’s oldest surviving Irani café. “long live Kyani bakery, Metro, Mumbai”, he wrote in his Instagram story caption. Further, he also mentioned some of the legendary dishes of the café like “bun maska, kheema pav, caramel custard...”
Imtiaz Ali’s excitement is understandable too. For the uninitiated, the dwindling population of the Parsi community and the advent of plush and modern cafes are giving a stiff competition to heritage Irani cafes of the city. Kayani is the crown jewel of these Iranian-style coffee houses set up by Zoroastrian migrants in the 20th century. Oozing with vintage charm, Kayani still manages to pull old customers and new simply for its delicious offerings ranging from sandwiches, burgers, chicken pattice, mutton pattice, burjee, Parsi-style omelette, sausages, mawa cake, bun maska, Irani chai, Khari biscuit et al. All the dishes continue to be reasonably-priced, which is another major reason why Mumbai is never going to get enough of Kyani and Co., come what may.
Instagram @imtiazalistoryteller and @a_tall_soul_
Kyani Bakery founded by Mr. Khodram Marezaban in 1904, was established with the aim of bringing the best of Parsi snacks and baked goods to general Mumbaikars. Not to be confused with Kyani bakery of Pune, Kyani and Co. Is said to be the oldest, functional Irani café in town. Do not expect fancy marbles or seating either, the rustic chairs, the classic red and white table mats, the slightly-worn out wooden shelves with glass panes giving you a peek of biscuits, cookies and muffins that makes Kyani and Co. truly special in its own right, and worth all the wait.
