Nestled along the inner roads of the former Mahim Island, is
the newly opened quaint café “Irani
Chaii”. Aimed to revive the typical but dying Iranian Chai culture in
Mumbai, Mansoor Yezdi, started this café that welcomes people of all walks of
life looking for that time out atmosphere in a routine driven city.
Born in Iran himself, Mansoor today, warmly welcomes every
individual amicably as his way of giving back to every Indian who once opened
their doors to the waves of Iranians coming to make it big in this Metropolis
in the 18th and 19th Century. Have a cup of tea with him
and you will soon be swept into a timeless movie studded with historical scenes
and modern entertainment; Mansoor candidly states that “All Iranians are diabetic from childhood as chai and sugar flow
through their veins”.
With his logo sporting the traditional friendship between
India and Iran which few diplomats could meet, Mansoor will never let you feel
alone as he has many a story to tell that range from his grandfather selling
tea at Apollo Bunder in his thick Irani accent or the Goans who graciously
helped them master the art of baking.
Proud of his quality and standards, food enthusiasts are
even given a guided tour of his kitchen and interestingly, this café has more
to bargain for. He takes the term Social Responsibility to the next level,
where he not just gives a good 10% discount to men in uniform but also to those
who arrive on a cycle as his way to giving back to Mother Nature. Same reason
to why he does not sell water at his café. He is also proud that all wood used
in his café is recycled teak wood sourced from deserted buildings.
And if culture and history are your game, then come down
grab a hot cup of tea, sit on old Polish furniture and catch him mouth a few
phrases in Farsi as he watches you through the myriad of mirrors that once
functioned as CCTVs. Even the table cloth used here is chequered, hand woven
and specially flown in from Iran.
In reality this café is the epitome of the Sanskrit Concept “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” meaning “the whole world is one family” beckoning you to return.
