Proud Parsi that I am, I like visiting Udvada for quite another reason – the food! This has to be the only town where you can feast like a king on all kinds of Parsi food without having to wait for that elusive Parsi wedding invite.

Early breakfast at Ahura’s
While several trains departing from Mumbai can take you to Udvada, I recommend a road trip as an early breakfast at Ahura is a worthy highway pit stop. Located just after Charoti on the NH8, Ahura is the best way to start your Parsi food extravaganza.

While they also serve the traditional South Indian fare, what you really want to order is their salli per eedu. Parsis’ the world over have a fascination with breaking an egg over just about anything and the salli per eedu made with fine potato sticks, egg and spiced tomato is an ideal way to start the day. In true ‘bawa’ style, accompany the eggs with a hot cup of Parsi style ‘fudina ni choi’.

A second breakfast in Udvada
Udvada is still about two hours away from Ahura so if you don’t binge, you will have space for the traditional Udvada Parsi breakfast of aleti paleti, khurchan and kheema pav. While kheema pav is self-explanatory and a popular dish in many Irani cafes (though it always tastes better in Udvada!), you may not have tried the offal fiesta that is aleti paleti (a toss-up of chicken organs) or khurchan (a mix of goat organs). Both these dishes cooked-up with the unique Parsi-style garam masala and served with freshly baked bread are a must-try for those who love a meaty start to their day.

Fish and some more meat for lunch
There aren’t many places to stay in Udvada and if you’re smart you will have booked into either Globe, Ashishvangh, J.J. Sanitorium or Sodawaterwala. All of these serve-up delicious Parsi food so there is no need for you to go hunting for food. However, if you’re staying elsewhere, make sure you head to one of these places for a mid-day meal worth lusting after.

While the menus change daily, if luck is in your favour you will get to try all three delicacies – the fried fish, some kind of kebab and pulao dar. Generally, the fried fish on offer will be the mullet, commonly called ‘Boi’ which comes marinated in turmeric and red chilli powder. Follow this up with a side of either chicken Russian pattice, kheema kebabs or bheja na cutlets and a tall chilled glass of sunta raspberry or ice cream soda while you soak up some Vitamin D.

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