Tanaz Godiwalla is a well-known name in the Parsi community, thanks to her role in her family’s catering business, Godiwalla Caterers. After her father passed away nearly 34 years ago, she took the reins and has since expanded the business with a new venture called A Parsi Affair. Recently, she hosted a Parsi Bhonu pop-up in Delhi at Chor Bizarre, where she shared her thoughts on food, tradition, and authenticity.
In her journey, Tanaz faced challenges, especially when she decided to privatize her family business in 2019. This move aimed to protect her staff and improve operations, but just a year later, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, putting immense pressure on the catering industry. Despite the tough times, she managed to support her team, demonstrating her commitment to her staff and her business.
When it comes to Parsi cuisine, there’s a strong sense of tradition. Tanaz explains that Parsi food is rich with history and family recipes that have been passed down through generations. The small community takes great pride in their culinary heritage. She emphasizes the importance of keeping these authentic flavors alive, even as the world evolves.
Growing up in Mumbai, Tanaz was influenced by the city’s vibrant food culture. She fondly remembers enjoying warm bun maska and chai or kheema pav at local Parsi cafes. These experiences shaped her understanding of food and identity. In her words, "Certain tastes and smells stick with you." For her, these memories are woven into her identity and her cooking.
As times change, Tanaz recognizes the need to adapt. While she keeps traditional flavors at the heart of her dishes, she also innovates, introducing new appetizers to cater to modern palates. "You have to move with the times but keep the core flavors," she says.
Looking ahead, Tanaz has aspirations to bring A Parsi Affair to Delhi. While there are no specific plans yet, she is excited about the possibility of sharing Parsi flavors with more people.
According to a recent survey by the National Restaurant Association, many diners are increasingly interested in authentic ethnic cuisines, including Parsi food. This trend aligns with the global push towards preserving culinary heritage while embracing modern twists.
In summary, Tanaz Godiwalla’s story reflects a desire to honor the past while creating space for the future. By blending tradition with innovation, she not only keeps Parsi gastronomy alive but also enriches the culinary landscape for everyone. You can explore more about authentic Parsi cuisine and its significance in today’s culinary scene in this detailed report by the National Restaurant Association.
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