Bohra Cuisine: An Ancient Cuisine that Continues to Endure!

Food has become an imperative catalyst in the process of cultural exchange. India is known for several of its mysticisms, one among them being known as a utopia of food. Facts state that India has more than 31 cuisines, some of which are still undiscovered. Mahati Salike talks to Khadija Kaukawala about one such offbeat Indian cuisine–The Bohra Thali  and reviews the vegetarian meal.

The Bohra thali is an originated Muslim cuisine, which serves several delectable and piquant vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. The term ‘Bohra’ is originally derived from the Gujarati term ‘vohrvu’ or ‘vyavahar’, which means ‘to trade.’ Originally from Iran, the Bohra Muslims are now spread all over the world, bringing with them their diverse and rich culture. 

This authentic thali begins with a pinch of salt. 

“We do this as consuming a pinch of salt refreshes the palate and relieves the intestines, as well as aids in the treatment of many ailments,” says Khadija. 

What’s more? Breaking the commonplace pattern of eating food, this thali is compelling as it begins with a dessert. As per the Bohra lilt, savoury foods are called ‘Kharaa’ and the sweet dishes are called the ‘Mithaas’. 

Unlike the regular walk-in restaurants and cafes, Khadija Kaukawala offers pre-booked and customised meals to her customers. Located in Thirumalgerry, she operates from her home. She says “We have moved to Hyderabad 4 years ago with the goal of acquainting people with our traditional cuisine and its delicacies.” Her menu offers 2 meals, which are a combination of various dishes – vegetarian and non-vegetarian thali.

The Vegetarian Thali

The Bohra meal is ceremoniously consumed sitting down on the floor. For this sit-down supper, a stainless-steel round frame called a ‘Tarana’ serves as an improvised dining area. The ‘Tarana’ is topped with a spherical steel plate large suited for four people. 

The meal typically begins with a welcome drink called the ‘Gol Sharbath’ that constitutes ingredients like jaggery, sabja seeds, lime, and basil. The drink is subtle on your palate and of course, tastes delicious. This is followed by a kulfi loaded with malai. Promising divine taste, next comes Dal Samosa accompanied with a side of mint chutney and a mayonnaise dip. In the sequence come next boondi raita, chana batata and a paneer snack that is subtle in spices but deft in taste. Moreover, the paneer is completely home-made, rendering its a soft texture. The chana batata is a chana and aloo snack blended with jaggery and a tamarind-dates chutney

Now comes the main course – the much loved Dal Chawal Palida. This is a traditional Bohra dish made in most Muslim households during their festivals. Palida is produced from the water from which the lentils have been cooked. The rice is delicate and seasoned using spring onion and toor dal, as well as given a smoky aroma by infusing it with charcoal. Rice and dal are cooked to dum and served hot with Palida. Various additions into the palida can be made, like drumsticks or mutton. 

After a heavy meal, lastly comes a watermelon coolant, tangy and flavourful on your tongue. The ingredients include watermelon juice, dhaniya and, to add the quirk of tang to the drink, an orange flavour is added. 

How to book the Bohra meal?

There are diverse cuisines across India, while a few are still unattained. Well, this Bohra meal was brought into the limelight by a travel company OFFBEAT TRACKS. 

For the new, a travel firm that specialises in unique travel plans and experiences, Offbeat Tracks celebrates its clients’ individuality by producing bespoke, one-of-a-kind vacation adventures that are tailored to the smallest of aspects and preferences. So, whether you’re looking for a casual getaway, a raving vacation, or in the mood for some adventure, Offbeat Tracks does have everything exclusively designed for you!

It is with the help of this riveting travel firm that you can book this Bohra meal. One of the Offbeat tracks Instagram posts reads that:

One of our endeavours with Offbeat Tracks has been to bring to the forefront the diverse cuisines from across India. One such cuisine that comes to mind that has a lot to explore but hasn’t quite gained traction is Bohri cuisine.’

All that the gastronome has to do is to reach out to Offbeat tracks either on their Instagram handle or contact them and get yourselves prepared for an exquisite meal. 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/offbeat_tracks/

Call on: +91 7674062581

A meal that pleases your mind, body and soul, this Bohra meal is a feast. The food is subtle and soft in spice, yet delivers a delectable eating experience. The hospitality the family renders is truly amicable. To sum it up, this Bhora thali is a one-of-its-kind of experience. 

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Hunaaan Indiranagar: A Contemporary Pan-Asian Dining Experience

From bold spices that make you question every meal you’ve ever had to dishes that taste like they’ve travelled the world, Hunaaan delivers flavours that refuse to play it safe. Neha Dua gives a lowdown of the place. This contemporary Pan-Asian restaurant in Indiranagar packs the heat of Thai food, the heartiness of Korean cuisine, delicate Japanese dishes, and wholesome Chinese fare. Step into the 40-seater cosy place for a meal that will slap you awake and then lull you into a food coma. Plates exploding with personality Not having sushi here would be nothing short of criminal. The Ebi Tempura and Avocado Maki is everything one expects from Japanese cuisine. The prawn tempura comes alive in a riot of colours and flavours. Vegetarians, fret not, you can indulge in the Avocado Garden. Their dumplings are delectable, with very fine wrappers and perfectly balanced flavours. The Chilli Coriander Chicken Dumpling is a sight for sore eyes and hits you with a kind of balanced chaos that you can’t have enough of. And if you like your dumplings soupy, the Basil Flavoured Curry Dumpling won’t disappoint. Raise a glass to excellence A smooth Virgin Pina Colada, featuring creamy coconut milk, has the potential to teleport you to a tropical destination, while the Soju Picanté, a Hunaaan Signature Cocktail, is aptly described as “Everything you want from a picanté: Spicy, lemony, and we dare you to have just one.” Shaken. Stirred. Sipped. A little oink, a little sugar, and a lot of swagger Hunaaan’s imported pork belly deserves a mention. Doesn’t melt in your mouth, but is definitely less fatty than several other places. If you’re a tofu fan, don’t skip the tofu sizzler. But be prepared to share it with one or two others, for the portion size is HUGE. Although

Pure Kitchen to SOL55: Café Hops Across India

What: The Pure KitchenWhere: Bandra The Pure Kitchen brings a refreshing, honest take on clean eating to Bandra, one that feels warm, approachable, and rooted in real nourishment. Founded by Aaliya Ahuja of Oleander Farms and Saltt Karjat, the brand reflects her belief that healthy food shouldn’t feel like a punishment. Instead of restricting ingredients, The Pure Kitchen champions better alternatives: monk fruit instead of refined sugar, unprocessed honey over syrups, and clean, mindful swaps that elevate nutrition without compromising flavour. What truly sets the space apart is its transparency; every dish arrives with a protein count and calorie breakdown, empowering diners to make choices that serve their lifestyle. From low-carb bowls and vibrant vegan plates to guilt-free desserts, the menu balances comfort with consciousness. The Bandra outlet itself is a cosy, calm reprieve, ideal for mindful lunches, post-workout meals, or a quick grab-and-go treat from the charming coffee window. Pure, fuss-free, and thoughtfully crafted, The Pure Kitchen makes eating clean feel genuinely delightful. What: Dynamo, Vagator Hilltop Where: Goa Dynamo, located on the scenic Vagator Hilltop in Goa, is redefining the state’s sundowner culture with a seamless transition from laid-back sunset moods to an energetic, music-driven nightlife atmosphere. The Cliffside restro-lounge offers uninterrupted sea views, a curated cocktail program by internationally acclaimed consultants, and a menu shaped by chefs trained under award-winning culinary leaders. Signature plates such as Chaap & Chokha, Chilaquiles, Falafel Mezze Platter, and Korean Wings pair effortlessly with cocktails like Special Train to Goa, Spirit of the West, and Calico: The Painted Horse, each crafted with depth, flavour, and narrative. The interiors combine rustic Wild West cues with contemporary metal accents, creating a warm yet edgy aesthetic across its terrace, lounge seating, VIP sections, and bar-side tables. As the sun dips and the music builds, Dynamo

Kai Kitchen in Bangalore: A global feast in the clouds

Bangalore is often known for its weather, start-up culture, and (unfortunately) traffic. Let’s throw another iconic thing into this mix: Kai Bar and Kitchen. Located on the thirteenth floor in the heart of the city, this rooftop restaurant feels like an escape pod from the city below. Once you step off the elevator, the noisy streets become a thing of the past, as you get ready to indulge in an “elevated” dining experience. Allow NEHA DUA to walk you through it. The exceptional use of natural light makes the already spacious interiors look even larger and more open. The retractable glass ceiling, coupled with the relaxed atmosphere, creates an inviting vibe, perfect for indulging in a sobremesa that lasts hours! Their special fixed lunch menu, aptly named Zenith, is proof that great food tastes even better with a view. It comprises a thoughtfully curated selection of Asian, Continental, Oriental, and Mediterranean influences. Five courses, five moments You would expect the prices to be as sky-high as the view, but they are unbelievably down-to-earth. Zenith offers two options in its fixed menu: a three-course meal priced at 999 and a five-course meal priced at 1299. Plus taxes, of course. We highly recommend the latter, because the more the better, right? Soups, salads, dimsums, sushi, appetizers, large plates, and desserts. Gotta have ‘em all. The Smoked Chicken Salad, with baby arugula, dressed to perfection with a yuzu vinaigrette, feels fresh and is quite the looker. The Togarashi Crispy Lamb seemed a little too crisp, but felt familiar and comforting in its own right. Vegetarians, you will probably love the Edamame Dumplings and Green Paradise Sushi, both offering a symphony of flavours. A very special mention here to the Chocolate and Cranberry Cookie Dough Tart with Mascarpone Cream. Decadent yet subtle, the berries’

Top New Restaurant Menus in Mumbai and Delhi

What: New menu at Vanilla Beans Where: Bandra, Mumbai Vanilla Beans, Mumbai’s premium eggless patisserie, has launched its New Strawberry Menu, celebrating the city’s strawberry season with fresh, handcrafted creations. Known for its artisanal, made-to-order desserts, the Bandra-based brand founded by mother-son duo Deepa and Rohit Desai continues to champion seasonal produce through layered textures and bold flavour pairings. This year, alongside its cult-favourite Nutella Strawberry Cake (also available in single-serve tubs from ₹250), Vanilla Beans introduces two new highlights: the Nutella Strawberry Krispy Kunafa, made with imported kataifi and homemade pistachio paste for a delicate crunch, and the Nutella Strawberry Crunchy Crumble, featuring a buttery crumble over creamy Nutella and fresh strawberries. The expanded collection also includes Belgian Dark Chocolate Strawberry, Biscoff Strawberry, and Strawberry Cheesecake, with vegan and sugar-free options across cakes, bentos, and tubs. What: KampaiWhere: New Delhi Kampai, one of Delhi’s most prominent modern Japanese restaurants under TasteShop Pvt. Ltd., celebrates its seventh anniversary with a first-of-its-kind feedback-driven menu. Known for its authentic flavours and warm hospitality, the brand invited loyal diners and 10 leading food enthusiasts to co-create its refreshed culinary direction. Guided by the Kampai chef team, months of tastings and guest review sheets shaped a dynamic new menu that blends Japanese classics with contemporary Asian influences. The revamped selection introduces bold additions such as Sandos, Sushi Tacos, Crispy Nori Bites, Prawn Sesame Toast and Cornets, all enhanced with Japanese condiments and house-made sauces. Desserts see a dramatic upgrade too, featuring a Pull-Up Cake, Cotton Cheesecake, and the much-awaited Mochi in signature flavours. With locations in Aerocity and Vasant Kunj, Kampai continues to pair minimal Japanese aesthetics with a vibrant social dining atmosphere marking a new chapter fuelled by community, creativity, and collaboration. What: SumaWhere: MumbaiSuma, Mumbai’s newest fine-dining destination by S.P. Motles, founded

You May Also Like

Connect with us