Our Journey
Persian Darbar: 50 Years of Taste, Tradition & Togetherness
A Royal Journey That Began in Byculla
Mumbai is a city of dreams and food is one of the ways it tells its stories. For half a century, one of those stories has been ours: Persian Darbar. Right in the heart of Byculla, across from Indias very first railway station Persian Darbar has been more than just a restaurant. For generations it�s been a place where families laugh over biryani, where friends meet after years apart, where celebrities and travellers gather, and where food lovers from all walks of life find a sense of home.
It all began on 13th June 1976, when five friends, united by their love for food, opened a small eatery. No big investors, no campaigns just passion and honesty on a plate. What started small quickly became a Mumbai legend.
The inauguration itself was historic - graced by the Imam of Jama Masjid, Bandra, and legendary actor Dilip Kumar Sahab, in the presence of many renowned celebrities and respected social figures.
Their philosophy was simple: • Quality that never wavers • Flavors that linger in memory • Consistency you can count on
And then came the dish that changed everything - the Mutton Raan Tandoori. Perfectly marinated and slow-roasted in a tandoor it was a dish fit for kings and soon, the talk of the town. Alongside royal dishes like Chicken Kapsa and our signature Biryanis Persian Darbar carved its place in Mumba's heart. By the late 80s, the five friends weren't just restaurateurs they were proudly known as the "Raan Kings of Mumbai."
Passing the Torch
In the 1999s after years of success, the founding friends passed the baton to Mr. Javed Kotwala & Mr. Faisal Bakhshi the second generation. Their vision was simple but powerful: preserve the soul of Persian Darbar, but give it wings. They expanded seating, introduced air-conditioned sections, and gave the restaurant an ambience as memorable as the food itself. Soon, Persian Darbar wasn't just a favorite spot to eat it became the destination for birthdays, anniversaries, and milestones.
Dining as an Experience
With Javed Kotwala & Fashal Bakshi leading the way, Persian Darbar began creating not just meals, but moments:
• 2010 - Deewan-e-Khas: a Mughal-inspired dining room where guests felt like royalty.
• 2012 - Khayma: Mumbais first Turkish tent-style dining experience, with drapes, round tables, and Middle Eastern charm.
• 2012 - Separate Takeaway Section With Kitchen: a dedicated space for customers who wanted legendary flavours to-go, without compromise.
• 2012 - Dastar khwan dining: Sitting around the dastarkhwan on the floor to eat together in a traditional way.
Banquet & Celebrations (2022)
In 2022, under the continued leadership of Mr. Javed Kotwala and Mr. Faisal Bakhshi, Persian Darbar proudly unveiled its grand banquet hall - Sheesh Mahal.
Designed as a luxurious venue for corporate events, social gatherings, and family celebrations, Sheesh Mahal beautifully blends royal interiors with legendary flavours, turning every occasion into a cherished memory.
With a seating capacity of 70-80 guests, the hall is fully equipped with modern amenities including a mic , premium sound system, and projector, ensuring a seamless and memorable event experience.
The Food That Made the Legend
Some cuisines need no introduction:
• Indian classics - rich curries and timeless vegetarian delights.
• Mughlai specialities - aromatic biryanis, kebabs, and regal gravies.
• Chinese favourites - noodles, fried rice, and flavourful stir-fries.
• Tandoor selections - smoky kebabs and perfectly baked breads.
From seafood to vegetarian delicacies, the menu grew, but the soul never changed. Even today, NRIs and tourists land in Mumbai and head straight to Persian Darbar - because some flavours are worth crossing oceans for.
Byculla - The Beating Heart of the Brand
Byculla isn't just an address - it's who we are. It's where mill workers, traders, families, and dreamers have sat side-by-side. For many, a trip to Byculla still means two things: the zoo - and Persian Darbar.
Food, Festivals & Family
Through the decades, Persian Darbar has been part of people's traditions:
• Ramadan nights filled with kebabs, haleem, and biryani.
• Eid feasts, where generations celebrate together.
• Diwali & Christmas, when every community finds a seat at our table.
Couples who once came on dates now bring their grandchildren. Families returning from abroad often stop here before even going home. That's not loyalty - that's love.
Challenges & Resilience
Our 50-year story isn't just about glory; it's also about grit. Rising costs in the '80s, intense competition in the 2000s, and then the pandemic - when, for the first time, our dining halls went quiet. But under Mr. Kotwala & Mr. Bakhshi's leadership, we adapted. Safe deliveries, family meal boxes, and the same trusted flavours meant that even in lockdown, Persian Darbar brought comfort to homes across Mumbai.
The Golden Jubilee (2026)
As we step into our 50th year, we celebrate more than a milestone - we celebrate the people and the memories that made this journey possible.
• Bringing Back the Classics - the original recipes from 1976.
• Royal Byculla Feast - a heritage dining experience.
• 50 Years of Togetherness - a golden jubilee of taste, tradition, and love.
More Than a Restaurant
Persian Darbar is not just a place to eat. It's where Mumbai's history is served on a plate.
Half a century later, our promise remains the same - to serve food that feels like home, with flavors that never fade.
Because here, every dish tells a story. And every story tastes like home.
What Our Customer Says
ADDRESS
5 Alexendra Terrace, Ground Floor, Dr B A Road, Opp Byculla Railway Station, Byculla East, Mumbai 400027