Persian Darbar: Mumbai’s Mughlai Marvel Serving Since 1978

For over four decades, Persian Darbar has been a staple in Mumbai’s culinary scene, known for its rich Mughlai flavours, timeless recipes, and warm hospitality. What began as a dream shared by a close-knit group of food lovers has today become a legacy of authentic North Indian cuisine. Local Samosa caught up with Tabrez Rauf Upletawala, Director and spokesperson of Persian Darbar, to explore the story behind this iconic Mumbai eatery.

A Culinary Dream Born in 1978

Persian Darbar was established in 1978 in Bandra by a close-knit group of five to six friends, including my father, my current business partner, his father, and Mr. Murabakshi”, says Upletawala. “The idea was born out of a shared passion for food and the desire to introduce authentic Mughlai and North Indian cuisine to Mumbai, something that was relatively rare at the time. We began with signature dishes like biryani, korma, kebabs, and chicken tandoori.” The brand’s core vision was clear — to offer genuine, high-quality Mughlai food to the people of Mumbai, and that remains the essence of Persian Darbar to this day.

A Star-Studded Launch

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“From the very beginning, Persian Darbar wasn’t just another restaurant, it was a bold step towards bringing something new and distinctive to Mumbai’s food scene”, Upletawala explains. “While there were established eateries around, none were offering authentic Mughlai cuisine in the way we envisioned. That became our edge. My father and his partners identified a clear gap. They purposefully introduced a menu focused on rich, traditional dishes such as biryani, korma, kebabs, and tandoori prepared with meticulous attention to authenticity. The response was overwhelming.” 

The brand’s first outlet was inaugurated by the legendary Mr. Dilip Kumar, drawing such large crowds that even police presence was needed to manage the scene. Upletawala mentions, “But beyond the initial excitement, it was our commitment to quality, consistency, and innovation in Mughlai dining that set this restaurant apart and created a loyal following.”

From Mumbai to Pune and Beyond

The initial response was phenomenal from day one, there was a buzz around Persian Darbar, says Upletawala. “The opening itself drew huge crowds, and that momentum never faded. Over the years, we’ve only continued to grow.” Today, the brand has a strong presence across Mumbai and Pune. “What has remained constant is our philosophy: provide high-quality food, maintain consistency in service, and offer warm hospitality. These values have guided us from the start and continue to shape our journey forward,” he maintains.

Upholding Reputation and Still Modernising 

Taking over the brand can be a mix of emotions, ranging from exciting to humbling and at times overwhelming. “Being entrusted with such a rich legacy was an honour, but it also came with great responsibility”, says the Director. “We wanted to ensure that we upheld the reputation built over decades while also finding opportunities to grow and modernise. With the rise of the internet and social media, we have been exposed to global culinary trends, and we have begun incorporating international influences into our offerings. At the same time, we remained deeply committed to preserving our core recipes and traditional flavours, using the same spice blends and cooking techniques passed down through earlier generations. It has always been about innovation without losing authenticity.”

Mastering the Art of Mughlai Cuisine

Upletawala says that their mastery of Mughlai cuisine comes from consistency, tradition, and a deep respect for authenticity. “The recipes we follow have been handed down from our parents, and we still source our spices from the same regions that we did decades ago. Many of our chefs have been with us since my father’s time, and now their children are also part of the kitchen. We use high-quality ingredients, such as saffron, and carefully maintain the original flavours that have made us popular. Our customers appreciate that we’ve stayed true to our roots while continuously refining the overall dining experience,” he establishes.

Balancing Legacy with New Flavours

Over time, the iconic Mumbai eatery has embraced modernisation across various aspects of the brand. By integrating technology into their operations and streamlining delivery through platforms like Zomato and Swiggy, as well as enhancing the dining experience with upgraded ambience, they’ve ensured their evolution with the times. “We wanted our interiors to reflect a royal, luxurious vibe so that every guest feels transported the moment they step in. On the culinary front, while our Mughlai roots remain strong, we’ve introduced new dishes inspired by flavours from Turkey, the Middle East, and beyond. This allows us to offer something fresh, while still staying grounded in tradition,” addresses Upletawala.

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Authenticity, Quality and Customer Satisfaction

Running a legacy brand is all about balance. It’s essential to innovate and stay relevant, but not at the expense of diluting the identity that has made the brand what it is. Upletawala shares, “For us, maintaining the values instilled by our predecessors, authenticity, quality, and customer satisfaction, has been non-negotiable. We constantly strive to build upon the foundation they laid, while ensuring we never stray too far from our origins. It requires dedication, sensitivity, and an understanding of what our customers have come to love and expect.”

Emotional Connection; Close to Persian Darbar’s Heart

"There are many cherished memories, but one that stands out is when we served three generations of the same family — the grandfather, father, and son dining together at our restaurant", the Director beams. It was a proud moment and a beautiful reminder of the bond their brand shares with its customers. "We’ve also had many international guests who’ve told us our food reminds them of home and suggested we open branches in cities like London. Moments like these reaffirm our mission and the emotional connection people have with Persian Darbar."

The Goal of Reaching a Wider Audience

"We envision Persian Darbar expanding into more cities and reaching a wider audience while staying true to our legacy. Our goal is to continue serving authentic, high-quality food with the same warmth and hospitality that have been our hallmark for decades. We hope to grow thoughtfully, ensuring that every new location upholds the same standards and spirit that define Persian Darbar", Upletawala concludes.