BOhRI CUISINE
One of the oldest Muslim communities in Gujarat is that of the Bohris. They are known for their works of charity, their social awareness. They are staunch followers of Islam and most of them are businessmen involved in the business of perfumes and utensils.
One of the unique characteristics of this community is their food. Whatever be the occasion, be it a birthday party or a wedding, the function is dominated by rich, lavish, mouth watering food.
Bohris are usually non-vegetarians who love rich but not very spicy and oily food.
Meat would include – lamb, poultry, beef, pork is strictly forbidden. Bohri cuisine is a very fine blend of exotic spices and herbs.
Some of the most commonly used spices and herbs are cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, bay leaf, peppercorn, mace, nutmeg, saffron, mint, coriander.
Food is traditionally prepared in copper vessels. Lunch is served on a common metal plate – a thal; large enough to seat eight people around it; set upon a stool.
Diners sit on the floor. All food is placed in the centre of the thal for the family to share.
The meal begins by uttering the word “Bismillah” which means starting in the name of God and tasting a pinch of salt. This marks the beginning of the courses; the first to come is usually an ice cream, a pudding or custard, which is then followed by dry meat preparations such as sheikh kabab boti kabab mutton cutlet.
Next would be served another sweet preparation usually different types of halwas such as badam or mixed day fruit or thuli - made out of wheat and jaggery.
The sweet is again followed by a savoury item and then a sweet again. Finally the main course which usually consists of Mutton or chicken Biryani accompanied by raita or mutton or chicken soup is served.
The meal ends by tasting a pinch of salt again and thanking god. Apart from the meat, the food includes all types of vegetables cooked in rich gravies; there is an extensive use of day fruits in the cuisine.
One of the oldest Muslim communities in Gujarat is that of the Bohris. They are known for their works of charity, their social awareness. They are staunch followers of Islam and most of them are businessmen involved in the business of perfumes and utensils.
One of the unique characteristics of this community is their food. Whatever be the occasion, be it a birthday party or a wedding, the function is dominated by rich, lavish, mouth watering food.
Bohris are usually non-vegetarians who love rich but not very spicy and oily food.
Meat would include – lamb, poultry, beef, pork is strictly forbidden. Bohri cuisine is a very fine blend of exotic spices and herbs.
Some of the most commonly used spices and herbs are cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, bay leaf, peppercorn, mace, nutmeg, saffron, mint, coriander.
Food is traditionally prepared in copper vessels. Lunch is served on a common metal plate – a thal; large enough to seat eight people around it; set upon a stool.
Diners sit on the floor. All food is placed in the centre of the thal for the family to share.
The meal begins by uttering the word “Bismillah” which means starting in the name of God and tasting a pinch of salt. This marks the beginning of the courses; the first to come is usually an ice cream, a pudding or custard, which is then followed by dry meat preparations such as sheikh kabab boti kabab mutton cutlet.
Next would be served another sweet preparation usually different types of halwas such as badam or mixed day fruit or thuli - made out of wheat and jaggery.
The sweet is again followed by a savoury item and then a sweet again. Finally the main course which usually consists of Mutton or chicken Biryani accompanied by raita or mutton or chicken soup is served.
The meal ends by tasting a pinch of salt again and thanking god. Apart from the meat, the food includes all types of vegetables cooked in rich gravies; there is an extensive use of day fruits in the cuisine.
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