Dishing out hope

Akshay Parkar (in pink) sets up his stall opposite Star Mall

When you feel the need in life, make biryani. That's what Dadar resident Akshay Parkar did, after the lockdown slammed the brakes on his lucrative international cruise liner career last year. After spending nearly a month stranded on a ship near The Philippines, the cruise chef was able to return home to his parents in June, amid increasing financial uncertainty.

He preps at his Dadar home. Pics/Shadab Khan

"I knew it would be a long time before the industry recovers, so I started wondering how I could use my skill. I had served biryani for a friend's birthday, and was encouraged to start my own biryani delivery service," recalls the 30-year-old, who set up a stall called Parkar's Biryani House opposite Star Mall.

Parkar's biryani

With ageing, ill parents at home, rapidly depleting savings and piling bills, it's the dish that he learnt as an apprentice at the Taj group of hotels that helped him stay afloat. "Having toured 28 countries and learnt different cuisines, I could've served something different, but it'd be a gamble. Biryani is my speciality, and everyone loves a good plate. This was my weapon for the crisis," asserts the chef, who attracts quite the crowd with his VFM fare. Give it a shot?

At: Opposite Star Mall, JK Sawant Marg, Dadar West
Call: 9869361451