Meet Ratan Tata’s favourite chef, the Parsi cook who started career in a garage, he is now…
On October 9, Ratan Naval Tata, the esteemed Indian industrialist and former chairman of Tata Sons, passed away at the age of 86 at Bridge Candy Hospital in Mumbai. A proud Parsi, Tata had a deep appreciation for his community’s culinary traditions and often enjoyed home-cooked meals prepared by his sister. Among those who impressed him with their culinary skills was Chef Parvez Patel, a renowned Parsi chef.
Chef Parvez Patel has made a significant mark in the culinary world with his expertise in Parsi cuisine. He is particularly known for his longstanding association with Tata Industries and is regarded as Ratan Tata’s favorite chef. Born and raised in Mumbai, Parvez began his culinary journey in a modest garage-turned-restaurant. What started as a small tea-and-snacks joint quickly gained popularity as his culinary talents became evident. His humble eatery, Ideal Corner—formerly a garage for Yezdi motorcycles—soon became a popular destination for lovers of authentic Parsi food. Parsi cuisine is a blend of Persian, Gujarati, and even British influences, combining bold flavors, hearty ingredients, and comforting recipes that have been passed down through generations.
Parvez’s exceptional ability to prepare traditional Parsi dishes attracted the attention of the Tata group, ultimately leading to his role as the chef at the annual Tata Steel function in Jamshedpur, an event that Ratan Tata never missed.
Ratan Tata’s favorite dish
In an interview, Chef Parvez revealed that Ratan Tata had a fondness for homestyle Parsi dishes. Among his favorites were khatta-meetha masoor dal, a tangy and sweet lentil dish cooked with garlic; mutton pulao dal; and the iconic nut-rich baked custard. Over the years, Chef Parvez has showcased Parsi cuisine in various cities and has played a pivotal role in introducing traditional Parsi food to many through ITC’s food festivals.
Parvez’s relationship with Ratan Tata
Parvez’s Ideal Corner was located just half a kilometer from the Tata Group headquarters, but the late industrialist first met him in Jamshedpur. Although Ratan Tata never visited the restaurant himself, his driver would pick up his favorite dishes—like khatta-meetha masoor dal, berry pulao, and lagan-nu custard—from there. This association lasted for 10 years. In an interview, Parvez said that he had only met Ratan on a few social occasions, emphasizing that they did not share a personal relationship. He recalled one meeting during a catering event, saying, “I greeted him with ‘Sahebji,’ as we Parsis do. He responded, and I followed up with ‘Jamva Aavo Ji’ (a common Parsi/Gujarati invitation to eat). He smiled,” he told Indian Express.
Parvez journey into culinary world
Parvez was inspired by the glamorous life of his friends in the hotel industry, which led him to pursue a career in this field. He enrolled in a two-month course at The Oberoi Hotel and was subsequently hired by them. This marked the beginning of his remarkable culinary journey. Eventually, he joined forces with proprietor Boman Irani’s wife, Mrs. Gulcher B. Irani, who decided to transform the garage into a snack bar, Ideal Corner. Since then, he has been managing the restaurant alongside Mr. and Mrs. Irani.