Ratan Tata disliked this food, ate only this ice cream made by…
Ratan Tata, the former chairman of Tata Sons, passed away at the age of 86. A proud Parsi, he cherished his community’s culinary traditions and enjoyed home-cooked meals, often prepared by his sister. Tata had a deep love for authentic Parsi dishes, with favorites like khatta-meetha masoor dal, mutton pulao dal, and baked custard rich with nuts. These homestyle meals, especially those prepared by Parsi Chef Parvez Patel, were among his cherished comforts.
Ratan Tata was known for his simplicity and specific food preferences. He enjoyed fresh juices, Parsi food, and dishes like dhansak, akuri, patra ni macchi. Aside from sumptuous Parsi meals, he also enjoyed a variety of dishes like sushi, dosas, pav bhaji, and chocolate. His preferences ranged from indulging in decadent meals to light options like salads and grilled fish. He was known for exploring different eateries, from the Thai Pavilion at Taj President to the luxurious Cipriani in New York. Despite his global palate, he often found comfort in simple, soul-nourishing dishes.
Food Ratan Tata disliked
According to several media reports, Ratan Tata preferred homemade vanilla ice cream made in the Director’s Bungalow over store-bought options. He also avoided spicy food, leaning more toward continental cuisine. Tata was well-known for avoiding processed and junk food, excessive sugar recognising their long-term health risks. He did not drink alcohol.
Beyond eating
The Ratan Tata Institute’s bakery in South Mumbai, founded by Lady Navajbai Tata in 1928, has long supported destitute women by offering them opportunities to cook, stitch, and teach. Nearly a century later, it remains popular for its Parsi specialties like mutton cutlets and khaman na ladoo. In addition to supporting this initiative, Ratan Tata also participated in the Tata Steel Foundation’s tribal food festival in Odisha, which helped tribal communities showcase their culinary traditions and cultural heritage.