Tava Fresh takeaway

That the spirit of entrepreneurship and love of food in the community is alive and kicking is evident from a tiny eatery named Tava Fresh started on January 2, 2008 by 42-year-old Jer Baug resident Zubin Wadiwalla with a modest investment of two lakh rupees. Located on Nesbitt Road in Mazagaon, opposite the Sales Tax Office, the take-away place serves only "halal meat and chicken, no beef” and caters mainly to working class people, Wadiwalla informed Parsiana over the telephone. The eatery, which is open between 4 p.m. and 11 p.m., offers options in tandoor items, mutton, rolls/sandwiches, tava specials, starters, rotis, cold drinks and desserts. Home delivery is free of charge, and the rates of the items are reasonable.

Wadiwalla (extreme left) with friends outside his eatery and customers being served inside

Time Out Mumbai (March 21-April 3, 2008) describes it thus: "Tava Fresh, a spruced up, more hygienic and a tad more expensive version of everyone’s favorite Bohri Mohalla haunts, will give many a kebab or tawa legend a run for its money, and will be particularly welcomed by those too squeamish to frequent the by-lanes on either side of Mohamedali Road.” However, "vegetarians better stay away, because the place offers all of five options in terms of rolls and tikkas in two variations: paneer and cheese” cautions the reviewer in Sunday Mid Day of February 3, 2008.

Wadiwalla, who has also worked as a masseur, physiotherapist and personal trainer with Mickey Mehta’s 360° Gym, plans to move to the Fort area soon, perhaps with an additional outlet. He is happy with the volume of business coming his way, and caters for party orders, having recently provided starters and dinner for the successful midnight cruise organized by the Nowroz Baug Residents’ Association for its members. With a staff of eight, whom he looks after well, even providing them with accommodation, the ambitious Wadiwalla hopes to cater for lagans and navjotes in the near future. When reminded of the entrenched competition, he confidently told Parsiana that he will make it, with attractive pricing, good quality food and innovative menus. Tava Fresh can be reached at tel nos: 23502223, 65262455 and 9820198188.