Know All About Ratan Tata Institute’s Bakery In South Mumbai

Chairman Emeritus of Tata Group Ratan Naval Tata, 86, who passed away on Wednesday night at Breach Candy Hospital, Mumbai, was someone that received the world's admiration through his life span be it for his business maneuvers like acquisitions of global brands like Tetley Tea or health sector initiatives such as the Tata Trust's Cancer Care programme. 

What could possibly matter more to him would be when Tata's members start admiring his initiatives and take up philanthropic initiatives.

Who's behind Ratan Tata Institute, Bakery in Mumbai?

RTI, Mumbai took birth after Lady Navajbai Tata decided upon paying tribute to Sir Ratan Tata, the second child of Tata-Group Founder, Jamsedji Tata. Later, she gave-away the building to Stri Zarthosti Mandal, an entity founded in 1903 to aid poverty stricken Parsi women, according to the Tata Group.

The Mandal needed funds for the purchase of a building that could accommodate more women. Lady Navajbai fulfilled this need by making a philanthropic donation of a building that would serve as a dedicated training and production centre for destitute Parsi women, it said. The women were employed in cookery among other available duties.

For Mumbaikars, the Ratan Tata Institute is synonymous with 'Parsi Bhonu' given long-standing ability of satiating your desire for Parsi cuisine. This iconic south Mumbai edifice located at 35 N.S. Patkar Marg, Huges Road has spread sweet smiles from its bakery for over 90 years cross Mumbai.

Tata Household's undying love for Parsi sweets, freshly baked treats

In 1937, A new confectionery division was also added to the kitchen and food outlet in the original building. The flagship RTI kitchen and brick and mortar outlet, spreads the 'Parsi Joy' across Mumbai, including to Ratan Tata Institute's kitchen fans, that have their lunch delivered by RTI vans.

The aroma of freshly baked cookies wafts out of the confectionery as we walk towards the kitchen. It is said that Sheramai Tata, a cousin and sister-in-law of late Naval Tata, who was trained by Swiss pastry chefs and took over as the head of the confectionary department, trained the RTI chefs to make a variety of cakes, including the delicately layered mille-feuille, a classic French dessert, according to the Tata Group.

The RTI kitchen, is also well-known for Parsi sweets like ‘dar ni pori’, khajur ni ghari, khaman na ladoo among others. The creations from this Mumbai food-joint that have stood the test of time are mutton cutlets, the crispy cheese straws.