Do you enjoy sizzlers? It’s a dish served on hot metal plates that arrives with a dramatic sizzling sound and acts as the perfect starter before the main course. If yes, then you will be surprised to know that it’s not a Western dish. Rather, it has its origins in India. Ranveer Brar, a renowned Indian chef, has also confirmed the same. Here’s more on it.
Ranveer Brar Says Sizzler Has Its Origin In Mumbai!
Chicken sizzlers or paneer sizzlers, we have all enjoyed this dish for years at restaurants. But have you ever thought about its origin? The dish that sizzles on hot metal plates is not Western, and originated right here in Mumbai, India. Yes, you read that right! Chef Ranveer Brar has also confirmed it in his latest Instagram video.
According to the chef, sizzlers, now loved across the country, were first introduced by Firoz Irani in 1963 when he opened a restaurant called ‘Sizzler’ in Mumbai. He was inspired during a trip to California with his Japanese wife, who once took him to a teppanyaki restaurant (a place where meals are cooked on hot plates). The presentation, smoke, sizzle and fire caught his eye. It inspired him to open a restaurant in Mumbai with the concept of ‘mini teppanyaki’. At the time, it was something completely new to people in India.
However, in 1967, the restaurant shut down. It was later reopened in 1971 by his son, who brought the sizzler concept back to life. Ever since, India has been enjoying this flavourful dish.
Netizens Surprised To Know Its Origin
Surprising, right? Even though we always thought sizzler was a Western concept made popular in India, this story reveals its true roots. Many of Ranveer’s followers were equally surprised. One user commented, “Wow! Something belongs to Mumbai other than vada pav and pav bhaji.” Another thanked him for sharing the story and said, “I tried to look for its origins for decades, then I gave up. Thanks. A lot of load off my chest now.”
We should also tell you that there are many types of sizzlers today: chicken sizzlers, seafood sizzlers, vegetarian sizzlers, and even Chinese wok-tossed sizzlers. They are all loves for their sizzling sounds, visual appeal, bold flavours, and overall sensory experience.
Also Read: 8 Restaurants That Serve The Best Sizzlers In Dubai
So, tell us, did you know about its history?
Cover Image Courtesy: ranveer.brar/ Instagram