To the point: Biryani is a touchy topic, and arguably so, since everyone has a favourite joint or a type of biryani they swear by. However, if you want to take a break from the widely available Hyderabadi and Mughlai variants, you can make a meal of these options.
1: Desi Aroma
Their Raan Biryani (Rs 569 onwards), as the name suggests, uses the leg of lamb. Available as a half or full dish, boneless lamb pieces are marinated overnight and cooked in tandoor before being topped off with dum rice. If you want something milder, they also serve a Bengali Biryani (Rs 209 for chicken; Rs 219 for mutton) spiced with cinnamon and hints of kewra essence, served with boiled potatoes and a shallow-fried boiled egg.
Timings: Noon to 3 pm and 7 pm to 11 pm
2: Savya Rasa
BiryaniThalaserry, a coastal town in Kerala, boasts of the best fish biryani in the whole state, and giving you a taste of that goodness is this speciality restaurant. Their Thalassery Meen Biryani (Rs 745) made with chunks of seer fish (surmai) and short grain rice is subtle in terms of spice, but will wow you with big flavours. If seafood isn’t your scene, the Kongu Mutton Biryani (Rs 645) is a melodious medley of tender mutton pieces slow-cooked with coconut milk and spices.
Timings: Noon to 3 pm and 7 pm to 11 pm
3: Zaheer Khan's Dine Fine
Biryani The Kachche Gosht Ki Biryani (Rs 425) here is a fragrant and non-greasy signature with melt-in-your-mouth mutton pieces, served with creamy yoghurt raita and spicy salan. A recipe where raw meat is layered with long grain rice and slow cooked on the dum; getting the flavours and textures right isn’t an easy task, but the chefs at Zaheer Khan’s manage to do it with aplomb.
Timings: Noon to 3.30 pm and 7.30 pm to 11.30 pm
4: SP's Biryani
Biryani This eatery is a legend of sorts and has been churning out mouth-watering delicacies for over two decades now. What started as a small establishment is now a three-storied mammoth and attesting to the quality of their offerings are the long waiting queues every weekend. Their bestseller/signature is the Sajuk Ghee Dum Biryani (Rs 350) – a mildly spiced dish, available with chicken and mutton, made in pure ghee. While the rice in the dish is aromatic, it’s the well-marinated and tender meat pieces that make this version a must-try.
Timings: 11 am to 3 pm and 7 pm to 11 pm
Blue Nile
BiryaniHow can our list be complete without mentioning the legendary Blue Nile? While some argue that this place enjoys a bit of hype, you can’t take away from the fact that their biryanis are indeed stellar. While the regular dum biryanis are a big hit, if you want something offbeat and non-spicy, try the Chicken Biryani Irani Style (Rs 300). Made with buttered rice, the Iranian-inspired dish comes with a deep fried piece of lemon-marinated chicken and a whole, slightly fried tomato.
Timings: 11.30 am to 11.30 pm