IF there can be a mutton and chicken biryani, why not a vegan and Bengali variant? Friends for six years, Imran Hassan and Dinesh Agarwal, who started Biryani Ghar recently believe that innovation is the key to interesting and delicious biryanis. They have taken it upon themselves to innovate but assure us that the originality of the flavours will be maintained. While Imran is associated with Spice 6 at Jubilee Hills, Dinesh is a security consultant and their love for Hyderabadi cuisine brought them together to set up the restaurant.
Biryani Ghar at Madhapur opposite IndusInd bank promises to surprise its guests with new introductions every month. How about a Chinese or Bengali version of biryani?
The décor is designed to replicate the old Hyderabadi houses adorned with tiles from Iran. The 50-seater restaurant also boasts of a separate bethak (a sit-down on carpets) which accommodates 24 guests). The ambience looks just apt for a biryani session with instrumental ghazals playing in the background and maybe a cup of Sulaimani tea or Khas and Rose Sharbat to accompany it.
“Hyderabadi food is all about fragrance, the earthen biryani pot, elaichi and saffron,” says Imran. “We source only salt, turmeric and chilly powder from the wholesale market. Rest of the ingredients are sourced from the best suppliers locally. In fact, 80 per cent of it (paneer, poultry) comes from the local cottage industries,”says Imran.
The menu consists of dishes that one could find in a typical Hyderabadi home. For appetisers, one can start with Bhund Chicken, chicken breast cooked in fermented garlic which will leave you greedy for more. The tender meat is pan-grilled and cooked without oil. Their signature clay pot biryani is of course, a must-have. Once the lid is opened, the fragrance of the biryani blended in ghee, saffron and spices is bound to increase your appetite. “The real essence of the biryani is with mirchi salan and burrani,” says Imran. The other must-try is the Vegan Biryani made in olive oil and cooked in an earthen pot with vegetables, accompanied with cashew and peanut yoghurt on the side.
Price for two: Rs 700 Details: 6662526