Biryani and Kolkata, both are like inseparable brothers. This dish has a different sensation whenever you spell it. Mouthwatering pieces of meat , a soft yet big fat Aloo, a pleasant aroma of spices from the golden yellow rice and a subtle amount of white rice making it perfect to compliment the whole dish. Still doesn’t end unless we finish with a boiled egg. I know you must drooling right now but the actual part is still left!

But how did this become a religion to the Bongs ?

Back in 1856, Nawab Wajid Ali Shah, the 10th Nawab of Oudh was stripped off his throne and was sent to exile in Bengal, in a suburb called Metiabruz .All of his treasury,land and riches were confiscated by the British. Yet he was left with enough amount of money to build a replica of his beloved capital in these outskirts. Grand Islamic structures, a beautiful parikhana of damsels, a zoo of exotic animals, kabootarbazi and of course The Royal Kitchen and the Khansamas was ready before him.

This person was a no-doubt an ardent foodie and followed the motto,

Khud khao aur logon ko Khilao

Being a Nawab and Lucknowi , his love for Biryani was unimaginable. But still, there was quite a bit of financial strain amongst the Royal family. It was tough to feed the Royals, his entourage and also maintain the budget.

It was few months after when the potato had just made its way into India by the Portuguese. Although considered as novelty, it was cheap and enough to maximize the volume of the food. The Khansamas came up with the idea of adding potatos into the Biryani to suffice the shortage of meat. Thus, resulted into the birth of the World Famous Kolkata Biryani.

Today , I will talk about 5 Restaurants in Kolkata who serve the Most Unique Must try Biryani dishes.

1. Mutton Moti Biryani by Oudh 1590

Oudh 1590 is a classic favourite for mughlai lovers. The place spreads a Nawabi aura from the very moment you step into the restaurant. Subtle yet strong music which feels like a blessing to the ears, old paintings, well dressed servers, the overall ambience makes you feel like you have travelled back centuries. But what makes you feel like a true Lucknowi Nawab is the food. From succulent flavours of kebabs and mint chutney to hot steamy basmati biryani rice making you drool at every second.

What grabs most people’s eye is the Mutton Moti Biryani. If you know or ever have had spaghetti with meat balls, you would understand that this is somewhat a similar concept. Chunks of minced mutton is made into balls or moti marinated with exclusive spices and cooked in a ‘Dum Phukt’ method along with basmati rice, imparting Awadhi flavours on your tastebuds at every bite.

Price: Rs 370 exclusive of taxes.

Other favourites: Awadhi Handi Biriyani, Gosht Roganjosh, Tangri Kebab.

2. Bamboo Biryani by Fusion Fantasea

Biryani and Bamboo!!?? What is this sorcery!! Yep, this was the first thing that struck on my mind when i first heard this from my cousin sister. Located at Southern Avenue, Fusion Fantasea is the place where mind diverting dishes like Lava Gosht, Rista , Ghustabo are prepared.

Bamboo Biryani is the most famous dish over here. Although it might not taste like the usual Kolkata Biryani, it is different yet delicious. The server pops out the dum cooked Biryani off the bamboo filling the air around you with spice infused aroma. This Biryani is a must try for a change in taste, as it has sweetness in flavours which will make the Bengali heart flutter.

Price: Rs 300 exclusive of taxes.

Other Favourites: Lava Gosht, seasfood, arbi chicken pulao.

3. Mezbaan Hariyali Murgh/Gosht Biryani by Kabuliwala

Ever thought of having the scrumptious taste of heaven at your doorstep? Yes! Kabuliwala has brought you doorstep delivery of Shaandar, lajawab Biryani, kebabs and more.

Mezbaan Hariyali Murgh/Gosht Biryani is dish which will make your tastebuds insatiate with flavours. Butter soft pieces of bite sized chicken or mutton, cooked with a delicious creamy spinach gravy tempered with coriander , mint and layers with assorted spices and basmati rice. A must try for foodies who are ready for all kinds of innovation.

Price: Rs 240/275 respectively exclusive of taxes

Other favourites: Murgh Sugandhi, Gosht keema Kulcha

4. Gobindo bhog Dudiya Biryani by Biryanishk

After you read this, you must be thinking that Sayan’s gone nuts. Well, I know this is biryani and not the bhog we have in pujas. But this I must and will say again this is a jewel of a dish. Especially for health conscious, diabetic or high cholesterol level people, this dish is something your tastebuds can rely on without even thinking twice about bad circumstances.

This delicacy has a sufficient amount of pristine white gobindobhog rice slow cooked in milk and mild spices. Along with two gnarly pieces of your favourite meat, dum cooked and served. Having a subtle taste, this light meal is for everyone who is in love with biryani.

Price: Rs 850 for a small bucket of chicken biryani which is enough for 3.

Other favourites: Awadhi Zafrani Malai Biryani, Murg Peshawari Kebab, Chicken Bharta

5. Jhinga Biryani by Biryanisk

Well, this dish has no resemblance with the vegetable Jhingeh even if the name sounds uncanny. Bengalis who are in love with fish and seafood must and must try this for heaven’s sake. This dish is a Goan fusion of Biryani with prawns slowly cooked under a creamy coconut milk with enriching flavors of the coastal areas.

And if you’re really into this dish just by the look, then Biryanishk is the best place to have it. Slow cooked briyani with more than 10 pieces of flavorful prawns is a tummy satisfying delicacy.

Price: 1150 for a small bucket serving 3 persons.

What’s on Sayan’s mind?

Biryani is just like a religion. Not to be messed with its principles, laws and rules of cooking. Yet, everyone has a different way of accepting a god or their religion. From traditional without aloo Awadhi Biriyani to South Indian Chettinad style of Biryani having curry leaves, there are numerous ways of preparing a biryani.

The main point of food is something we can look into and believe while we eat or feed our loved ones. And different Biryani styles has made its way all over the country just because of the taste palatte different regional people have. All we should so is to encourage all types of food, may it be a fusion or an authentic dish. Whatever touches our soul and gives peace is true religion just like Biryani!!

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