The Biryani melting pot

Ashishwang Godha tells you where you can savour the yummiest rice-and-spice and meat preparations in the city, on the occasion of Eid

The Biryani melting pot

Ashishwang Godha tells you where you can savour the yummiest rice-and-spice and meat preparations in the city, on the occasion of Eid

Scoop up the legend of hyderabad
If you are a devout Muslim (even if in just your choice of food), the Eid feast must begin and end with the Pride of Hyderabad's delicious offerings. The biryanis stay true to the flavours of the city renowned for its meat and rice preparation. The Murg Hyderabadi Biryani (Rs 195) is especially redolent of its proud culinary legacy. Low on oil, and high on taste, it makes for a delicious one-pot meal.
At 937, Ali Somji Street, near Tandel Masjid, Camp.
Call 30483435

Hyderabadi Biryani. Pic/ M Fahim

Skip meat, try a Kashmiri Yakhni Pilaf
Shikhara has been serving Northern delights under the Kalyani Nagar sky for years, against its pretty al fresco setting. Counted among the few restaurants in the city serving Kashmiri fare, this is a must-stop for a Biryani meal.

Kashmiri Yakhni Pulao. pic/ M Fahim

The Kashmiri Yakhni Pilaf (Rs 270) is a vegetarian option that even non-vegetarians won't mind tucking into. The Yakhni style of cooking uses generous dollops of yoghurt as the base for the pilaf. Paneer cubes and assorted veggies are the other ingredients that go into this fluffy rice dish that makes for a great late-night meal, served with some delicious raita on the side.
At 201/205, Fortaleza, Vitoria II, Kalyani Nagar.
Call 26608888

Get on the express
Lucknow Express is among the few restaurants in the city that serve true-blue Awadhi fare. The restaurant, currently under renovation, boasts staff imported from the land of the Nawabs.

Awadhi Biryani. pic/Ishan Ghosh

They make some fantastic kebabs (try the Galauati, which just melts in the mouth), as well as the Awadhi Dum Pukth Mutton Biryani (Rs 310), which has perfectly done pieces of meat layered over fragrant Basmati rice. Lucknow Express does not go overboard with spices and oil, which is unusual as far as Biryani joints go.
At Piyush Apartments, Shop 3, Model Colony.
Call 32411123

Tuck into a Maharashtrian feast
The barely month-old Deccan Biryanis might have 'Deccan' in its name, but its menu is almost entirely made up of dishes that hail mostly from central India and specifically Maharashtra. The ambience might not be much to write home about, but the focus is really on the food here.

Maharashtrian Mutton Biryani at Deccan Biryani. pic/ Ishan Ghosh

From the Maharashtrian options, we chose the Mutton Kesari Biryani (Rs 230). The meat is firm, yet succulent and the saffron, which flavours the rice, lends an aromatic airiness to the dish, as well as bringing flavour to the meat. The red Rassa served in a tiny bowl alongside the biryani packs quite a punch.
At Opposite Sambhaji Park, JM Road, Deccan.
Call 9422324339

Carnivores rejoice!
We wondered what imparts an Andhra flavour to Biryani, and so tried Andhra Biryani's Mix Biryani (Rs 60) to find out. We discovered that it's the blend of spices and their proportion that sets it apart. Andhra food is heavy on chill and spice.

Not for the faint-hearted! Mutton, chicken and egg go into this non-vegetarian feast that's perfect for a lazy day spent at home. This celebratory meat overload comes highly recommended! Statutory warning: You will need some serious siesta to recover from this meat feast and dance of spice and rice.
At Shop 4, Festival Apartment, Viman Nagar.
Call 9767386610u00a0