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Experience a `biryani'

Try authentic biryani at the new outlet, Just Biryani

MUGHAL TOUCH Boost for biryani

From the trade routes of Persia via the outposts of the Mughal Empire to a small outlet in a bylane connecting M.G. road and Chittoor Road, the Dhum biryani has indeed come a long way. And as Hisham Kabir, the MD of the recently inaugurated Just Biryani will have you believe, it has not lost an iota of its authenticity on the trip. Barely a week old, Just Biryani as the name suggests serves only Biryani -dhum cooked as it is meant to be.

Says Mr. Hisham, "our focus is solely on biryani. From the spelling (Biryani-as opposed to the colloquial and hence incorrect biriyani), to the choice of ingredients, to the style of cooking and serving, our emphasis is on authenticity and quality.

Aiming at a culinary experience that caters to all the five senses, the proprietors have decked up the small but functional joint in a vivid shade of orange-a colour associated with freshness, energy and that subtly cues the appetite of tastier things to come.

Being marketed more as a takeaway place rather than a restaurant, Just Biryani targets the office goer who wants value for money. The menu is rather small, with the choice limited to vegetable biryani, chicken biryani and mutton biryani priced reasonably at Rs.30, 35, and 45 respectively. There is also the option of upgrading to a serving with a larger portion of meat by paying a mere Rs. 20 extra. All the dishes come with the traditional accompaniments of salad and tamarind and date pickle.

Opines Mr. Vijay Kumar a diner, "the biryani is tasty and the quality and pricing is really good."

While the delightfully spiced mutton biryani with its succulent meat pieces is the most popular item, the equally flavourful chicken biryani is an economical choice. But ready to surprise any one who decides to try it, is the vegetable biryani. Unlike what is served in most other restaurants, this is not biryani rice without the meat pieces nor is it the over cooked and over spiced dish masquerading as vegetable biryani that most vegetarians have to endure. Dhum cooked as the rest, the vegetables-carrots, peas and potatoes are steamed to perfection and the result is a must try.

With origins in the Persian word `Birian' meaning `fried before cooking', a good biryani has several definitive features including the fragrance, the soft but non-sticky texture and the savoury as opposed to spicy or hot taste and at Just Biryani all of these are a given. "Our biryani won't leave you with greasy hands after the meal," adds the manager.

The final word

Say Mr. Hisham- "Biryani is not just food, it is an experience. Always take in the aroma before the first mouthful and feel the difference."

A division of the 25- year- old Ideal caterers, Just Biryani opposite Padma Junction is open Monday through Friday, from12 noon to 3 in the afternoon.

Home delivery will be introduced shortly.

SANTHY BALACHANDRAN

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