The best Biryani debate has been going on for some time now, primarily between the Kolkata Biryani and the Hyderabadi Dum Biryani. I have been fortunate enough to visit both the cities and gulp the goodness down my throat. I had Mutton Biryani at the best restaurants in both the places; Arsalan in Kolkata and Bawarchi in Hyderabad. Both the biryanis are made from long grained Basmati rice and are mildly spiced. However, the Kolkata Biryani is slightly scented and is served steaming hot with a golden brown potato without any Raita or Salan. The Hyderabadi Dum Biryani, on the other hand, has a generous addition of desi ghee which renders an amazing fragrance to it and is eaten with a tangy Raita and a Salan with sesame seeds. Both the Biryanis taste a little bland for a person who consumes a lot of spices, but the flavour of Hyderabadi Dum Biryani is to die for.
Kolkata Biryani
I am not a very big fan of the subtle scent added to the Kolkata Biryani. Nonetheless, it is the legacy of a decades-old recipe. I always hated the idea of adding a potato in the Biryani, but it all changed when I bit into one of the tastiest potatoes I ever ate. It was soft on the inside and crispy on the outside, smoking hot and loaded with myriad flavours. The meat is so tender and juicy that it instantly gives you a melting in the mouth moment which is the best part of the food.
Hyderabadi Dum Biryani
The Hyderabadi Dum Biryani is traditionally cooked in a sealed chamber. Saffron, an Indian spice is added to the Biryani to give a unique flavour and a yellowish tinge to the otherwise white rice. They say that a serving is for two moderately eating people, but I say bring it on, I am all for it.
It would be unfair to take a side as I am in love with both the Biryanis. Instead, eat more of them at Paradise and Shadab in Hyderabad that are equally famous for the Hyderabadi Dum Biryani like Kareem's in Kolkata is for the Kolkata Biryani. For all those who think that these biryanis are too gentle on spice, the Ambur Biryani of Tamil Nadu is something you should look forward to.
