Biryani- this dish doesn’t need any introduction, does it? Offering a spicy treat with all the fiber and rich ingredients, it is a mouthful platter that can pose as your lunch or dinner. So, if you are someone seeking the best biryani Bangalore, this might be the ultimate blog for your reference. Keep reading to know all about its history and what relation it holds at the heart of the Silicon Valley of India. In the end, we will also discuss some favorite places for Biryani connoisseurs in Bangalore.
When it comes to the epic of Biryani in India, citizens go back either to Timur’s tale (Turk-Mongol conqueror) or the history of Arab traders on the southern Malabar coast. Whatever might be the speculations, it is widely accepted that its origin is traced back to West Asia.
Subsequently, there are stories with the Mughals as well where Mumtaz Begum directed the chef to prepare a dish for the soldiers that best mimics the platter. On the other hand, the Nawabs of Lucknow and Nizams of Hyderabad were also known for their admiration of the subtle nuances of biryani. Their chefs had a specific skill set that no one else did and thus earned their name across continents. These rulers too were responsible for promoting their formats of biryani and delicious accompaniments in different parts of the country.
If you venture into the northern regions of India, you will see that earlier, people used to use brown rice in their recipes. In recent times, it has been replaced by the aromatic basmati rice. Whereas, if you dig the traditions in the south, you will find that their biryani was, and still are cooked using local forms of rice, like the kaima, zeera samba, kala bhaat, and jeerakashala that portray their unique taste, texture, and aroma to the dish.
The Intertwined Relation of Bangalore, Karnataka with Biryani
To understand the rooted saga of biryani in the heart of Bangalore one has to indulge in its history with military hotels. Although there is a significant debate regarding the inception of these hotels, many reports have claimed that they were seeded during the 17th century to meet the appetite of the soldiers.
Among many speculations and stories, one of them is considered to be a prominent one. It dates back to the 1800s when a bubonic plague forced women and children to shift to remote villages. Subsequently, these military hotels became an integral part of the farmers who stayed back during those disastrous times.
One such hotel known by the name of Sivaji Military Hotel is still recognized as the place, that carried the traditions of crafting the best donne biryani– a Bangalore favorite. While this flavourful spot caters to young crowds and millennials today, there was a time when its primary consumers were Maratha soldiers.
To elaborate as a biryani connoisseur, consider it as a soul-comforting platter comprising the softest grains of rice, mixed with meat and a plethora of spices. You can say that it can be depicted as a great contribution to India’s culinary landscape for many reasons. What makes it unique as compared to other biryanis is the eccentricity of spice or the exclusive seeraga samba rice variant, that is incorporated in its recipe.
With time, both new age and somewhat old eateries/restaurants in Bangalore not only serve donne biryani but also other formats. The reason behind this influence is the mass demographic that has migrated from other parts of the country due to the state’s current economic boom.
Before you get all pumped up by some Google results regarding the best biryani places in Bangalore, go through the places, elucidated below-
- Meghana Foods
With a cozy architecture, this famous Andhra chain will offer you a spicy biryani endeavor that best depicts the classic Andhra-style flavors. Try their Boneless Chicken Biryani, if you ever set foot in their restaurant.
- Ambur Star Biryani Since 1890
Located in Indiranagar and other prominent spots in Bangalore, they are known to serve the best Ambur-style biryani. Down the line, if you find yourself hovering around their outlets, don’t forget to indulge in their finger-licking Chicken Dum Biryani.
- Paradise Biryani
Their chain is also present at multiple locations around Silicon Valley, and they are considered to be a renowned spot for Hyderabadi biryani lovers. Be it their Mutton Dum Biryani or its Chicken version, each and every biryani platter is ready to amaze your tongue. As a complimentary item, you can also go for their palatable kebabs.
- Nagarjuna- Since 1984
Just like the tone of Meghana Foods, Nagarjuna also specializes in serving Andhra-style biryanis. Their ambience which is suitable for any occasion, makes it a favourable place for many. A quick tip would be to try their appetizer offerings, which range from the classic Chicken 65 to Pepper Chicken.
- Chichaba’s Taj
Located in Frazer Town, they are known for its wide selection of biryanis cooked on firewood. With its pleasant aesthetics and authentic flavors, this dine-in place is perfect for those seeking a delicious and authentic biryani experience. Their recipe is also inclined towards the milder side, with the subtle spicing and extra tendered meat enhancing the platter as a whole.
- Naati Café
Nestled in Koramangala and Indiranagar, Naati Café will offer you a homely atmosphere to enjoy a toothsome donne biryani with a local twist. With its chill vibe and amiable staff, it’s a go-to spot for Bangaloreans who need to savor a finger-licking biryani meal at ease. Their donne biryani recipe has a twist of its own i.e. their chef doesn’t put much weightage on the coriander in its wet spice blend, resulting in a subtler and more aromatic form that still resonates with the original essence of a typical donne biryani.
- Biryani by Kilo
Happens to run a famous chain in India, Biryani by Kilo resides at some top spots of the electronic city like Koramangala and HSR Layout too. They practice their signature style of serving biryanis to the food enthusiasts in Bangalore as well. This involves a serving technique where you will experience their unique biryani in a handi pot. Whether it is Chicken Lucknow Dum Biryani or Mutton Hyderabadi Dum Biryani, you will definitely be going to come back to their spots, due to their consistency in delivering quality and taste.
Conclusion
If you have read this blog, till this point, you might have apprehended the overall emotions at play regarding the relationship between biryani and Bangalore. So, if you are a techie residing in the electronic city of India, or someone who just moved in due to other reasons, just remember to hit Swiggy’s website or application, before you indulge yourself in a complex biryani expedition. The reasons behind this are many and the primary one is nothing but it acts as a time saver. Yeah, it will not only land you with a top-notch eatery as mentioned above, but the smart platform will also recommend some bestsellers out of those hot spots. Secondly, if you don’t feel like going down to the site, just order your biryani from the comfort of your home couch. That’s it! You are all set to sail the wide ocean of Bangalore’s biryani cuisines.
