"I cannot think of Kolkata Biryani without Aloo"; My husband and thousand people like him!

"I like Royal's Biryani without Aloo" This is me and thousands like me!

"Kolkata Biryani is bliss and I proposed my now wife (and then friend) with a plate of Kolkata Biryani instead of red roses!" This was one of my friends! 😛 😀

"Whenever I am mentally down I eat Kolkata Biryani!" another Biryiani lover friend of mine!

The emotions over Kolkata Biryani are countless. A Biryani-lover or not; prefers Kolkata Biryani with Aloo or not; you simply cannot ignore the "emotion" that we call Kolkata Biryani.  The battle between Chicken, Mutton, and beef; cooked with Ghee or Mustard Oil; with or without Alu; this Biryani is pure bliss. This classical delicacy needs no introduction!

Biryani; most favorite food in India?

 

As per Oxford Dictionary:

"Biryani is an Indian dish made with highly seasoned rice and meat, fish, or vegetables.

Origin: Urdu, from Persian biryāni, from biriyān ‘fried, grilled’."

The word Biryani derived from "Biryan" and "Brinj" as well is another ancestor. Biriyan is a Parsi word which means fried before cooking and Brinj stands for Rice. Initially this dish was prepared only with meat, however, with times people started using other ingredients such as seafood, vegetables etc while making Biryani and people started accepting the variations.

One dish; several variations; that is what Biryani for you. I can easily remember at least 25 varieties which include Hyderabadi Biryani, Lucknow Biryani, Kolkata Biryani, Dindigul Biryani, Dariyabadi Biryani, Dudh Biryani, Chettinad Biryani, Thalassery Biryani, Bombay Biryani, Sindhi Biryani, Ambur Biryani, Middle-eastern Biryani, Kachhi Biryani, Kozhi Biryani, Bhatkali Biryani, Memoni Biryani, Kampuri Biryani, Kalyani Biryani, Afghani Biryani, Rawther biryani, Rampuri Biryani, Bohri Biryani, Dhakai Biryani and last but not the least Veg Biryani 😀 :P.

Here I am not considering other rice dishes having any name but Biryani such as Pulav, Tehari, Kubuli etc.

History and Evaluation of Kolkata Biryani!

Lightly spiced, signified by the presence of Potato; apart from meat and light if compared to its Hyderabadi counterpart and aesthetically similar to the Lucknow one, what we have as Kolkata Biryani is thanks to the 10th Nawab of Lucknow, Wajid Ali Shah. Nawab was banished from his homeland (read Audh) by the British and relocated to Kolkata with his family. Not only his family but he came here to Calcutta with his Chefs and staff (and Biryani also came) and finally commissioned a replica of his old Capital at the Metiaburuz area of the city.

Nawab came with his set of Bawarchis and they ended on making a Kolkata version of Biryani which is signified by the presence of Aloo.  Nawabs family members are in the opinion that Aloo or Potato was an exotic vegetable at that time and hence the Bawarchis included it in Biryiani. However, several historians are in opinion Alu was cheap at that time and hence was economical and included in Biryani.

I found both theories interesting. Who can ignore the exoticness of Potato back in the 19th century and on the other hand Biryani was a wholesome dish served to normal people as well then. Needless to say, another theory is also matching. By the way who cares, how Alu came. The important thing is we love the chunk of Aloo as part of our plate of Kolkata Biryani. Don't we?

Difference between Lucknow Biryani and Kolkata Biryani!

First and foremost difference is the use of Potato and sometimes Egg in Kolkata Biryani. The Kolkata version is derived from Lucknowi Biryani or Awadhi Biryani. In both, the cases, Meat, and Rice are cooked separately and then mixed. For me, Lucknow version is more subtle.

My favorite Kolkata Biryani joints (Best places for Biryani in Kolkata!):

My list of best place for Biryani in Kolkata is comprising of cult joints as well as five-star specialty restaurants and also newbies. Before going further please note here I am not considering any joint that sells great Biryani but not located within the city of joy. Also, this list is based on my preference and not in alphabetical order. I am emphasizing on the biryani shops of Kolkata but not typically "Kolkata Biryani." Also, I am skipping here the roadside joints (such as Khaja Biryani or Ajooba Biryani).

The Cult Biryani Joints!

Royal Indian Hotel Pvt. Ltd:

Yes, I am starting with the legendary Royal, where Biryani is served without Aloo! However, they now are serving Aloo biryani as well though only in their Park Circus branch but not available at Chitpur Branch. They make true blue Lucknow Biryani but not Kolkata Biryani. Hence, the color is different, flavors are more subtle but one of the top-notch in the city. They are available with special Biryani as well however the normal portion is enough for one person.

What to order: Your choice of Mutton or Chicken Biryani with Chaap or Pasinda and don't forget to order Sahi Tukda.

Pocket pinch: INR 210++ for normal Mutton Biryani; INR 200++ for Normal Chicken Biryani (as on 2018).

To Order From Swiggy!

Shiraz (Park Steet and Mallick Bazaar Crossing):

One of Kolkata's best, when it comes to true-blue Kolkata Biryani. Be it the texture, be it the flavor, be it the quality of Rice, meat, and potato, Shiraz undoubtedly is a prime one. In fact, their Biryani is what we call typical Kolkata Biryani. I prefer to pair it with either Chaap or Pasinda however my worse half loves it with their brain curry. Poriton size is more than enough here as well.

What to order: Your choice of Mutton or Chicken Biryani with Chaap or Pasinda and don't forget to order Sahi Tukda.

Pocket pinch: INR 210++ for normal Mutton Biryani; INR 200++ for Normal Chicken Biryani (as on 2018).

To Order From Swiggy!

India Restaurant, Khidirpore:

Though known for the Dariyabadi Biryani, however, I prefer their normal Mutton Biryani over anything. I mostly order the special Biryani as I love that extra chunk of mutton. India Restaurant serves Egg with the special Biryani and Aloo is part of their Kolkata Biryani. Special Biryani is enough for two persons. Apart from that, their Awadhi Biryani is equally good.

What to order: Special Mutton or Chicken Biryani with Chaap or Korma and don't forget to order Sahi Tukra.

Pocket pinch: INR 210++ for Mutton Biryani.

To Order From Swiggy!

Arsalan (Park Circus or E M Bypass):

Las but for sure is not the least. Talking about Kolkata Biryani without mentioning Arsalan is not possible. I love them for serving decent Kolkata Biryani without compromising the quality. That is what Arsalan to you. A good chunk of meat lightly spiced rice; a piece of potato and they do serve you an egg, the biryani is special or not and you are happy after the meal.

What to order: Special Mutton or Chicken Biryani with Chaap or Korma and don't forget to order Firni and Arsalan's special Cheese Kebab.

Pocket pinch: INR 224++ for Mutton/ Chicken Biryani and INR 330++ for special Biryani.

To Order From Swiggy!

Zam Zam:

Okay, one more joint, not for mutton or chicken but Beef Biryani. Zam Zam is good when it comes to Biryani; period. They do sell Chicken and Mutton Biryani as well. One plate full of flavorful, well-cooked rice along with a chunk of beef (considering you eat the same) along with Burhani and you will be sorted.

What to order: Beef Biryani with Beef Korma and don't forget to order Firni after the meal and Burhani along with the Biryani.

Pocket pinch: INR 90++ for beef Biryani and INR 150 and INR 170 respectively for Chicken and Mutton Biryani

To Order From Swiggy!

Five-Star Fine-dining Restaurant for Biryani in Kolkata

Dum Pukht, ITC Sonar:

Dum Pukht by ITC Sonar is one of Kolkata's known fine-dining restaurant. This place is famous for their Awadhi food and needless say for their Biryani. Not something tried by a middle-class like me on regular basis, however, I indulge myself with their Dum Pukht Biryani once in a while. Considering the portion size, flavor and taste this is one of city's best.

What to order: Dum Pukht Biryani with Raan and don't forget to order Seviyan.

Pocket pinch: INR 4000++ for 2 persons (as on 2018).

Newbies that sell good Biryani in Kolkata

Manzilat's:

Let me start with the offerings by Nawab Wazid Ali Shah's great-granddaughter. A small, cozy rooftop joint run by Begum Manzilat Fatima. This place  offers brilliant "Kolkatta Biryani." Light, cooked with mustard oil, good quality of meat, and perfect cooking is their USP. Their Biryani comes with two pieces of mutton (or one piece of chicken) and Potato and quite sufficient for one person.

What to order: I prefer their Kolkatta Mutton Biryani with Burhani.

Pocket pinch: INR 250++ for Kolkatta Sahi Mutton Biryani with complementary Burhani.

To Order From Swiggy!

Hanglaatherium:

What if your budget is low yet you wanted to have or serve a good platter having biryani and other accomplishments. For this, Hanglatherium is my choice. Their Biryani is decent but what attracted me is their Biryani combo. Sufficient for one person and the combo is having Biryani (mutton/ chicken) along with Chicken Chaap, Salad, and Raita.

What to order: I prefer their Biryani Combo

Pocket pinch: INR 200++ for Biryani combo which is having mutton/ chicken Biryani, Chicken Chaap, Salad, and Raita.

To Order From Swiggy!

Oudh 1590:

This restaurant sells various type of Biryani, however, I love their Raan Biryani. It may look the price is a bit on the higher side but then they are serving you "Raan" with the rice. Moreover, the Biryani is enough for 2 persons. Perfectly cooked Raan along with flavorful rice, this combination can't go wrong and it won't at Oudh 1590.

What to order: My preference is Raan Biryani however not before having the Galauti Kebab

Pocket pinch: INR 395++ for the Raan Biryani.

To Order From Swiggy!

Disclaimer: This post on Kolkata Biryani or Biryani in Kolkata is written based on my preferences.

*This post contains affiliate link(s).