BIRYANI SPECIALS (MARCH 5 — MARCH 10)

DUM PUKHT BIRYANI, THEONEDISHMEAL…

The origin of dum pukht Biryani is traced back to a story about a benevolent ruler of Awadh (Now the region is called Lucknow in northern India). In the late 18th century, the Nawab (Ruler) Asaf-ud-Daulah, during the famine of 1784, decided to create jobs for his people to alleviate hunger by decreeing the construction of a colossal building known as the Bara Imambara.

He ordered food to be made available to the workers day and night as part of wages. Large pots were filled with rice, meat, vegetables and spices, and then sealed to make a simple, one-dish meal, and Biryani was born.

Hot coals were placed on top and fires were lit underneath the pots for the food to be left simmering. One day, as the pots were being unsealed, the extraordinary aromas attracted the attention of the Nawab who was passing by. It was discov- ered that the cooking method retained the natural aromas and flavors of the food. The Nawab ordered that the cooking technique be perfected for the royal table, and it is from this that modern-day dum pukht cooking is evolved.

NON-VEGETARIAN BIRYANIS

Lamb Biryani 15.95 Basmati rice flavoured with saffron and cooked on slow fire with tender morsels of spicy lamb. Chicken Biryani 14.95 Basmati rice flavoured with saffron sealed with Chicken and cooked on slow fire — a rice delicacy cooked Dum Pukht style to seal the flavors in. Goat Biryani 16.50 As some would argue, traditional Biryani is done only with bone-in goat meat — A must try with mint and onion Raita. Shrimp Biryani 17.50 Shrimps simmered in Coconut and spices add a kick to this Biryani that will have you eager for seconds. Lamb ‘Goli’ Biryani 15.95 Mini Koftas of pounded lamb flavoured with saffron and cooked on slow fire with Basmati rice — A Muglai delicacy.

VEGETARIAN BIRYANIS

Vegetable Biryani 12.95 A vegetarian delight. Seasonal vegetables simmered in gravy and basmati rice, layer upon layer, make for a royal treat. Kale Moti Biryani 13.50 ‘Kale Moti’ (black pearls) Biryani is truly a jewel in this collec- tion of dum-pukht delicacies. Bengal gram simmered in gravy and basmati rice. Jack-Fruit (Khatal) Biryani 13.95 Jackfruit — vegetarian’s meat, cooked on slow fire with saffron, garam masala and basmati rice — a masterpiece by itself.

* All Biryanis served with your choice of Mint & Onion Raita or Cucumber Raita