Kachchi and pakki secrets of Hyderabadi biryani

FOODIE

As much as the Hyderabadi biryani is popular, pigeon-holing the best of it is a devilishly difficult task to do. Truly, Hyderabad enjoys a culinary heritage that's amongst the most eclectic in the country and no meal here can be complete without tasting the biryani.

One thing that is common to every restaurant that you go to is the secrecy with which they treat the preparation method and ingredients of the biryani. Each restaurant offers its own version and never shares the recipe.

Based on the marination and cooking style, Hyderabadi biryani can be broadly classified as kachchi or pakki. The difference is simple: in kachchi biryani, the marinated meat and rice are cooked together in a sealed haandi over a slow flame. In a pakki biryani, the meat is marinated for a lesser time and is almost cooked while the rice is semi-cooked and both are then arranged in layers and steamed.

In most places, the biryani is served with a mirchi ka salan, which is basically a peanut and whole green chilli gravy, and dahi with chopped onions.

HOTEL SHADAB
Qutub Shahi Dining Hall, High Court Road, Madina Circle This is an old city specialist (located near the Charminar) and has been around for 14-15 years. One gets to savour biryani here in its true essence even though the restaurant has also started offering localised Chinese! The biryani is first-rate, reasonably priced and extremely popular with locals and visitors alike. One has to wait a minimum of 10 minutes to get a table.

I would suggest ordering a Shadab Special Biryani that is a combination of mutton and chicken. This place is also popular for its haleem. To end on a sweet note, go for the khubani ka meetha with fresh cream "" stewed apricots.
A meal for two: Rs 250-300

PARADISE
Secunderabad
Tel: 040-27843115/55313722
This is a multi-levelled restaurant and its biryani parcels are known to fly down to Dubai every day. I'd recommend the kebabs here, followed by the mutton biryani. Decadent to the core "" the best way is to eat with your hands!
A meal for two: Rs 300-350.

BAWARCHI
66 Azambad Industrial
Area RTC X Road
Tel: 040-27605308/27634494
The biryani, which is cooked on charcoal, has been rated highly by critics and patrons alike. The mutton and chicken biryanis are great and an absolute must-try is the egg biryani. Portions are huge and this place is great value for money.

Other must-tries include the korma and the bagare baingan. End on a sweet note with ice cream if you must.
A meal for two: Rs 250-300.

OTHER POPULAR PLACES
There is Hyderabad House, Andhra biryani at Southern Spice Banjara Hills, Chettinad biryani at Malgudi (inside Lifestyle).