Where: Paradise Circle, Secunderabad. Its not very far away from Secunderabad Railway Station. Paradise itself is a landmark in Hyderabad.
Paradise- A two storeyed, much fancied Hyderabadi restaurant, with multiple dining spaces.Take away, Totally run of the mill entry level avatar- Non AC avatar- AC avatar-Alfresco-and Fine dining, sub kuch milega idhar!. There s also an al fresco option on the mezzanine floor. The ground floor is designed for take-away and bakery!Top floor accessed by a fancy elevator is called Persis- a fine dining option.
Oof, all very confusing!
The same Biryani is served at all the floors and all the dining options, but at different prices!
They do have an elaborate menu of other items, but who cares! I am reviewing their pice-de-resistance- BEE-RR-YAAN-EE!
It was way back in 2002 that I first tasted Biryani at Paradise. Though I enjoyed it then, I was not bowled over that time. However, gradually over the years, I have realized that Paradise is one of THE best Biryani makers in the world!
Long grained basmati rice, flavoured with ghee, cardamoms, cinnamon and choice of other masalas are layered with well marinated chicken or mutton, and a paste of fried onion/garlic( and NOT onion garlic paste which is then fried-get the order right!).all these going into huge aluminium vats . The huge vats( Handi in hindi) are then sealed with flour at the rim, and embers of charcoal are placed on top of the lid, and also continuously showered on the sides of the vat.with gas fire slow cooking it for an hour or so.
Not an easy meat!
Chicken Biryani is a "Thumbs Up" item!Mutton is so-so. And never tried the veg option.
The chicken pieces in Paradise biryani are quite huge, well marinated and succulent- it is generally the Tangdi portion or Half Breast portion. As the chicken./ mutton is cooked together with the rice( and not separately cooked and assembled as is done in most places in India/ Mumbai), the flavour and aroma is uniform in the whole serving and is also absorbed by the rice grains.
The mutton biryani though is not upto the mark-as- mutton pieces are generally miserly and has too much bone. The way out here is to act unlike Anna Hazare.bribe the waiter, slip a 20 rs note in his hand and ask him to give the best pieces of mutton. If they can get the mutton pieces right, no one will complain, as the mutton is usually very soft and tasty-and never over spiced.
Garnished with a boiled egg, sliced from middle, a plate of Chicken or Mutton Biryani has only one thing written on it- COME, EAT ME!
The Biryani is accompanied by Cuchumber Raita, and tangy Michi ka salaan. Mirchi ka salaan is again a signature Hyderabadi gravy preparataion.made out of large chillies, cocunut paste, sesame, Groundnut, tamarind and a mustard/curry leaves tadka. I do not like the raita they serve, as sometimes they are slightly stale, But M-K-S is always very tasty and fresh!
I do not know what the current prices are, but I am sure it will be not above Rs 170/-, and trust me, their servings are huge. A single Biryani is always more than enough for one. A family Biryani is good enough for four hoggers!
Do not forget to finish off this Biryani with the Hyderabadi dessert, Khubani ka Meetha- which is pureed apricots and served with a slice of vanilla ice cream( purists will love to replace ice cream with kheer/sweetened malai)!
Enjoy!
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