Dubai: The perfect plate? Biryani unites, divides residents – News

More than 50 varieties of the dish are popular city-wide, with every supporter eagerly touting their rendition as the epitome of perfection

Dubai is a city of endless opportunity, and towering skyscrapers and bustling malls are just the tip of the iceberg of what it has to offer. Beyond the glitz and glamour, however, lies a treasure that has captured the hearts and taste buds of Emiratis and expats alike – biryani.

With each restaurant offering its own unique version of the beloved dish, biryani has become an integral part of the city’s food culture, and finding the perfect dish remains an exciting adventure.

Rice and meat dishes have the extraordinary ability to unite people through their flavours. Paradoxically, it also stoked bitter divisions, sparking never-ending biryani wars among enthusiastic residents and perpetuating a state of culinary chaos.

Some swear by the traditional Hyderabadi biryani, layers of seasoned meat and saffron rice sealed under a dough cover and steamed in a traditional method called dum.

Others will not choose Awadhi biryani from Lucknow, which is known for its delicate taste, subtle aroma and exquisite quality. Many people prefer Chennai’s spicy version, which has a sour taste from chilies and tomatoes. Some aficionados swear by the potato-studded biryani from Kolkata’s Arsalan chain, which recently expanded into Dubai.

Long-standing Pakistani biryani has also enjoyed unshakable popularity in the city. Restaurants such as Daily Restaurant, Pak Liyari, Student Biryani and Karachi Darbar have been tantalizing taste buds in the culinary capital of the Middle East with their unique combinations of aromatic spices and flavors, reflecting the country’s rich culinary heritage. Dubai is also home to the exotic Persian biryani and biryani made from camel meat.

But with all the competition, certain establishments not only stood the test but came out on top, establishing themselves as the ultimate destination for biryani lovers.

Among them, Bhaktal Restaurant stands out as a prominent contender. Tucked away in the unpretentious Al Ras area of ​​Deira, this hidden gem has been delighting biryani lovers for the past 5 years. Meanwhile, in the vibrant heart of Sharjah’s Yarmouk neighbourhood, Silver Spoon is the ultimate haven for discerning Hyderabadi biryani connoisseurs. With its universal appeal, it attracts diners from different cultures.

“Surprisingly, most of our clients are Emirati,” reveals Abdul Jabbar, a seasoned manager with more than 17 years at the helm of this extraordinary restaurant. Silver Spoon offers a plate of delicious lamb or chicken biryani for an affordable price of Dh21.

“My father was a restaurant employee and now a restaurant owner. The key to our popularity is our closely guarded secret recipe and the use of only the freshest meat,” explains Jabbar.

Catering to newcomers who prefer Awadhi’s version of biryani, Via Lucknow and Lucknow Rasoi are up and coming in Dubai. Shahid, representing Via Lucknow, made a fascinating analogy when expressing his admiration for the fragrant Awadhi biryani.

“The debate over the best biryani is reminiscent of discussions around the top mango varieties. While some support Alphonso and others embrace Sidri, connoisseurs who really like the Dussheri variety have the ultimate insight,” he said.

Siraj, owner of Lucknow Rasoi, echoed the sentiment, saying: “Lucknow biryani appeals to all the senses, including aroma, texture, visual appeal and of course taste.” Consider this a sacrilege to cooking. “Such additions are ironic,” he declared.

Thanks to the city’s diverse population, new variations of biryani continue to emerge, enriching its ever-evolving culinary landscape. Even the fanciest dining establishments have jumped on the creative wave and jumped on the bandwagon.

A well-known restaurant in DIFC recently launched a lavish creation priced at Dh1,000.

This culinary masterpiece is adorned with delicate 23 karat table gold for added luxury. Imagine succulent lamb kebabs, tender lamb chops, yakitori chicken kebabs and delicious roti chicken, all lavishly garnished with delicate gold leaf and elegantly served over saffron-infused biryani.

Purists, however, remain committed to the traditional essence of biryani. “While the possibilities of adding shrimp, fish, vegetables, or any other ingredient to a biryani are endless, there is one undeniable fact: Mutton biryani is unique,” says Enthusiasm from North India Food lover Amjad Ali asserts.

As the biryani battle in Dubai intensifies, the battle has moved beyond mere taste and into the realm of tradition and personal preference. More than 50 different varieties of this prized dish are celebrated city-wide, with every supporter eagerly touting their renditions as the epitome of perfection. Yet the truth remains elusive: Is each version a true pinnacle of excellence, or has there been a unique winner amidst this culinary chaos? The answers have been eluding us, encouraging further discussion and exploration of Dubai’s diverse and coveted biryani styles.