Bismillah Biryani

Back to basics and to re-visit the reason for doing the switch. Sometimes we do lose our focus and forget why we are doing/done certain things or made some decisions. It is good that we reflect once in awhile, to reaffirm THAT decision and realign, if needed.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
And no, it is not a spelling mistake. More commonly known as nasi briyani here in Singapore, it is in fact an Indian dish. The word "nasi" meaning "rice" in Malay is an indication that we had indeed "localised" this particular delicay. There had been a small upstart on the popularity of "Dum Biryani", which acutally means that the rice and meat are in fact cooked together. The meat is actually slowly cooked and the flavours released directly into the rice. Painfully slow process, but if done properly, it will yield an unbeatable dish.

And unbeatable it is, the dum biryani I had here.

Located at the junction of Perak Road and Dunlop Road, the owner is the chef of the place and his wife runs the front on certain days. A rustic surrounding serving authentic food, what else can you ask for?

And the simplest form of advertisement and chef's creed is posted all over the interior of the restaurant. And yes, as they claim, no butter nor glee was used in the whole process of cooking the dum biryani. The flavour of the dish comes from the self mixed spices and of course the meat itself. It takes great confidence to do that, and being a health buff (and yet a foodie), it is a major plus for me!

They serve both chicken and mutton biryani ($6 for normal portion) and a double meat portion is also available. The long grains of basmati rice is visually stunning and the varied colours of the spices makes the dish expertly appertising. The meat looks slightly fried and very tasti-ly seasoned. It may be because that they do not use butter or ghee, it is not overly oily. The butter would probably elevated the spices to another level, but I am happy to settle for healthy but still tasty enough food. (4.5/5)

It is later on ieatishootipost website that I learnt that the owner actually buy the whole sheep and cook it's fare. So you are getting the meat from the same animal, resulting in a great consistency. Another plus point for me!

And I can't resist a lassi. The sweet lassi ($3) is has a nice texture and goes well with the biryani. Nothing that blew me away. (3/5) It will take some getting used to for first time lassi drinkers. Mango lassi for me anytime.

Overall, a good rustic experience and a good meal to boot. However it is slightly pricey at $9 spent in total. It will probably not be a regular haunt for me but when I am craving for (healthy) biryani, this will be the place I will go to. And plus, it is near my maternal grandparents' place, where I grew up. Nostalgia trumps everything.

Bismillah Biryani
50 Dunlop Street
93827937