WHAT IS GOOD BIRYANI - THE FIVE TESTS TO JUDGE A BIRYANI

A GOOD BIRYANI

How to Evaluate Biryani  -  Five Tests

By

VIKRAM KARVE

A plate of mouthwatering Biryani is placed in front of you.

On first impressions, how do you judge a Biryani?

Well, as far as I am concerned, there are five basic tests you must carry out to assess a Biryani.

Test No. 1

SPREAD TEST

First try the “Spread Test”.

Pick up a little Biryani in your fingers and sprinkle it on the side dish. 

The grains of rice must not stick together but remain separate. 

The pieces of meat must be succulent, clear and dry, not greasy, and easily separate from the rice.

A good Biryani will easily qualify the spread test.

Test No. 2

AROMA TEST

Lift the plate of Biryani and smell the pieces of meat. 

The Biryani must be pleasantly aromatic.

You must be able to discern the delicate sweetish fragrance and appetizing mouthwatering aroma of marinated spices.

The aroma must not be overpowering, sharp or piquant. A good Biryani has a subtle and delicately appetizing aroma.

The Biryani must pass the “aroma test” with flying colours as there is nothing more appetizing than a mouthwatering aroma…!

Test No. 3

TASTE TEST

Taste the meat, ideally mutton. 

The meat must be well-cooked, flavoursome, succulent, delicious.

Then roll some rice on your tongue – the subtle flavour and taste of the spices must mildly and pleasantly come through, and must not be overpoweringly spicy, greasy or pungent.

Test No. 4

POTATO TEST

Now you come to the fourth and final test – the “Potato Test”.

Dig deep and search for the potato in the Biryani.

The potato must taste as scrumptious as the meat – that is the hallmark of a superlative Biryani.

And if there is no potato – well dear fellow foodie, tell me, can there be a perfect Biryani without a potato which tastes as delicious as the meat…?

Test No. 5

TEMPERATURE TEST

There is a 5th test for Biryani. 

Has it been served at the right temperature with light aromatic steam coming out from the rice and do you feel the warmth on your tongue when you eat  the inner part of the mutton.

Ideally, a biryani must be served in the vessel (with dum) or matka in which it has been cooked and the vessel must be opened in front of you.

 

Epilogue 

Last evening we had Biryani from Dum-a-Dum in Wakad Pune. 

Well, it was quite a decent Biryani and it qualified all tests, except the Potato Test. 

There was no Potato in the Biryani. I hope they rectify this lacuna. 

Otherwise, by Pune standards, especially if you live in Wakad, Dum-a-Dum serves quite a good Biryani which I would recommend.

HAPPY EATING

VIKRAM KARVE

Copyright © Vikram Karve 2013

Vikram Karve has asserted his right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 to be identified as the author of this work. 

© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

Did you like this post?  

I am sure you will like the 27 short stories from my recently published anthology of Short Fiction COCKTAIL
To order your COCKTAIL please click any of the links below:
http://www.flipkart.com/cocktail-vikram-karve-short-stories-book-8191091844?affid=nme
http://www.indiaplaza.in/cocktail-vikram-karve/books/9788191091847.htm
http://www.apkpublishers.com/books/short-stories/cocktail-by-vikram-karve.html

COCKTAIL ebook

If you prefer reading ebooks on Kindle or your ebook reader, please order Cocktail E-book by clicking the links below:
AMAZON
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005MGERZ6
SMASHWORDS
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/87925

Foodie Book:  Appetite for a Stroll
If your are a Foodie I am sure that you will like my book of Food Adventures APPETITE FOR A STROLL. Do order a copy from FLIPKART:
http://www.flipkart.com/appetite-stroll-vikram-karve/8190690094-gw23f9mr2o

About Vikram Karve

A creative person with a zest for life, Vikram Karve is a retired Naval Officer turned full time writer and blogger. Educated at IIT Delhi, IIT (BHU) Varanasi, The Lawrence School Lovedale and Bishops School Pune, Vikram has published two books: COCKTAIL a collection of fiction short stories about relationships (2011) and APPETITE FOR A STROLL a book of Foodie Adventures (2008) and is currently working on his novel and a book of vignettes and an anthology of short fiction. An avid blogger, he has written a number of fiction short stories and creative non-fiction articles on a variety of topics including food, travel, philosophy, academics, technology, management, health, pet parenting, teaching stories and self help in magazines and published a large number of professional  and academic research papers in journals and edited in-house journals and magazines for many years, before the advent of blogging. Vikram has taught at a University as a Professor for 15 years and now teaches as a visiting faculty and devotes most of his time to creative writing and blogging. Vikram Karve lives in Pune India with his family and muse - his pet dog Sherry with whom he takes long walks thinking creative thoughts.

Vikram Karve Academic and Creative Writing Journal: http://karvediat.blogspot.com
Professional Profile Vikram Karve: http://www.linkedin.com/in/karve
Vikram Karve Facebook Page:  https://www.facebook.com/vikramkarve
Vikram Karve Creative Writing Blog: http://vikramkarve.sulekha.com/blog/posts.htm
Email: vikramkarve@hotmail.com

      

© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

 

WAKAD HINJEWADI FOOD GUIDE - Part 1

WAKAD HINJEWADI FOOD GUIDE

Part 1

By

VIKRAM KARVE

“Eating-Out” and “Eating-In” in Wakad Hinjewadi Pune

1. NPB FOOD SQUARE

Our favourite place to eat out. This is a family place. We love this place for its bright clean spacious ambience and the variety of food you get there at affordable prices. This is the only place in Wakad where you will get decent Dosa or Idli. There are stalls serving all types of cuisine, veg and non-veg, snacks and meals – Maharashtrian (Sabudana Khicadi, Tahlipeeth and Misal) , North Indian (Paratha, Meals, Chaat), South Indian (Dosa, Idli, Wada Sambar and Thali), Chinese, Punjabi, Mughlai, Kababs, Curries and Biryani, Pizzas and Sandwiches, Milk Shakes and Ice Cream and of course there are plenty of delicious freshly Baked Delights and soothing desserts from New Poona Bakery (that’s what NPB stands for).

2. VARSHAKIRAN BHOJANALAYA

If you are in the mood for some home style food just dial 7588579635 and order a Maharashtrian Thali which will be delivered fresh and hot to your home in a stainless-steel Tiffin Carrier . A simple unpretentious  wholesome meal comprising varan-bhat (dal-rice), two vegetables ( a rassa and a sukha bhaji), Chappaties and Salad. Priced at fifty bucks this is a real value-for-money meal.

3. FAASO’S

Go for the Wraps and avoid the rest of the menu. Yes, the wraps are superb are superb – all of them – Veg and Non-Veg. (By the way, for the uninitiated, wraps are sanitized versions of the inimitable Kathi Rolls or Frankies). I especially like the Chicken Bhuna Wrap and Green Paneer Wrap. However, I found the “Mughlai” (Stuffed Mutton Paratha) terrible, almost nauseating, drenched in oil and stuffed with underdone mutton. I strongly recommend a visit by the Chef to Bade Mian in Mumbai to observe how Baida Roti is made if Faaso’s is serious about their “Mughlai” Parathas.  Lastly, the less said about the “Biryani” the better – a truly pathetic flavourless Biryani with tough pieces of chicken with a tasteless potato and a cold boiled egg thrown in – truly appalling! The ambience of the eatery is pretty lousy too so I always prefer to dial 9325545355 and order the wraps home as they pack it quite well and hygienically. Remember, just stick to the Wraps. And here is some unsolicited advice for FAASO’S – Specialize in Wraps and discard the rest of the menu.

4. INDIAN IN A BOX

I like the food here. There is Chinese and there are the usual Indian dishes and all dishes are quite tasty. The only dish I do not like here is the Biryani – absolutely second-rate stuff. My favourite is the Meal-For-One “Favourite Chicken Box” comprising an Aloo Tuk Tuk + Chicken Tikka Masala + Laccha Paratha. So, of you are in the mood for a satiating meal dial 02022931800 and order whatever you want.

5. ADITYA

If you have hungry vegetarian guests dial 02065101088 and order the food from Aditya. My favourites are the Methi Malai Mutter and Navrattan Korma. While most Veg dishes are quite good, I found the Non-Veg dishes too spicy and oily and the Biryani was awful. 

6. NATURAL ICE CREAM

I love ending my meal with soothing Tender Coconut Ice Cream from Natural Ice Cream Parlour!

Since I arrives in Wakad, I have been “Eating-In” more than “Eating-Out” since it is more convenient to order and have a relaxed meal in the comfort of my home than venture out in the crazy traffic and eat in places where the ambience is pretty unappetizing.

In Hinjewadi, there are many other places too like the ubiquitous McDonald’s, Domino’s, Smoking Joe’s and CCD and some excellent fine dining options like Barbeque Nation at Sayaji, MoMo Cafe at Courtyard Marriot, Admiralty, Lemon Tree and Mezza 9, but I will tell you about them later.

Till now I have delved on the Western side of Wakad towards Hinjewadi.

Now I am going to explore the Eastern side of Wakad, places like Vishalnagar, Pimple Nilakh et al. Someone has just told me about a place called Iyer’s Tiffins in Vishalnagar nearby, so maybe I’ll drop in tomorrow morning for a Dosa and Filter Coffee or better still for an Idli-Wada “Tiffin” in the evening.

If anyone in Wakad is reading this, do let us know of some of your favourite eating places out here and nearby.

Till then, Happy Eating. And remember - there is no love greater than the love of eating.

VIKRAM KARVE

Copyright © Vikram Karve 2011

Vikram Karve has asserted his right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 to be identified as the author of this work. 

© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

Did you like reading this story? 
I am sure you will like all the 27 stories in my recently published book of short stories COCKTAIL
To order your COCKTAIL please click any of the links below:
http://www.flipkart.com/cocktail-vikram-karve-short-stories-book-8191091844?affid=nme
http://www.indiaplaza.in/cocktail-vikram-karve/books/9788191091847.htm
http://www.apkpublishers.com/books/short-stories/cocktail-by-vikram-karve.html
COCKTAIL ebook
If you prefer reading ebooks on Kindle or your ebook reader, please order Cocktail E-book by clicking the links below:
AMAZON
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005MGERZ6
SMASHWORDS
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/87925

Foodie Book:  Appetite for a Stroll
http://www.flipkart.com/appetite-stroll-vikram-karve/8190690094-gw23f9mr2o

About Vikram Karve

A creative person with a zest for life, Vikram Karve is a retired Naval Officer turned full time writer. Educated at IIT Delhi, ITBHU Varanasi, The Lawrence School Lovedale and Bishops School Pune, Vikram has published two books: COCKTAIL a collection of fiction short stories about relationships (2011) and APPETITE FOR A STROLL a book of Foodie Adventures (2008) and is currently working on his novel and a book of vignettes and short fiction. An avid blogger, he has written a number of fiction short stories, creative non-fiction articles on a variety of topics including food, travel, philosophy, academics, technology, management, health, pet parenting, teaching stories and self help in magazines and published a large number of professional research papers in journals and edited in-house journals for many years, before the advent of blogging. Vikram has taught at a University as a Professor for almost 14 years and now teaches as a visiting faculty and devotes most of his time to creative writing. Vikram lives in Pune India with his family and muse - his pet dog Sherry with whom he takes long walks thinking creative thoughts.

Vikram Karve Academic and Creative Writing Journal: http://karvediat.blogspot.com
Professional Profile Vikram Karve: http://www.linkedin.com/in/karve
Vikram Karve Facebook Page:  https://www.facebook.com/vikramkarve
Vikram Karve Creative Writing Blog: http://vikramkarve.sulekha.com/blog/posts.htm
Email: vikramkarve@sify.com
vikramkarve@gmail.com

© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

  

WAKAD FOOD SCENE - INDIAN IN A BOX

WAKAD FOOD SCENE

INDIAN IN A BOX

By

VIKRAM KARVE

The best thing about Wakad is the beautiful view from my house, the eye-soothing spectacle of the resplendent Mula River Valley, the serene green expanse and the verdant hills in the distance, with the mighty sentinel Sinhagad just visible quite far away. However, a breathtaking view will not fill your stomach and this afternoon I was hungry. Now if you are hungry you better not be in Wakad. There are just no decent affordable eateries in Wakad, except the New Poona Bakery NPB Food Square, but then I was in no mood to drive down there, though the place is quite nearby and has a good variety of food and snacks, both veg and non-veg, and desserts and ice creams too. I did not want to order a pizza or burger, which are the only home delivery options out here in the wilderness.

I was wondering whether I should warm up my staple NTR Veg Biryani in the microwave when I suddenly remembered that a PYT Techie who lives in my building had once given me a home delivery menu card of a place in Hinjewadi called Indian in a Box (Yes, there are PYT’s in IT and my building has so many of them, besides the geeks, nerds and dorks) .

INDIAN IN A BOX – we take your taste buds far off imagination, said the blurb on the takeaway menu card. The contents of the menu were not very exciting, just a few Indian and “Chinese” dishes, so I played safe, dialled their number and ordered a FAVOURITE CHICKEN BOX comprising (as the menu said) Aloo Tuk Tuk + Chicken Tikka Masala + Laccha Paratha. 

The food arrived promptly and was really good. The aloo tikkis were yummy, the chicken tikka gravy was delicious and the Parathas were quite soft and tasty. I liked the packing – neat, hygienic and microwaveable – and for Rs. 129/- it was indeed a value-for-money meal. A simple yet scrumptious, satisfying, affordable meal.

Well, I think they must skip the “aloo tuk tuk” starters and include a bit of pulao instead to embellish and complete the meal.

Now that I have an option (to pizzas and burgers) I am going to patronize Indian in a Box whenever I am lonely and hungry in Wakad and want to order a home delivery meal, or maybe when my forever-hungry daughter or my friends suddenly land up. I’ll try their Biryani, Wraps, the Tandoori and Butter Chicken, some vegetarian curries for my wife, and if I am feeling adventurous I’ll order some “Chinese – Made in India” as the menu card says.

If you live in Wakad or work in Hinjewadi, I am sure you have tried the place, so why don’t you tell us your experience, or about some other good foodie joints nearby.

Happy Eating

VIKRAM KARVE

© vikram karve., all rights reserved. 

Dear Foodie, how about a COCKTAIL as an appetizer to go with your meal.

To order your Cocktail please click the links below:

http://www.flipkart.com/cocktail-vikram-karve-short-stories-book-8191091844?affid=nme

About Vikram Karve

A creative person with a zest for life, Vikram Karve is a retired Naval Officer turned full time writer. Educated at IIT Delhi, ITBHU Varanasi, The Lawrence School Lovedale and Bishops School Pune, Vikram has published two books: COCKTAIL a collection of fiction short stories about relationships (2011) and APPETITE FOR A STROLL a book of Foodie Adventures(2008) and is currently working on his novel. An avid blogger, he has written a number of fiction short stories and creative non-fiction articles in magazines and journals for many years before the advent of blogging. Vikram has taught at a University as a Professor for almost 14 years and now teaches as a visiting faculty and devotes most of his time to creative writing. Vikram lives in Pune India with his family and muse - his pet dog Sherry with whom he takes long walks thinking creative thoughts.