How to Judge a Biryani – Tasting and Testing

A Foodie “Girlfriend” has invited us for a “Biryani Date” at a famous iconic restaurant of Pune which she claims serves the best Biryani in Pune. 

As they say – “the proof of the pudding is in the eating” – so I will tell you if it is indeed a good Biryani after tasting and testing it. 

Did I say “Testing”...? 

Will this Biryani pass all the 5 “Tests” of an Authentic Biryani...?

Dear Reader – Do you what are the five basic Authenticity Tests you must carry out to evaluate a Biryani...?

Read on...

ARE YOU BEING SERVED FAKE BIRYANI ...?

If you walk around Pune – you will find that a “Biryani House” has mushroomed at every nook and corner.

Of course – it is debatable whether the “meat-rice mixture” they serve would qualify as a “Biryani”. 

If you walk around Pune – you will find that a “Biryani House” has mushroomed at every nook and corner.

Most of these eateries serve a spicy medley of meat and rice which they pass off as “Biryani”. 

Earlier – there a few eateries which served decent Biryani – but sadly – even these restaurants have succumbed to “popular demand” – and have “spiced up” their Biryani. 

Nowadays – instead of authentic Biryani – I have seen many restaurants and caterers try to pass off pulaos (and various other medleys and potpourris of meat and rice) as Biryani.

Pulao is not Biryani.

Pulao is prepared by cooking the ingredients together.

In a Biryani the rice and meat are cooked separately – then assembled in layers – and given a “Dum”.

How do you evaluate a Biryani?

What are the qualities of a good Biryani? 

How do you test a Biryani to see whether you are being served a fake Biryani.

Let me delve into my Foodie Writing Archives and pull out this article I wrote more than 17 years ago – in the year 2000 – during my Mumbai days – on TESTING and TASTING a BIRYANI – and post it once more for your perusal.

So – next time you eat a Biryani – test it – to see if it is a Good Biryani – or – whether you are being served a Fake Biryani.

BIRYANI

Five Essential Qualities of a Good Biryani

Foodie Self-Help

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.

FIVE TESTS TO JUDGE 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 the meat must 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 – and 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. 

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 the Biryani must not be overpoweringly spicy, greasy or pungent.

Test No. 4

POTATO TEST

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

Dig deep – and search for the Potato in the Biryani.

The potatoes 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

Finally – here is the fifth test for Biryani. 

Has it been served at the right temperature with light aromatic steam coming out from the rice?

Do you feel the warmth on your tongue when you eat the inner part of the mutton?

 

THE PERFECT BIRYANI

 

So – the next time a plate of Biryani is put in front of you – before you eat it – do carry out these five simple tests – and tell us all about it.

Did the Biryani pass all the tests with flying colours? 

Is it a Perfect Biryani...? 

Or – is it a greasy potpourri of rice and meat – a Fake Biryani – or a Pulao – masquerading as an authentic Biryani...?

HAPPY BIRYANI EATING

VIKRAM KARVE

Copyright © Vikram Karve 
1. If you share this post, please give due credit to the author Vikram Karve
2. Please DO NOT PLAGIARIZE. Please DO NOT Cut/Copy/Paste this post
© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

Disclaimer:

1. These are my personal views based on my personal experience. Please do your own due diligence while testing a Biryani.

2. All stories in this blog are a work of fiction. Events, Places, Settings and Incidents narrated in the stories are a figment of my imagination. The characters do not exist and are purely imaginary. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Copyright Notice:

No part of this Blog may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the Blog Author Vikram Karve who holds the copyright.

Copyright © Vikram Karve (all rights reserved)

This is an updated and revised version of my article on HOW TO JUDGE A BIRYANI written be me Vikram Karve more than 17 years ago in the year 2000 and posted online earlier in my Academic and Creative Writing Journal Blog on 30 Nov 2010 at url: http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2010/11/biryani-how-to-judge-biryani-four-tests.html and reposted a number of times in my various blogs at urls http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2011/05/perfect-biryani-tasting-and-testing.html and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2015/12/what-is-good-biryani-5-tests.html  and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2016/03/are-you-being-served-fake-biryani.html and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2016/12/how-to-judge-biryani-5-basic-tests.html etc 

This popular Foodie Article written by me has also been carried by a number of magazines, ezines, blogs, forums and websites and online foodie portals.

INTERVIEW WITH BIRYANI

I am sure you have read my blog post THE PERFECT BIRYANI - THE FIVE TESTS
http://karvediat.blogspot.com/2011/10/perfect-biryani-five-tests.html

I am pasting the article below for you to read in case you haven't read it yet:

THE PERFECT BIRYANI - THE FIVE TESTS
Tasting and Testing
The Perfect Biryani
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 four 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 and you must be able to discern the delicate sweetish fragrance and appetizing mouthwatering aroma of marinated spices and the aroma must not be overpowering, sharp or piquant. 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. It 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 potatoes 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…?

Well I thought there are four tests to evaluate a Biryani, but a fellow blogger Alok told me about a fifth and final test - The Temperature Test. So here it is!

Test No. 5

TEMPERATURE TEST

There is a 5th test for Biryani. Has it been served at the right temprature with light aromatic steam coming out from the rice and do you feel the warmth on your tounge when you eat  the inner part of the mutton.

THE PERFECT BIRYANI

So the next time a plate of Biryani is put in front of you, before you eat it, do carry out these simple five tests and tell us all about it – did the Biryani pass all the tests with flying colours? Is it a perfect Biryani?

In response to this article I have received a very insightful comment from Anshumali Lucknow Tandon (on our linkedin group) which I am reproducing below verbatim for the benefit of all Biryani lovers:

INTERVIEW WITH BIRYANI

I have not had original Hyderabadi Biryani, inspite of claims to the contrary by the protesting Chefs, hence my comments are based solely on Awadhi cuisine ! 

Aroma : As the dried dough used for "Dum" is peeled away the first waft should be of Kewra. The next waft of curling stem should carry the the mouth watering sweetness of tender succulent meat ( dry meat rarely has any aroma).Then comes the thick lingering aroma of rice which is carrier to all the other condiments. 

Sight : The rice & meat should appear as the classical heroine's just washed hair in Raja Ravi Verma painting : They may appear wet but they are not for they have ben well dried. It is that sheen on the rice which will force you to involuntarily wet your lips with the tip of your tongue, inspite of the most disapproving glances from your wife & daughter. 

Touch : Never ever use a fork or spoon to eat Biryani. Why bother ! As Mr Vikram rightly points out the rice should separate and not have any oil on it. If it is mutton the meat fibres should part to the gentle nudge of your anamika, the finger reserved for rituals : this being one of the most Holy rituals, never use any thing other than anamika for judging the softness of mutton or chicken. If it be Chicken then it should appear sheathed in yellow-orangish silk, such should be the sheen. Again the sheen should part to a gentle nudge to reveal succulent tender inner fibers. Of course no other contaminant should disturb this eveolving Jugal bandi between rice and meat, for inspite of mandatory presence of other ingredients, a Biryani is neccesarily a Jugalbandi between Rice and Meat and rest of the condiments are just side rhythm.( I wont delve further on this theme of Jugalbandi for it's a different matter altogether.) 

Taste : The first taste one gets is that of the rice and the rice should speak about the sweetness of earth and the love with which it was nurtured by the farmer, saltiness of the sweat and the inventiveness of the Chef who was careful enough not to mask the Swaroop (basic nature) of rice. For the next few minutes or whatever length of time that one might take to continue the interview with the Biryani gracing one's life at that moment, the Permanent Sentiment (Sthaayi Bhaav) shall be rice and the Fleeting Sentiment (Sanchaari Bhaav) shall be Meat ( Mutton or chicken). As the tender piece of meat begins it Life-force enhancing journey with a mouthful of rice it should offer it's deepest secrets to the mere prodding of the tongue. It is not a Biryani but Pulao, if teeth were required for reaching to the taste of meat. Even as Rice and Biryani settle down into their Jugalbandi other condiments lik elaichi, daal chini, kaali mirch should gently step in to fill the space with their gentle notes. But Kewra, to me is like the Tanpura, doesn't do much except reminding the two main players about the Basic Note, Can't help it if I am biased towards Kewra in Biryani. Never saw a concert without Tanpura, even if it be modern electronic miniature. 

Post- Interview : Like all good things in life, even this interview would come to an end. But a good Biryani is that which shall remind one of itself even two hours later with a gentle waft of aromas past as the hand would gently brush past the nose. It is a good Biryani that reminds of itself even as one is Contemplating a wrok of art or listening to a musical piece rendered by one of the Maestros.

HAPPY EATING

VIKRAM KARVE

Did you like this?
I am sure you will like the stories in my recently published book COCKTAIL comprising twenty seven short stories about relationships. To order the book please click the links below:
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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 link below:
AMAZON
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005MGERZ6
SMASHWORDS
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/87925

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 he 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. 

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        

© vikram karve., all rights reserved

THE PERFECT BIRYANI - THE FIVE TESTS

Tasting and Testing

The Perfect Biryani

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 four 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 and you must be able to discern the delicate sweetish fragrance and appetizing mouthwatering aroma of marinated spices and the aroma must not be overpowering, sharp or piquant. 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. It 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 potatoes 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…?

Well I thought there are four tests to evaluate a Biryani, but a fellow blogger Alok told me about a fifth and final test - The Temperature Test. So here it is!

Test No. 5

TEMPERATURE TEST

There is a 5th test for Biryani. Has it been served at the right temprature with light aromatic steam coming out from the rice and do you feel the warmth on your tounge when you eat  the inner part of the mutton.

 

THE PERFECT BIRYANI

 

So the next time a plate of Biryani is put in front of you, before you eat it, do carry out these simple five tests and tell us all about it – did the Biryani pass all the tests with flying colours? Is it a perfect Biryani?

HAPPY 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 this article?
This is an excerpt from my Foodie Book   Appetite for a Stroll

http://books.sulekha.com/book/appetite-for-a-stroll/default.htm

http://www.flipkart.com/appetite-stroll-vikram-karve/8190690094-gw23f9mr2o


I am sure you will like the stories in my recently published book COCKTAIL comprising twenty seven short stories about relationships. To order the book please click 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 link below:
AMAZON
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005MGERZ6
SMASHWORDS
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/87925

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 he 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. 

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        

© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

THE PERFECT BIRYANI - Tasting and Testing

Tasting and Testing

The Perfect Biryani

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 four 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 and you must be able to discern the delicate sweetish fragrance and appetizing mouthwatering aroma of marinated spices and the aroma must not be overpowering, sharp or piquant. 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. It 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 potatoes 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…?

Well I thought there are four tests to evaluate a Biryani, but a fellow blogger Alok told me about a fifth and final test - The Temperature Test. So here it is!

Test No. 5

TEMPERATURE TEST
There is a 5th test for Biryani. Has it been served at the right temprature with light aromatic steam coming out from the rice and do you feel the warmth on your tounge when you eat  the inner part of the mutton.

 

THE PERFECT BIRYANI

 

So the next time a plate of Biryani is put in front of you, before you eat it, do carry out these simple five tests and tell us all about it – did the Biryani pass all the tests with flying colours? Is it a perfect Biryani?

HAPPY 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. 

PS - If you love eating you will love my foodie book  Appetite for a Stroll

http://books.sulekha.com/book/appetite-for-a-stroll/default.htm

http://www.flipkart.com/appetite-stroll-vikram-karve/8190690094-gw23f9mr2o

And if you prefer a COCKTAIL why don't you go ahead and order one http://www.flipkart.com/cocktail-vikram-karve-short-stories-book-8191091844?affid=nme

© vikram karve., all rights reserved.