Arsalan, Park Circus Area, Kolkata

In a world of Lucknawi and the Hyderabadi, Kolkata biryani has a place of its own but sadly it has not been able to carve the same niche like the former two. India is the melting pot of cultures and biryani is a dish associated with so many states and regions. But we are aware about just the two of them.

So if you are visiting Kolkata, you have to try the delectable biryani offered by Arsalan. The taste is so different and out of the world. And the copious quantities of the biryani accompanied with the sweet Bengali hospitality will leave you over satisfied. So here are the two dishes which I relished on my recent visit to Kolkata:

Mutton biryani: After the Lucknawi biryani from Dastarkhwan, this has to be the best regional biryani I have tasted. Contrary to the popular notion of biryani being heavily loaded with spices, this one was plain white colour with mutton pieces subtly drenched in spices. The rice was long grained basmati, aromatic, moist and blossoming. The mutton pieces were ohh-so-succulent and chewy in taste. The prominent hotness of green and black cardamom was pronounced but not too many spices were used here. The addition of boiled potatoes provided a sweet hint in an otherwise hot dish. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

Phirni: How did the Bengalis come up with such a condensed version of phirni? Because the phirni here is not our milk and rice pudding. The khoya – concentrated milk is condensed more with green cardomam and presented in a semi-frozen form in an earthen ware. The light sweetness, the heavenly creaminess and the subtle smoothness make this dessert a masterpiece. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.