One of the best places in Kolkata for Mughlai cuisine – Arsalan Restaurant is also popular among locals for the Kolkata Biryani.
Origins of Kolkata Biryani:
Biryani was introduced to this region by Wajid Ali Shah, the last nawab of Oudh around the 1850s. The current Kolkata biryani is the localised version of the Lucknowi or Awadhi biryani.
What is Kolkata Biryani:
The Kolkata biryani is made with aromatic basmati rice, steamed potato and huge chunks of juicy mutton or chicken layered in a big-pot (handi) to which certain spices such as cardamom, mace, saffron, cloves and sweet ittar etc are added.
Back to Arsalan Restaurant, which started in 2002 by Mr. Akthar Parvez – their claim to fame has been ‘Kolkata biryani’ that’s best paired with a plate of ‘mutton/chicken chaap’ (ribs in rich spicy gravy).
With branches all over the city, Arsalan Park Circus Kolkata is where they started first. While the food is absolutely delicious , the ambience is very frugal and is always crowded, however service is fast.
What to eat:
- Special biryani (chicken/mutton)
- Mutton/chicken chaap
Useful information:
- Parking- No dedicated parking for cars/motorcycles
- Biryani is served only with meat and aloo – curd-raita and salad needs to be ordered separately
- Gets crowded during lunch time – for a large group, takeaway or delivery option is more convenient
- Payment – cash and cards are accepted
- Timings – 10:30 am to 12 am – open all days of the week
- Location– Arsalan, near 7 point crossing, Park Circus, Kolkata [Google Maps link]
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