Now, when one hears the word "biriyani," a multitude of sensations should immediately come to mind, fragrant rice, tender meat, the perfect blend of spices that dance upon the tongue in a symphony of culinary excellence. What I received, however, was an existential crisis in the form of a rice dish. The flavors? Meh. The texture? Serviceable at best. The overall impact? About as thrilling as a lecture on the mating habits of snails.
Let me put it this way: If this biriyani were a TV show, it would be a procedural drama that has somehow lasted 27 seasons despite being utterly mediocre—not offensive enough to hate, but certainly not worth tuning into voluntarily. In summary, this was a biriyani that existed, nothing more, nothing less.
I have had Indian food that made me question my very existence—flavors so profound that they rewired my neural pathways. This was not one of those experiences. This was an edible representation of apathy. The curries? Mediocre. The spices? Clearly rationed as if the chef feared they might run out before the next century. The naan? More uninspired than a generic PowerPoint presentation.
I am not saying the food was bad, but neither is lukewarm tap water, and yet, no one celebrates drinking it.
The Gulab Jamun—or as I call it, The Sweet Betrayal. This is where I reached my breaking point. The gulab jamun, a dessert known for its ethereal softness and syrupy bliss, arrived with all the softness of a stress ball. I took a bite, expecting it to yield under my teeth in a sweet, warm embrace. Instead, it resisted like it had unresolved trauma. It was sweet, yes, but so is a sugar cube, and you don’t see people ordering those for dessert. This was not Gulab jamun; it was a betrayal of the highest order.
The Pricing—or as I call it, The Reason They Get Three Stars. Now, before I completely obliterate this establishment in a fiery rant of justified disappointment, let’s acknowledge one simple fact: For the price, I cannot complain too much. This is the kind of place you go when:
You have exhausted every better option. You are hungry enough to lower your standards. You have the culinary expectations of a raccoon rummaging through a garbage bin. For what you pay, you will walk out not starving, but also not impressed. You will consume food, and it will function as sustenance, but it will spark no joy, no enlightenment, no urge to write poetry about its magnificence.
Final Thoughts Would I recommend Nizam’s? If you are desperate, short on funds, or willing to accept "okay" as a dining standard, sure, go ahead. However, if you are in search of anything remotely resembling an enjoyable, flavorful, or memorable Indian meal,...
Read moreIf you're in the mood for a delicious mix of non-vegetarian and vegetarian dishes, Nizam Restaurant in North Melbourne is an absolute must-try. With a menu that skillfully balances both categories, the restaurant offers something for everyone, whether you're a meat lover or a vegetarian.
The non-vegetarian options are particularly impressive. Their tender, flavorful kebabs and hearty curries are cooked to perfection, showcasing the rich, aromatic spices that are characteristic of Indian cuisine. The chicken and lamb dishes are crowd favorites, offering the right balance of spice and tenderness that keeps you coming back for more.
For those who prefer plant-based meals, Nizam doesn’t disappoint. The vegetarian menu features a range of tasty options, from flavorful dals to vibrant, spiced vegetables, all bursting with authentic flavors. The variety ensures that there’s always something new to try, and each dish is crafted with care.
The ambiance of the restaurant is warm and welcoming, with attentive service that makes you feel at home. Whether you’re dining in with friends or grabbing a quick takeaway, the experience at Nizam is consistently satisfying.
Overall, Nizam Restaurant is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to indulge in a wide array of authentic Indian dishes in North Melbourne. Highly recommended for both non-vegetarian and vegetarian...
Read moreI’m a food lover and I try a lot of restaurants specially late night one’s. I pass through this place and saw too many people lined up, the moment I stepped into the restaurant, it was filthy, rubbish all over the floor and on the tables. I thought it might serve good Indian food. I’m sharing my first and the last experience with Nizams' The worst customer service in any Mel restaurant. I was offered only take away and that too with limited options of curry and Biryani. I have to wait for 30 mins before I could get my order. I went back home and tried the food. I honestly still can’t believe that so many people are lining up to get this bad cooking oily and tasteless food. In the end, I would like to inform you, if you’re looking for cheap late night food with no customer service and rude staff go to this joint. I would rather pay little bit extra to get good customer service, a clean place to sit and enjoy my food. PS: my experience was...
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