Biryanishk by The Biryani Company - Mudiali — Restaurant in Kolkata

Coastal Cuisine is one genre which I am particularly fond of. And whenever I come across any outlet serving the same, I do keep the same on my checklist of 'places to visit'.

The place is a 'Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde' kind of an outlet, which serves Mughlai food under the name of 'Biryanishk by The Biryani Company' and Coastal Cuisine under the name of 'Pappadam', all huddled under one roof. Contrary to the rather quirky metaphor I used, there's nothing sinister cooking out there. Instead, I see much promise in the vast array of food they have to offer, under both the identities. And the decor is neatly done with bright mustard yellow walls, a medium sized aquarium (don't expect the fishes, squids and crabs in the menu floating out there) and wooden furniture to complete the look.

So, my first tryst with this place was marked by me ordering their Malabar Paratha and Mysore Mutton Sukka. The Malabar Paratha was crisp yet soft enough to tear by two fingers. It's the Mutton Sukka that piqued my interest. Tender and succulent, decent sized chunks of almost boneless Mutton, came adorned in a dry gravy. However, the fiery flavours so typical of the Sukka down South, was somewhat missing. It was a rather subdued version of what I am familiar with. However, the notes of Garam Masala, Star Anise, Fennel and Black Pepper were evident and left a distinct aftertaste, which did redeem things to a larger extent. In spite of being somewhat subdued in the fiery factor, the dish was indeed pleasant. While having a friendly banter with the server, I learnt that the Chef had deliberately kept the overall flavours 'balanced', but I do feel there will be room for certain 'adjustments' in the forthcoming visit.

This place certainly demands further visits. I am currently sticking to a rating of 4 out of 5, until I taste their other items including the Sukka, the next...

Pappadam located at Southern Avenue specialises in coastal cuisines along with touch of flavours of kolkata. This place can be easily accessible from Rabindra Sarovar Metro Station Gate no 1(5mins walking distance from Mudiali Club). Visited this place few days ago while Kerela Food Festival was going on( till 15th of March) over there and tried out some of their newly added dishes. The ambience is very pretty with bright colours, lights and paintings of South India.

Starters:

Squid Masala Fry: Spicy, flavourful and perfectly cooked.

Mushroom Roast: Soft pieces of mushrooms cooked in spicy- tangy sauces, chopped onions and garlic. Totally recommended.

Cheera Thoran: Chopped spinach cooked with grated coconut and mustard seeds. This dish was quite unique, flavourful light, delicious and nutritious as well.

Kerala Kadala Curry: Kerala Kadala Curry is a South Indian version Spicy flavourful curry made with chickpeas, coconut milk and mustard seeds. It had tangy and spicy flavour and can be paired up well with appam.

Appam: White ,lacy,soft, tasty pancakes made with fermented rice batter and coconut milk having a crisp side with an airy, soft on touch, fluffy center.

Fish Mappas: A spicy fish curry made with juicy, soft, fresh bhetki fillets and then cooked in coconut milk.

Coconut Rice: Light, tasty & mild south indian coconut rice prepared by soaking white rice in coconut milk or made with fresh fresh grated coconut and tempering spices.

Buttermilk: Refreshing, tangy spicy flavour drink with perfect thickness. Highly recommended.

Payasam: A perfect dessert with light sweetness to end up this lavish meal.

The service of this place is great abd the staffs are courtous. A must visit...

Ok. I say this rarely but this one's a gem... Tucked away in a not so evident bylane of Mudiali with not many restaurants around or clogged by famous eateries, chances are high you missed it and no one would blame you if you did.

Do not get confused by the name biriyani Ishq as being just another biriyani place in a city lost in its hunt amidst hundreds of biriyani spots.

While their biriyani is great, what packs a punch is their coastal menu - Goan, Mangalorean, Konkan and Kerelian.

Yes within biriyani Ishq is another restaurant called pappadam which specialises in coastal cuisine which makes this deal even more exhilarating.

Kerela mutton, mutton pasted galawti kulcha, cheese and pyare kebab for starters along with a glass of borhani for palate cleansing. The chilli in the drink i can assure you packs the right punch with the sourness of the yogurt.

Followed by spicy mangalorean ghee roast prawns and neer dosa. Should be half ful by now.

Next in appam with chicken istew. Coconut base with warm rich creamy gravy with hints of curry leaves and yet a subtle taste. Particularly soothing after the spicy prawns.

Follow it up by zaffran mutton biriyani. I can assure you will have no more space to gobble up.

Yet what meal can end without a firni classic for me but can be nolen gur, chocolate or strawberry if you so want.

Owner is a lovely chatty fellow. The staff on their toes and brilliant. But the real deal is the chef. Knowledgeable passionate and experimental makes the experience even better.

Lots parking...