My earliest memories of a biryani are of how I used to devour the large Handi my dad’s friend in Surat used to bring every Eid. I swear it was the most delectable, scrumptious biryani I have ever had. I have searched for a similar one for ages and while I have enjoyed quite a few, none come close to it or perhaps the memory of it. That is what I believe food is all about – memories. It tastes better when you have beautiful memories attached to it.
I can say I have tried Biryanis from different parts of the world in different countries. I have tried the local street-fare to Five Star fine dining. During our days in Chennai, a friend used to carry a load of Biryani whenever he travelled back from Hyderabad. Then I have had Bangladeshi Biryanis after show nights in US. I have tried the watered down good-for-foreign palates versions in the UK. I have tried the flavourful Pakistani ones in almost hole-in-the-wall joints in Hong Kong and then rich flavourful Biryanis in Dubai. I have had the Zampa Bazaar Biryanis in Surat and the Mohammad Ali Road ones in Mumbai.I have tried the various versions; Bohri, Lucknowi, Hyderabadi, Kachchi, Mughlai, Sindhi, Tamil/South Indian, Bombay, Afghani Pulao variation, Kolkata and ironically though Bangalore is not what one thinks of when thinking of Biryanis; the one that has always stood out is from Tandoor at Bangalore. My years in Bangalore have proved that Bangalore has an amazing Biryani scene. So when Ammi’s Biryani from Bangalore came to Mumbai, I was eyeing the outlet eagerly. While my childhood quest continues for the perfect biryani, this will do perfectly for those mid-day biryani cravings.
Ammi’s Biryani which received Private Equity funding from SAIF Partners, has come up with an interesting concept of biryani meals in a box. Already 65 outlets old, one can see that a lot of thought has gone into the concept, giving the perfect small packet of paper napkins, spoon and even a small box to leave your bones in. While I wish they had given a fork and knife too, I appreciate the eye to detail. The biryanis come in two versions – Executive (Rs. 129) and Regular (Rs. 225). While both come with Raita, the latter also has a dessert. While they have a whole array of biryanis to choose from, we tried the Chicken Hyderabadi and the Hyderabadi Pindi Chole Biryani. The chicken biryani was the usual satisfying fare with nothing that stands out but the Pindi Chole was richly flavoured and one did not miss the meat in it. The Mumbaiya Biryani, rich in flavour was a stand out. The Lasooni Tikka (Rs. 155), Mutton Seekh Kebab (Rs. 179 and Rs. 119 for roll) and Chicken Seekh Kebab (Rs. 130 and Rs. 99 for roll) can be counted as some of the better ones available. The Seekhs were soft and flavourful with a smokiness to it. The tikka was soft, succulent and cooked just right. But what stood out for me were the Gobi Kasundi (Rs. 110) and the Achari Aloo (Rs. 110) – while the former was lightly flavoured and yet extremely delicious, the latter was richly spiced and delightfully tangy. The Matka Phirni was quite delicious but I would appreciate it if a fresh batch is made as in an otherwise pleasant experience, this stands as a sore point.
What is worth mentioning, however, is their service. While most outlets would have their in-dining service well oiled, it’s the delivery mechanism that I was extremely impressed with. After going to the outlet, I have ordered home delivery a few times and it has been actually a very delightful experience right from a polite, knowledgeable person taking the order down to an SMS when the food leaves the outlet.
This has become my regular ordering joint for Rolls and Biryanis. The good thing is that the food is not greasy and I can be moderately guilt free about it too!
Ratings out of 5
Food: 3 | Ambiance: 2.5 | Service: 3.5 | Overall: 3
Meal for Two without Alcohol: Rs. 500 Approximately plus taxes| Alcohol: No | Credit Card: Yes|
Timing:11 AM to 11 PM| Wheelchair access : Yes
Address: Shop 7, Royal Classic Building, Near Citi Mall, Link Road,Andheri West, Mumbai
Telephone : 022 30151555
Disclaimer : This review was done on an invitation from the restaurant. Due judgment and care has been applied by the author to remain objective and unbiased in the review; however readers may exercise their own discretion.
