Authentic Biryani at The Brook Pub Cambridge

There is no need to introduce the world to Authentic Biryani. An aromatic delight that shines as a magnificent main course, this dish is a staple of Indian celebrations.

It’s the one meal in which people of Indian and non-Indian heritage share an equal level of delight. If you’re not Indian, Biryani is probably the first Indian food you’ve ever tasted or will have. We have many authentic Biryani specials to offer to the people.

If that’s the case, then what makes it so unique?

Right this minute, let’s get started.

Biryani Origins:

Each handi of authentic Biryani contains a whole meal thanks to its rice, meat (or veggies), and spices. Whatever the occasion, a handi of Biryani is always welcome. The warm spices and robust aromas of this classic meal permeate every bite—fans of the dish rave about its uniqueness. Most people who enjoy Biryani are unaware that the dish did not originate in India, even though it has several regional variations.

Many countries have ruled the Indian subcontinent, and each one brought its unique culture, traditions, and food. Europeans brought in new staples like potatoes and tomatoes, while the Turks, Afghans, Persians, and Arabs left behind a rich legacy of culinary traditions. Authentic Biryani in the Indian subcontinent is made with either mutton or chicken biryani. Both originated in the Middle East and were brought to the region by Arabs and Persians.

Explaining Indian Biryani’s enduring popularity:

The spices and tastes used in an Indian biryani set it apart from those used in other biryanis. Although India’s contribution to the Biryani’s many flavours has been substantial, the biryanis of ancient Persian and Arabian cuisines are relatively mild in taste.

For the same reason that regional cuisines in India varied greatly, the biryanis also feature distinctive spices blends. While southern Indian biryanis are known for their use of coconut and tamarind and optional added heat, northern Indian biryanis are known for their use of curd as a marinade and subtle whole spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and bay leaf.

Screw-pine and other dry fruits lend a nutty flavour to some biryanis, along with jasmine, rose, kewra, and saffron. A second way to achieve this flavour is to sauté the rice in ghee before adding it to the pot with the meat or vegetables.

Critical Elements of a Delicious Biryani:

Those who genuinely appreciate Biryani know that perfecting the dish takes time, but they also recognise the necessity of using high-quality ingredients.

  • A biryani’s flavour is enhanced by using fresh vegetables, the finest meat cuts and poultry, and fresh seafood.
  • Use only the best long-grain rice for a traditional North Indian biryani and only the best short-grain rice for a traditional South Indian authentic biryani.
  • Good Biryani relies on a well-balanced curd, herbs, and spices marinade.
  • Subtle, fragrant spices that are regionally characteristic give each Biryani its character.

Different kinds of Biryani:

There are a plethora of variations on this noble meal. Let’s take a look at a few  of the most well-known:

Authentic Biryani with Chicken:

Even outside of India, chicken biryani is a fan favourite. It is prepared with fragrant basmati rice, succulent meat, often chicken, numerous pieces of boiled potatoes or dum, and, sometimes, eggs. A staple for over a century and is also known as one of the must-try experiences in the City of Joy for tourists.

Patrons have long argued over who makes the superior Calcuttan and Hyderabadi versions of Biryani. Chicken and potatoes make a delicious duo. The saffron on top complements the spices and scent beautifully, and there is a hint of sweetness.

Authentic Biryani from Hyderabad:

This Biryani is the most well-known in other countries like Britain and U.S. Sweet and savoury; it’s a delight to the taste buds. Dum pukht is a way of cooking rice in which the rice is partially cooked and then topped with fried onions, coriander, and meat.

Whereas the meat in most biryanis provides flavour, saffron takes centre stage in Hyderabadi Biryani. The kewda, rose water, and saffron give it an intense fragrance. Even though it’s not the most popular Biryani in India, the Biryani is a worldwide phenomenon.

Authentic Biryani from Lucknow:

One type of Biryani hails from the city of Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh, and it’s called Lucknowi (or Awadhi) biryani. It’s received a lot of attention and is widely used because of its long history. It’s another mouthwatering dish that features meat, spices, and aromatic rice, with the bonus of milk and dry fruits and nuts.

Authentic Biryani from Kashmir:

Kashmiri biryani calls for rice and meat to be cooked in yoghurt, ghee, saffron, and other aromatic local spices. You’ll remember the fragrant rice packed with flavour and the tender, flavorful beef for a long time.

And like Mughlai biryani, it borrows elements from other cuisines. Chicken breasts are combined with dried fruits and Kashmiri spices before being finished with saffron in this dish. It is new to the market and has seen rapid growth in recent years.

Brook Pub Food Offers:

Our pub offers authentic Saturday biryani  offers such as Chicken biryani and Paneer biryani at the Brook bar on Mill Road in Cambridge which are among the city’s best. Enjoy our authentic biryani and a beer on us for just 12.99 GBP every Saturday with our exclusive offer.

Our restaurant offers both traditional pub food and authentic South Asian dishes. We stock our bar with only the most excellent spirits and ingredients, including Cask Ales of the highest quality, gins with premium Fever tree tonics, whiskies, rums, wines, and cocktails.

Best Beer Garden Area:

Our best Beer garden area is an ideal place to spend with family and friends. We make sure that you encounter a lovely ambience, food and beverages. You can visit us either for a lunchtime snack or for an evening drink. We also have live music for entertaining the guests, karaoke nights, etc. Our forthcoming events will be updated on our Facebook page for you to follow.

As the Christmas season is gearing up, those who wish to throw a Christmas party for office colleagues, family or friends can book the place from November 25th to December 24th 2022. We have also updated our menu for the Christmas party. A special menu is designed for the day of Christmas so that people can come in to enjoy some fantastic food.