Biryani remained the most ordered food on Eid day in Bahrain

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Staff Reporter

The weakness for the fragrant dish made of meat and rice was visible on the day of Eid Al Fitr across Bahrain as highest demand remained for Biryani, according to restaurateurs.

They attribute its success to the right combination of myriad flavours, spices, meat and rice apart from being affordable, nutritional and tasty. Unique aroma and pleasant taste with adequate spicy quotient make Biryani a special dish.

The dish, which according to some food historians, originated over 600 years ago, and now has over at least 50 reported varieties, enslaves both citizens and residents alike.

Speaking to The Daily Tribune, Mohammed Thameez, who runs a restaurant in East Riffa, said there is no competitor for Biryani on dining tables as it is viewed as “a special food as well as everyday food”.

“Most other dishes need an accompaniment unlike the Biryani and I think this is what makes it unique. It is easy to serve and of course, easy to eat. “Even during the pandemic season, Biriyani was the most ordered food. I don’t think any other dish would emerge as a potential competitor to Biryani, at least in our lifetimes.

“These days, I could see, apart from South Asians and Arabs, many Filipino, Thai and other Southeast Asian nationals loving and ordering the dish.”

He said preparing Biriyani has its own set of challenges. “We can’t compromise on our quality on special days like Eid. We have to be doubly careful to ensure that we offer our customers the perfect Biryani.

“Starting from the quality of rice to the quality of meat and vegetables, everything is important. Any compromise could lead to a disaster. Of course, the cooking time also remains crucial. It’s definitely a wait and watch game till the end.”

Abdul Shukoor, who runs a restaurant in Umm Al Hassam, said Dum Biriyanis are the most sought after although a few continue to prefer ordinary Biryanis.

“We prepare our own Biryani masalas as those brought from the market don’t give a better aroma. The process is simple as we need to grind spices like cinnamon sticks, cloves, black peppers, green cardamom, fennel seeds, bay leaves and other spices.”

Abdul said Mutton Biryani was the most ordered followed by chicken and beef. “On a normal day, Chicken Biryani is the most sought after. But on special days like Eid, people want to have a little more enjoyment and they go for Mutton Biryani. Chicken Majboos and Chicken Mandi are also popular among our customers.”

In the words of Bahrain resident Prakashan Nair, Biriyani is one thing that will never go out of trend. “I grew up in the Indian city of Bangalore, where Biryani is the most popular dish. My father loved it like anything and I inherited this fondness and my son is a Biryani maniac. This is one thing that will never go out of trend. In my house, Biriyani has always been the compromise solution whenever a culinary clash arose.”