I. Introduction
Biryani is a popular dish in Indian cuisine, known for its rich flavours and aromatic spices. It is a one-pot meal that typically consists of perfectly cooked basmati rice, meat or vegetables, and a blend of spices. Himalaya Restaurant is a well-known Indian restaurant that specializes in biryani and is popular in the area for its delicious dishes. In this blog, we will explore the different types of biryani served at Himalaya Restaurant, the art of biryani making, and how to enhance the biryani experience. Readers can expect to learn about the history of Himalaya Restaurant, the unique flavours and spices used in biryani, and how to pair biryani with different accompaniments making them one of the best indian biryani restaurant.
II. History of Himalaya Restaurant
Himalaya Restaurant is an Indian and Nepalese eatery based in Melbourne, Australia. The restaurant was established in 2010 by Ramesh and Suresh Singh, who were inspired by their mother’s authentic cooking. Initially, it was a small, family-run restaurant serving classic Indian and Nepalese dishes.
However, it quickly became popular for its delicious food and welcoming ambience. Over time, the restaurant has expanded its menu, offering new and innovative dishes while retaining traditional recipes. Himalaya Restaurant is famous for its flavorful biryani, made with basmati rice, tender tandoori chicken mince or meat or vegetables, and aromatic spices.
The Singh brothers are also known for their philanthropy, donating food and funds to local charities and organizations. In conclusion, Himalaya Restaurant is a beloved destination for food lovers in Melbourne, offering authentic flavours, excellent customer service, and a commitment to giving back to the community.
III. The Art of Biryani Making
The biryani at Himalaya Restaurant is a signature dish that has become famous for its unique blend of flavours and spices. The process of making biryani at Himalaya Restaurant involves several steps and carefully selected ingredients to achieve the perfect taste.
The first step in making biryani is to select the best quality basmati rice. The rice is washed and soaked for a few hours before being boiled with whole spices such as cinnamon, bay leaves, and cloves. The puffed rice is then set aside to cool while the other ingredients are prepared.
For the meat/chicken or vegetable component of the dish, Himalaya Restaurant uses only the freshest ingredients, including chicken, lamb, beef, or vegetables. The meat or chicken is marinated in a blend of yoghurt, ginger, garlic, green chilli and other spices for several hours to tenderize and infuse the flavours.
Once the meat or chicken is marinated, the marinated chicken or meat is cooked with caramelized golden brown onions, tomatoes, and a blend of aromatic Indian spices such as cumin seeds, coriander, and garam masala. The meat is then layered with the rice, creating a beautiful mixture of flavours and textures.
Finally, the biryani is cooked in a sealed clay wall pot in a clay tandoor over low heat, allowing the flavours to meld together and create a mouth-watering aroma. Once cooked, the biryani is garnished with fresh cilantro, mint leaves, and fried onions before being served hot.
Each ingredient in the biryani has its own significance. Basmati rice is chosen for its long grain and fragrant aroma. Whole spices such as cinnamon, cumin seeds, bay leaves, and cloves are used to flavour the rice. Marinating the meat in yoghurt helps to tenderize it while infusing it with flavour. A blend of exotic spices adds depth and complexity to the dish.
At Himalaya Restaurant, traditional cooking techniques are used to achieve the best flavour. The biryani is cooked slowly over low heat, allowing the ingredients to meld together and develop a rich, complex flavour. The use of traditional techniques and high-quality ingredients is what sets Himalaya Restaurant’s biryani apart and has made it one of the most sought-after dishes at the restaurant.
IV. Exploring the Different Types of Biryani
Himalaya Restaurant offers a variety of biryanis, both meat and vegetable options, each with its own unique flavour profile.
The most popular biryani on the menu is Chicken Biryani. It is made with succulent pieces of chicken marinated in a blend of spices and yoghurt, then cooked with caramelized onions, tomatoes, and aromatic spices. The chicken is layered with long-grain basmati rice and is slow-cooked to perfection. The result is a flavorful biryani with tender chicken and perfectly cooked rice.
For meat lovers, the Lamb Biryani is a must-try. Made with tender pieces of lamb, this biryani is cooked with caramelized onions, tomatoes, and a blend of aromatic spices such as cumin, coriander, and garam masala. The lamb is marinated in a blend of yoghurt, ginger, garlic, and other spices, resulting in a succulent, flavorful dish.
Vegetarians will love the Vegetable Biryani, made with fresh vegetables cooked in a blend of aromatic spices such as cumin, coriander, and garam masala. The vegetables are layered with long-grain basmati rice and slow-cooked to perfection, resulting in a delicious and healthy dish.
Another popular biryani is the Prawn Biryani, made with juicy prawns cooked with caramelized onions, tomatoes, and a blend of aromatic spices. The prawns are layered with long-grain basmati rice and slow-cooked to perfection, resulting in a flavorful and aromatic dish.
At Himalaya Restaurant, each type of biryani has a unique flavour profile, highlighting the different spices and ingredients used. The Chicken Biryani is slightly spicier, while the Lamb Biryani has a deeper, more complex flavour. The Vegetable Biryani is lighter and fresher, while the Prawn Biryani is savoury and delicious.
Based on personal taste preferences, we recommend the Chicken Biryani for those who enjoy a spicier dish. At the same time, the Lamb Biryani is perfect for those who enjoy a more complex flavour. For vegetarians, the Vegetable Biryani is a must-try, while seafood lovers will enjoy the Prawn Biryani. No matter which biryani you choose, you can be sure it will be made with high-quality ingredients and traditional cooking techniques, resulting in a delicious and satisfying meal.
V. Enhancing the Biryani Experience
Himalaya Restaurant offers a variety of accompaniments that can enhance the biryani experience, including raita, chutney, and naan bread.
Raita is a refreshing yoghurt-based condiment that pairs well with biryani. Its cooling effect helps balance out the spices in the biryani, making it a perfect accompaniment. The diced cucumber, tomato, and mint in the raita add a fresh flavour that complements the savoury biryani.
Chutney is another popular condiment that can be enjoyed with biryani. It is made with a blend of fresh herbs and spices, including mint, coriander, and green chillies. The tangy and spicy flavours of chutney complement the complex flavours of the biryani, making it a perfect accompaniment.
Naan bread is a traditional Indian flatbread that is freshly baked in a tandoor oven, giving it a smoky flavour. Naan bread is perfect for savouring the flavours of the biryani and adds a satisfying texture to the dish.
For the Lamb Biryani, we recommend pairing it with raita and naan bread. The coolness of the raita and the smoky flavour of naan bread perfectly complement the deep and complex flavours of the Lamb Biryani.
For the Chicken Biryani, we suggest pairing it with chutney and naan bread to balance out the spiciness of the dish. The tangy and spicy chutney pairs well with the bold flavours of the chicken biryani.
The Vegetable Biryani is best enjoyed with raita, as it enhances the light and refreshing flavours of the vegetables.
Finally, the Prawn Biryani is perfect with chutney and naan bread, as it highlights the savoury and delicious flavours of the prawns.
VI. Conclusion
In conclusion, we have explored the history of Himalaya Restaurant, the art of biryani making, the different types of biryani available, and the accompaniments that can enhance the biryani experience.
Himalaya Restaurant takes pride in using only the freshest ingredients and traditional cooking techniques to create its delicious biryani. Each type of biryani has its unique flavour profile, making it a must-try dish for any food lover.
We highly encourage readers to once visit Himalaya Restaurant to experience the authentic flavours of biryani and other Indian dishes. The warm and welcoming ambience of the restaurant, along with its friendly staff, will make your dining experience truly memorable.
