Street Biryani

Street Biryani: The Pocket Sized Restaurant That Packs a Punch

Situated along Bhitai Road in F-7 Markaz, along a line of other eateries and cafés, Street Biryani caught my attention with its modernist exterior. It was a quaint looking restaurant with a palette of royal blue, hunter green, and mustard yellow. The lack of parking space proved to be an issue, since there were too many restaurants and no specified parking for each designated restaurant. But once my friend and I found a spot, we unknowingly headed inside to what would become one of the best biryani experiences of my life in Islamabad.

Street Biryani does not have a lot of seating, with a total of four tables inside and two outside. We had to wait 5 to 10 minutes before an internal table cleared up, and we could be shifted into the air conditioned area. The waiter passed us their booklet of a menu, which had snacks, starters, drinks. The main courses were three types of biryani, in chicken, beef, and mutton. We wanted to try their chicken pizza cutlets for starters but since the restaurant had only just opened, they were not available. We settled on the Chicken Biryani with their special topping, a plate of Spring Rolls, and a classic Mint Margarita.

The interior was decked out in blue, green, and yellow, with plush seating and a wall decal that transformed the tiny restaurant into a scene out of a travel magazine. Outside, an entire wall was covered with the tale of the Legendary Biryani of Mumtaz Mahal, who had originally made biryani for the undernourished soldiers of the Mughal Empire. With lines such as “from Persia to your plate” and “bas khatay jao (just keep eating)” on the walls, it was clear that Street Biryani was attempting to do something more unique than a regular Biryani dhaba (local restaurant). Much to our surprise, our food was served within 10 minutes.

The wall mural

The Chinese Rolls were fried and filled perfectly, with the edges browned nicely. There was a mixture of stir-fried vegetables and noodles inside, not authentic but certainly filling. With a dip in the mint chutney, they proved to be a wholesome starter.

Then we moved on to the Chicken Biryani. Topped with diced green chilis, sliced lemons, caramelized onions, potatoes, and hardboiled eggs, this platter was served with a bowl of fresh salad (cucumbers, onions, and tomatoes) and zeera raita (cumin yogurt). The potatoes were a bit on the bland side, but that was the only flaw I could find in this tasteful plate of Biryani. Slightly spicy and with a tinge of sourness from the lemons, the rice was seasoned, cooked, and served to please. Not a single grain of rice was hard, and there were no clumps of tomatoes and onions hindering the meal. The dish remained warm throughout the meal, and was truly a delight for our taste buds. The Mint Margarita further made the meal utterly fulfilling, and we were also served a complimentary serving of kheer in a traditional earthenware plate. But, within my first few bites of the biryani, I had vowed to come again.

Street Biryani has focused heavily on its signature dish: biryani. It is clear that they have strived to perfect its taste, especially when there is no similar restaurant in Islamabad. Although some may find this menu limiting, Street Biryani truly gives this rice and meat dish a spot in the limelight. Our meal, which consisted of a drink, a starter and a large main course with an assortment of side dishes, all came up to a mere RS. 875. The lack of space can become an obstacle to tackle, but despite that, I assume Street Biryani will have no problem capturing the hearts of biryani-loving Islamabadis if they maintain their quality.