City Food Diaries: Why Kolkata’s Biryani Comes with a Potato
When you think of biryani, you expect rich spices, long-grain basmati, and tender meat. But in Kolkata, there’s a twist—a perfectly cooked potato nestled beside the mutton.
Surprised? There’s history behind that humble aloo.
A Royal Origin with a Twist.
Back in the 1850s, Nawab Wajid Ali Shah of Awadh was exiled to Kolkata. With him came the legacy of Lucknowi biryani. But times were tough, and meat was limited. His royal chefs made a smart, soulful swap—they added potatoes to keep the dish hearty and royal.
What started as a compromise turned into a culinary signature.
What Makes It Special?
Kolkata’s biryani is light, fragrant, and balanced. It’s not too spicy, not too greasy. You’ll find:
Saffron-kissed basmati rice
Ghee-roasted potato
Juicy marinated meat
A subtle aroma of kewra and rose water
And that potato? It’s not just there—it’s the star.
More Than a Dish—It’s an Emotion
Ask any Kolkatan living away from home, and they’ll say it: “I miss the biryani… and the aloo.”
That’s why at JustMyRoots, we deliver from Kolkata’s top biryani brands across the city.
From Arsalan , we can also provide extra "aloo" along with your Biryani order,as we believe,,,aloo makes everything, "darunnn bhalo!"
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