International food brand Behrouz Biryani has expanded to the UK market, offering Brits the authentic taste of India’s popular rice dish, biryani.
Biryani is a celebrated dish made from long-grain basmati rice, tender marinated meat or vegetables and infused with spices, which is then slow-cooked, a process which is also known as Dum pukht. Biryani is a preferred choice of dish for an indulgent meal at home and also often served at special occasions, such as dinner parties, weddings and festivals in India and beyond.
Behrouz Biryani has 25 partnered restaurants offering its biryani dishes through Deliveroo, UberEats and JustEat as well the brand's website.
Drawing on its rich Indian heritage, the brand is on a mission to educate the British public on the flavours, history and culture of the world-celebrated layered rice dish.
Biryani is believed to have originated from Persia and was brought to India by the Mughal empire in the 15th century. The dish has been adapted throughout history, with different countries putting their spin on the royal dish. Even within India, each region has its variation, and each city has its twist.
Today, biryani continues to be India’s most popular dish, with 186 biryanis ordered every minute in 2022, according to food delivery company Zomato.
Kaustubh Khare, brand country head for Behrouz Biryani UK spoke to Asian Voice about it.
1. Why do you think Biryani is an underrepresented dish in the UK?
Curry is one of the UK’s most popular dishes, however, biryani has been misunderstood for some time. There is a lack of education surrounding the dish, which has a rich heritage. In fact, it’s a dish Brits may not have tried at all so wouldn’t choose it on the menu. There is also confusion about how to eat the dish, or if it should be eaten alongside a curry since this is typical of rice, however, it is a dish to be savoured by itself. We are here to help bridge this gap and educate the public on a much-loved dish
2. What is the recipe for a quintessential biryani?
Biryani is a timeless classic dish. This rice dish evolved with the changing regimes, preferences, and regions as time went on, adding new layers to the biryani. Now, it has grown beyond its culinary origins and has become a favourite meal globally. The lengthy "dum" cooking method, the intricately layered flavour mixture, and the way the stronger flavours ascend from the bottom to the top are what set biryani unique. Biryani has not only been ingrained in Indian culture but has also become a representation of regions in the food offerings. Biryani is not only about a recipe which needs to be followed to achieve its optimal tastes but it has now moved to create an experience for customers which strikes a chord, making it memorable.
3. Is there a secret ingredient? And what's the best cooking method, a stove or a hand-built chulha?
Biryani is an ‘emotion’, a satisfying experience on a plate. Apart from it being one of the most popular dishes, Biryani also brings together the traditional roots. At Behrouz, we are proud to place India’s biryani on an international platter. For us, this amalgamation of emotions and handcrafted royal experience is the key ingredient that we want our customer to experience.
Best biryanis are cooked with a Dum pukht method. The slow cooking process is traced back to the royals which brings together the rich ingredients of the dish and imparts incredible flavour and aromas.
4. How do you wish to course-correct the consumption and understanding of traditional biryani in the UK?
At Behrouz Biryani, we’re on a mission to educate the British public on the delectable flavours and rich history of a much-loved Indian dish. We believe Biryani has a potential to appeal not only to south-Asians who have grown consuming the product, but also to a global audience who have come to appreciate the intricate flavours of a dum-cooked Biryani.
We want to celebrate India’s most-loved dish and have it be seen as a staple for the dinner table as a standalone dish for any celebration, or even to be enjoyed alone.
5. What are your plans to expand in the UK?
We started scaling up in the UK from 2022 and have 25 locations currently being served through a virtual brand partner model across major cities such as London, Manchester and Birmingham. We have ambitious growth plans and project to have 60+ locations in and around the UK by the end of the year.
This entire brand growth is powered by a Rebel Operating System which consists of culinary innovation and technology. From inventory and kitchen management to demand management and fulfilment, our full-stack technology allows for expansion and growth, while maintaining food quality and authenticity.
6. Why is biryani a sacred dish in ancient Indian culture?
Biryani is an emotive dish, an everlasting relic of the royal era that lives in our kitchens. It is the perfect indulgence for any celebration and is the meal to help lift your mood when you’re away from loved ones, but also while you share your happiness with them.
The dish is a timeless classic and has not only been ingrained in Indian culture but every region has its own specialties, cooking styles and unique flavours. At Behrouz Biryani, we truly believe that this original authentic biryani, will never lose its prominence in the years to come.
7. Why is it essential for the west to understand classic Indian recipes, especially when they still think India is all about curries?
Indian food is renowned for its most vibrant and diverse cuisines, which also cater to people with different dietary requirements. Since curry is so loved in the UK, it is only right that other Indian dishes such as biryani are given the same education and appreciation. Even with curry in the UK, the offering is more catered to the British palette, which is why dishes such as chicken korma are popular. We’re hoping to offer dishes that are representative of the country and true to its heritage.
