Paradise Biryani - One of the most Iconic Restaurant Chains in India

In this blog post, I cover Paradise Biryani, one of the most iconic restaurant chains in the country.

Think of the 'world's favorite biryani' and what's the first name that comes to your mind? Most likely, it'll remind you of the Paradise Hotel in Secunderabad, the local brand which over the years has attained quite an iconic stature for introducing authentic Hyderabadi Biryani and cuisine to the other parts of the country.

Hyderabadi Biryani

Within a short span of 14 years, beginning 2004, Paradise has opened 32 outlets in cities like Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Visakhapatnam, Gurugram, Vijayawada, and Guntur. The brainchild of ace restaurateur Ali Hemmati, Paradise is in the process of opening many more outlets across other cities in India and abroad.

Recently the 32nd outlet of the biryani chain was opened at Sector 14 market of Gurugram. This is their second casual dining outlet in the city, having tasted success already with their Raheja Mall outlet located on the Sohna Road. Credits for the stupendous work in the kitchen go to Krishan Prasad, Regional Chef - North, who has more than 14 years of F&B experience for brands like The Westin Gurgaon, The Claridges, and Golden Tulip Hotels.

Paradise Biryani (Raheja Mall Outlet)

If you think that Paradise is just about biryanis alone, well, think again! Hailed for its eclectic selection of delectable kebabs and curries, Paradise truly lives up to its name by rolling out countless surprises like their Kheema-Roti breakfast, Chicken 65, Milky Falooda, and Irani Chai, to name a few. Try the signature Hyderabadi desserts such as the Qubani Ka Meetha made with the choicest apricot or the Double Ka Meetha which is irresistible and simply melts in the mouth.

What I found the most interesting at Paradise was that both Chicken and Mutton Biryani are prepared using the 'Dum' style of cooking (a.k.a. Kachche Gosht Ki Biryani), in which the meat is marinated with spices overnight and then soaked in yogurt. At the time of cooking, the meat is carefully placed between layers of fragrant long-grained 18-mm Basmati rice and cooked with special ingredients imported from Hyderabad; the 'handi' is then sealed with dough and steamed on coal. The aromatic mix of meat, saffron, herbs, and spices is bound to fill your senses up with excitement. What's more, the biryani is served with Raita and Mirchi Ka Salan. If you have room for more, try ordering the Chicken Tikka Masala which contains succulent chicken pieces dipped in a rich fenugreek flavored tomato gravy. The delicious biryani is served with highest standards of quality and hygiene.

Today Paradise Biryani is one of the most popular QSR chains in India catering mostly to middle-class families. Who would've thought that a small 100-seater restaurant cum provisional store in 1953 would be a name to reckon with, bringing in the original taste of Hyderabad and in turn winning the trust of innumerable satisfied customers across generations!