Master of the Biryani

Biryani is one of the most sought-after dishes in the Indian subcontinent, a testimony to the place this dish commands in the hearts of many.
 
It is a rice-based concoction prepared using spices, meat, fish, eggs or vegetables … and is a toast to celebrate any occasion, big or small.

Most spice racks in any Indian or Pakistani household is incomplete without the biryani masala, considered to be as relevant to the kitchen as salt and pepper pots in the West.
 
I am a huge fan of biryani and nothing can beat the joy of a lazy weekend lunch or dinner – savouring chicken or fish biryani – followed by a much-deserved siesta. Oh, how I enjoy the simple pleasures of life!
 
As biryani is dished up at many restaurants across the island it is hard to pick my favourite one with so many variations on offer.

High on the list must be the Skyw@lk Café at the Marriott Executive Apartments in Juffair. It is alluring biryani-lovers to its special ‘Indian theme nights’ every Sunday with fantastic fare.

While the buffet itself features a variety of popular dishes, the big vessel of steaming, fresh and aromatic chicken biryani is undoubtedly the prize catch.
 
I have had a fair share of biryanis in Bahrain and this one is definitely on my list of top three favourites!
The dish is a specialty created by Head Chef Hari Sharan Budhathoki, who boasts more than 15 years of experience in the kitchen.

Hailing from Nepal, Chef Hari, 43, has worked with several leading names in the hospitality industry such as the Radisson SAS in Kuwait and the Shangri-La in Nepal and has experience in European, Japanese, Arabic as well as Indian cuisine.

The buffet on offer features a delectable spread of 17 salads including Indian raita, one dal (lentils), prawn curry, a beef curry, fried fish and the quintessential Asian cracker – the pappad.
 
Accompaniments such as plain white rice and fresh-out-the-oven parathas can be ordered as well as the assortment of desserts which feature both Indian sweet delicacies as well as a range of cakes providing a perfect way to finish off a meal.

The buffet night is priced at BD8 per person inclusive of soft drinks and free wi-fi and dinner is served from 6.30pm onwards.
 
For details and reservations, contact 17363999.