Staying connected with biryani

Bangalore has opened its doors to biryani lovers with The Biryani Merchant setting up shop in the city. The new exclusive biryani joint has been opened by Vishy Shenoy, who gave up an international career in marketing to pursue his passion.

And Shenoy promises that his single restaurant will soon turn into a big chain with The Biryani Merchant coming up in Pune in September 2004 and expanding to Mumbai, and Delhi by 2005.

According to Shenoy the business plan includes opening 12 outlets across the globe in the next three years.

The company has also shortlisted markets like the US, West Asia and parts of Europe to cater to the NRIs there as well as Indian tourists.

"We have already got enquiries and initiated discussions with business associates in this regard," says Shenoy.

Back home in Bangalore, the month old The Biryani Merchant is already popular with corporate customers as the joint offers Wi-Fi connectivity.

"The idea is to keep them connected so that they can work as they relax and enjoy their food," says Shenoy. Initially, Shenoy is not charging for this service.

The Biryani Merchant offers an enormous variety of biryanis: from the Shiraz biryani of Kolkata to the Calicut and Hyderabadi ones.

Interestingly, there is no menu card available at the restaurant. The customer is asked about his choice of vegetarian or non-vegetarian cuisine.

The fare starts with kebabs, followed by three special biryanis each for vegetarians and non-vegetarians (with traditional side dishes). Small portions of different biryanis are served one after another.

The meal ends with a dessert followed by Sulaimani chai, with just enough spice and warmth to cut the grease. The vegetarian and the non-vegetarian biryani experience comes at price of Rs 300 each.