Biryani Festival at Southern Spice, Taj Coromandel, Chennai

What: Biryani Festival at Southern Spice

Where: Taj Coromandel, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai

When: 20^th May - 5^th June, 2016

Whatever the origin may be or whoever cooked and came up with the name for the delight of the decade, I would like to say, "I will always be grateful to you deep down my heart". And that's the kind of love I have for Biryani. You can never separate us, we would stay together through thick and thin. Oh! Not just words but the love is genuine; could anything else make me more elated then a Biryani Festival? Not in the wildest dreams. And when called for the tasting session at Southern Spice, Taj Coromandel, Chennai, the word Biryani did the magic.

Taj Hotels doesn't need introduction and they are known for their finesse in hotel management. The beauty of Karaikudi's Chettinadu style houses would flash before you as you step into Southern Spice. Sticking true to their Southern origin, the ambience is 'art at its best'. Just when I got accustomed to the place's beauty, the cutleries were an instant love. Dumbstruck by the decor, the Chefs explained about each Biryani variety of South Indian regions leaving me awestruck once again.

Beer and Biryani are the best company they said; but leaving the beer aside I went for Ginger Punch, there signature drink and that was a brilliant choice I made. After biting into the Carrot Idly, there complimentary dish, the actual delight made its way.

Fryams and Chutneys

Nine different types of Biryani; they were all unique and apart from comparison. Right from the ingredients to the type of rice used and the method of cooking, each one was different in its own self. For the vegetarians, who hardly get a taste of good vegetarian Biryani they had three delicious addition to their menu.

Kalan (Mushroom) Biryani is a personal favourite with right balance in flavours. The Kaikuralu (Vegetable) Biryani is loaded with strong spice (masala) taste, just the kind of food I love. Finally the Pala Kai (Jack Fruit) Biryani, which had subtle infusion of spice with chunk of soft and juicy Jack Fruit, just resembling a piece of chicken, is a yum.

Whatsoever we do to console the vegetarian sole, it's always a hunt for carnivores when it comes to Biryani. With six varieties in their bag, my most-loved one was spicy Andhra style lamb Biryani, Maamsam Biryani - it was pure bliss to indulge into this yummiest meal bowl. The Madurai style Pallipalayam Kozhi Biryani with succulent chicken in Seeraga Samba Rice and the Chettiyars style Kallu Vettu Kozhi Biryani are evergreen and I am salivating as I write.

From God's own country and I was astonished to know these three Keralite delight. Made with Kaima rice, the Malabar Mutton Biryani is something a fanatic of Biryani shouldn't miss to eat. The Thalassery Neimeen Biryani with seer fish is another beauty that went perfect with the Chilli Chutney and Mango Pachadi.

King of seafood and a traditional Malabar prawn delicacy was Moplah Cheeman Biryani, the jumbo prawns were yum. The Onion Raitha and Egg Plant (brinjal) Gravy were perfecto for a Biryani.

That delicious meal ended with a Bread Halwa, personally one of the best I have tasted in the town. Each plate of Biryani comes with Raitha, Egg Plant Gravy, Bread Halwa and Beer. With price ranging from Rs.1000 - Rs.1500 INR (inclusive of tax and beer charges). 

Biryani & Beer

Note: Small portion of all the Biryani was tasted as I was invited for tasting session. But you should order Biryani from the A La Carte menu and the below picture would give you an approximate idea of the portion size.

Breaking Down Points

Location & Parking: Positive. Elite locality with valet parking.

Ambience: Positive. Beauty Personified!

Food Variety: Positive. A good spread of delectable Southern region Biryani.

Taste: Positive. I am in search for a word cause the taste was out-of-the-world.

Quality & Quantity: Positive. A royal food presentation. The portion of one biryani is perfect for a person.

Service: Positive. Flawless.

Price: NA. Approximate cost for two is Rs. 2700 INR (inclusive of taxes). For the royal treatment I could never complaint the price.

Bread Halwa

So my Verdict!

For the love of Biryani there wouldn't be a better place to be. Knowing the existence of so many Biryani varieties just from the Southern region of India excited me. The festival is till 29th May 2016; don't miss the chance.

For Reservations & enquiries call 044 66002827.

P.S. This write-up is based on my food palate & dining experience during my restaurant visit. On-the-house bloggers meet for Biryani Festival at Southern Spice. Remember, no two person's food palate can be same. And this post is only for the Biryani Food Festival happening at Southern Spice.