Difference Between Kolkata Biryani and Hyderabadi Biryani (With Table)

Kolkata Biryani: The classic Kolkata Biryani is a meal in which the chicken and potatoes are gradually cooked in clarified butter over low flame. The raw rice, meat, and potatoes are then piled in a large pot locally known as handi, along with spices including cardamom, nutmeg, saffron, cloves, etc. Kolkata Biryani is healthier and gentle to the stomach as compared to other biryani.

Hyderabadi Biryani: Basmati, goat, lamb, or chicken, lemon, yogurt, onions, and saffron make up Hyderabadi Biryani, a South Indian meal.  The unusual procedure of preparing raw rice and raw meat combined with exotic seasonings is supposed to give Hyderabadi biryani its rich flavor, as opposed to other regions where meat and rice are prepared individually.

Comparison Table Between Kolkata Biryani and Hyderabadi Biryani

What is Kolkata Biryani?

Kolkata Biryani is incredibly light, which is low in essence and hue, and mildly flavored, with just enough spices to accentuate the flavor. Rice is boiled with cooked meat, spices, and browned potatoes in a large pot (handi).  Kolkata Biryani is a much lighter variant of biryani with no essence. The meat in a Hyderabadi biryani is prepared so that the spices are deeply infused, whereas the murgh musallam or murgh chaap in a Kolkata Biryani is essentially a creamier form of lovingly processed chicken.

History of Kolkata Biryani:  The Kolkata variant of biryani originated when Wajid Ali Shah, the last nawab of Awadh, was banished to the Kolkata suburb of Metiaburj in 1856.  He did, however, remember to bring his private chef, as he was very picky about his meals.

As the British had claimed his property and throne, there was not enough money or facility left with him as a result of the recession, potato was substituted for meat. Potatoes not only substituted meat but also increase the quantity and taste of the food. And most importantly, Wajid Ali Shah liked it so much that he ordered that biryani will be cooked along with potatoes going forth.  Later on, this became a distinctive feature of Kolkata Biryani, but it is served with meat as well. 

The specialty of Kolkata Biryani: People love to eat Kolkata Biryani, the taste of Kolkata Biryani is light, mild and it is said to be healthier than other biryani. Derived from the Lucknow Style this biryani has become popular among food lovers. What makes it so special? Let’s have a peek.

1.  The introduction of potatoes in the biryani makes it more delicious and flavorful.

2. The combination of potatoes and eggs infused with different spices makes it a mouth-watery delicacy.

3. The long-grained rice that is used to make Kolkata Biryani is light, fluffy, and delicious.

4. Kolkata Biryani is cooked on a low flame which mixes the spices completely with the other ingredients and the flavor is evenly distributed which makes it more delicious.

What is Hyderabadi Biryani?

Hyderabadi Biryani has a distinct flavor profile. Everything about it, from the fragrance to the flavor to the soft meat to the Zaffran, provides it a distinctive look. Hyderabadi Biryani may taste familiar to those who have had Lucknow Biryani. Both biryanis are Mughals in origin; however, the meal in the south is spiced with regional ingredients. Hyderabadi biryani is a spicy dish with a unique saffron flavor. The spicy and peppery flavor of Hyderabadi biryani reflects the Andhra influence on Mughals cuisine. The food of Hyderabad has a mix of Mughals, Turkish, and Arabic influences, as well as native Telugu and Marathwada cultures. 

History of Hyderabadi Biryani: In the 1630s, the Mughals invaded Hyderabad, which was then controlled by the Nizams during that time Hyderabadi meal became a combination of Mughlai and indigenous culinary cultures. Hyderabadi biryani is said to have been invented by the cook of the first Nizam, Nizam-ul-Mulk, Asaf Jah I, while a hunting expedition in the mid-eighteenth century. When the Mughal Empire fell apart in Delhi in 1857, Hyderabad became the epicenter of South Asian tradition, culminating in a fusion of culinary that marks the creation of Hyderabadi Biryani.

The specialty of Hyderabadi Biryani: Hyderabadi Biryani is one of the most renowned biryani in India, people love its spicy taste and the meat that is completely drowned with flavors and spices. What are the features that make it so popular, let’s find out:

1. It has a unique way of cooking, which is different from other biryani giving it more flavor and uniqueness.

2. The traditional Hyderabadi Biryani is made studiously in the ‘Kutchi’ biryani method, in which uncooked rice and raw meat are prepared along with the different spices and a little water in the pot.

3. Hyderabadi Biryani is typically meaty and peppery, with a nice zaffran hue.

4. Hyderabadi Biryani tastes divine thanks to exotic raisins and rich flavors, as well as delicious basmati rice.

Main Differences Between Kolkata Biryani and Hyderabadi Biryani

1. Kolkata Biryani is less spicy than Hyderabadi Biryani.

2. Kolkata Biryani is cooked along with potato while the potato is not used in Hyderabadi Biryani.

3. Kolkata Biryani is healthier as compared to Hyderabadi Biryani.

4. As compared to Kolkata Biryani, Hyderabadi Biryani is more popular.

5. Kolkata Biryani is also referred to as Kachchi Biryani while Hyderabadi Biryani is also known as Dum Biryani.

Conclusion

Kolkata Biryani and Hyderabadi Biryani are popular and flavorful biryani, the taste of this two biryani has won the heart of many food lovers. These two delicacies have a unique place in Indian cuisine. When we refer to their differences Kolkata Biryani is less spicy and is cooked along with potatoes and eggs while Hyderabadi Biryani is rich in taste, color, and spices. Both have unique taste and flavor and way of cooking that makes them authentic dishes that are enjoyed by many.

References

• https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1057/9781137367105_5
• https://www.igi-global.com/chapter/culture-and-authenticity-denominations-in-bengali-themed-restaurants/165072