No matter who I asked where to get a good mutton biryani in Kolkata pointed me in the direction of Arsalan. I was told this branch, near 7 points crossing, was the original so I thought I try this one first. It’s a no frills kinda place which instantly reminded me of Ravi’s in Satwa, Dubai. The place was packed when we got there at just past 14:00. I imagine it is like this all the time.
We ordered a Reshmi Chicken Kabab to start, a Mutton Biryani, an Arsalan Special Biryani and a daal (because they had run out of Raita). The Reshmi was okay taste wise but overcooked, dry and disappointing. We struggled to finish it. But then the biryanis arrived and our mood warmed. The difference between the Mutton and Special biryani is that the Special comes with two bone-on pieces of mutton as well as a boiled egg, which I only found as I was pushing my half full plate back in surrender. Portions are generous. Whilst the mutton was cotton tender, I found the biryani itself a little on the oily side, something I have since been told is the way it is preferred in Kolkata; and it’s not oily, it’s rich.
All in all, the biryani at Arsalan’s, whilst not quite to my taste, was really good nonetheless. Worth a try.
Waste NOT. Want NOT.