Fish Biryani is not commonly spotted on the menus of most Indian restaurants in Singapore. And a good Fish Biryani is even rarer to come by. To me, this is certainly one to savour, together with the other delish dishes that the restaurant has to offer.
Classic or Dum Biryani is a common dish that's ubiquitously available in most Indian restaurants and food establishments in Singapore. But usually, you'll only see chicken, mutton, and vegetarian versions on the menu. Fish Biryanis, however, are a rarity.
I'm not exactly sure why Fish Biryanis are uncommon but I highly suspect that it's because it requires more complex recipes and techniques to cook fish perfectly. Of course, it may also be due to the fact that this dish naturally comes with a heftier price tag, which most customers may turn away from, given that it's food from the sea.
Whatever the reason, I always rejoice when I see Fish Biryani on the menu. And all these years, I've found the Fish Biryani at Taj Authentic Indian Cuisine to be the one that's most pleasing to my palate. The restaurant has, after all, been at its craft perfecting this for more than 20 years.
A "Friday Special"
Above: Chunky fresh fish that's so flavourful with an aromatic tangy paste
Fish Biryani here is not an everyday affair. Listed as a"Friday Special" on the menu, you'll only get to taste this on Fridays, or, if you were to place an order for it for a specified minimum quantity one day in advance.
When asked why he has only made this available on Fridays, the business owner explains that many Muslims would usually gather to conduct Friday prayers at a mosque next to the restaurant, and he'd wanted to make this a special menu item and a reason for them to come by. But even as a non-Muslim, I would always swing by here to lap up their delectable Fish Biryani on Fridays, over the years when I used to work in the vicinity.
Above: Well-cooked, fluffy, and aromatic basmati rice is one reason why the biryani is so good
So what is it that makes me come back for this dish, time and again? I would think that it's the fresh, chunky fish that's pre-fried and cooked in a intensely flavoured paste that's both very aromatic and tangy. And for sure, the fluffy and flavourful basmati rice that makes the biryani so good.
Interestingly, when I asked the business owner which type of fish he's used to make his Fish Biryani, he didn't exactly have an answer for that. But from what I saw and tasted, I would hatch a guess that it's a sea bream. But regardless of whether he knew what fish it was, he's nailed this dish all these years, and customers keep coming back for more.
Above: Light dhal that goes so well with the Fish Biryani
As part of the meal, the Fish Biryani also comes with a standard bowl of dhal, which is made with lentils and some vegetables. This turned out to be quite mild and soothing on the palate, and it goes so well with the biryani.
Another favourite: Mughlia Chicken Tikka
Above: Chunks of chicken that are marinated in a mix of herbs and spices, and coated with fresh cream, cheese, and yoghurt before they are skewered and roasted in a tandoor
Orangey-red chicken tikka is iconic at Indian food stalls, but this pale-coloured version of chicken tikka is less common in comparison. Known as the Mughlia Chicken Tikka, this is actually my preferred version of chicken tikka, which is really flavourful and it's uniquely coated with fresh cream, cheese, and yoghurt, before it's sent into a hot tandoor for a good roast.
With a spritz of lime and a dab of the pastel-green mint sauce. This is an excellent way to start off a hearty meal here!
Some fritters for you?
Above: Pakora, or onion fritters, are a favourite snack for many of the restaurant's patrons
And if you feel like having something deep-fried, the natural choice to zoom in on here would be the Pakora, which are essentially fritters that are made with strips of onions. These could either be eaten on their own or with a smattering of mint sauce.
Both taste great, but my only gripe is that they could have been crispier. They appear to be crispy from outside the food showcase, and I think that the mouthfeel has to live up to expectations.
Make your Friday special
At $12 a portion, I can't say that the Fish Biryani is as affordable as hawker centre, coffee shop, or food court Indian food; likewise for the other dishes that the restaurant serves up. But I believe that the enjoyment that you'll derive from the good food here will be well worth the price you pay.
Have a try and maybe these yummy dishes will make this Friday a really happy one for your belly!
Locate it
Address:
Taj Authentic Indian Cuisine
214 South Bridge Road
Singapore 058763
Operating Hours:
Opens daily except Sundays,
11 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Call:
6226 6020
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