Biryani by Kilo (BBK) the premium Biryani chain opens its first flagship store in the buzzing Connaught Place outer circle. While they have been in business since 2015, this is their first dine in, in the Capital. The interiors remain true to the regal heritage of the famed dish, with lattice windows, ornate chandeliers and wall papers tracing its history. The ambience while being no-fuss is elegant and comfortable. The food is worth the wait. Just like in their home delivery, they take half an hour as each Biryani is made from scratch in its individual earthen clay pot and the freshness is discernible moment the seal is broken. There is a variety of enticing kebabs in vegetarian and non vegetarian options to dig into while waiting. The Galouti kebab in both options is flavoursome and the vegetarian in jimmykand or yam can woo even the meat loving palate. Co-Founder Kaushik Roy says, “The traditional recipe, high quality ingredients and controlled processes while cooking, brings the consistency in the Biryani.” Their home special dessert Daastan e Gul gets more experimental and is an absolute melt in the mouth with the only sweet in it being gulkand (preserve of rose petals). The roast nuts add character to this “Law-key” halwa, making it also a healthy choice, leaving one feeling over-all delighted.
The Biryanis are of three different types- Hyderabad style, Kolkata style and Lucknowi and even under each segment there are interesting choices, catering to all. Another observation that sets it apart from any other dine in, is that the price points are exactly the same as their delivery model, with absolutely no extra cost. Roy comes with over two decades experience in the F&B industry, having headed successful chains he had a dream of introducing a wholesome Indian dish with proteins and carbohydrates, as an alternative to burgers and pizzas, and that’s how BBK came to be a delivery chain. “We believe that Biryani will be the biggest food services and delivery category from India. We at Biryani by Kilo are committing to making the Biryani category popular all over the world,” says Roy. While in big cities they are first opening delivery outlets and then venturing into dine-ins, in tier two and three cities they intend to take the other way round.
Co-Founder and Director Vishal Jindal says, “We are in the process of opening 40-50 more outlets in next 2 years. We have so far invested 2-3 million dollars and are raising 5 million dollars more for our expansion plan.” At present there are 13 outlets in NCR, two in Mumbai, one in Chandigarh and one in Mohali.
Biryani by Kilo was launched with an intent to preserve the Khansama style of cooking wherein each Biryani is freshly cooked with the best of ingredients, unlike other brands where the food is cooked in bulk and repackaged and sold. BBK strives to pay ode to the legendary dish by adhering to high standards.
With their third outlet set to open next week in Mumbai, the Biryani By Kilo concept is only gaining momentum. The delivery is known to be so authentic, as each Biryani pot is accompanied by an aanch (flame), that families short of time get to experience the dine-in feeling right in their homes.