Paradise

Critic´s Review

• Food: 4 / 5
• Service: 3 / 5
• Decor: 3 / 5

-By Swati Sucharita

While the jury might still be out on whether this name still represents the best Hyderabadi biryani, there is no doubt that Paradise has evolved, since its inception in 1953 as an Irani café called Persis, to an almost-cult status of a tourist must-do destination. Paradise derives its current name from the movie theatre, (now closed) in its vicinity, which fetched its initial clientele. The huge Paradise building, which stands now on SP Road in Secunderabad, comprises a confectionery and bakery section on the ground floor, a takeaway, and different dining sections, ironically referred by its old names, such as Persis Silver, Mini Gold Persis, Gold Persis and Patinum Persis, depending on the floor and level of ambience. While Paradise does a ‘Dum’ version of Hyderabadi mutton biryani as against the more puritan Kacchi Gosht ki Biryani version, for which Hyderabadi biryani claims its exclusivity, it still happens to be, probably, the most popular place for biryani in Hyderabad, not less thanks to its quality, especially for its friendly pricing. The two outlets which have opened in the last couple of years at Masab Tank (takeaway only) and Madhapur are buzzing too. Besides its best-known mutton and chicken biryanis, served with the Mirchi ka Salan and Dahi ka Chutney, good to order are Mutton Pepper Kebabs, Tangdi Kebabs, Murg Malai Sheekhs and Fish Tikka kebabs. There is a huge Chinese presence on the menu too, but you can be assured that on every table, there is almost always Hyderabadi biryani! Paradise has now opened a takeaway branch in Masab Tank, besides a dine-in restaurant in Madhapur.