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Malabar biryani: Kerala ka jawab, North ko challenge (Live tap war)

Malabar biryani comes from north Kerala, with the Thalassery and Kozhikode styles the best known. It uses a short, fragrant rice called kaima or jeerakasala instead of long basmati. Meat or chicken is cooked in a masala of shallots, tomato, green chilli and spices, then layered with ghee rice, fried onions, cashews and raisins and given a short dum.

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Why fans love Malabar biryani

Fans love the texture and the aroma. The small grains carry ghee and spice in every bite, and the fried onions and cashews bring crunch and a little sweetness. It is rich without being fiery, and it often shows up at weddings with a date pickle and a simple salad. Malabar wale kehte hain: chhota chawal, bada swaad.

How to spot a good Malabar biryani

A good Malabar biryani has kaima grains that stay separate and glossy with ghee, never sticky. The masala under the rice should be thick and aromatic, with the meat or chicken cooked right into it. Look for plenty of crisp fried onion on top, along with a few cashews and raisins. If it comes with long basmati, it may be tasty, but fans will say it is not Malabar.

The case for it

• Kaima rice gives a texture no basmati biryani can match.
• Ghee, cashew and raisin make it feel festive.
• A balanced masala that suits both spice lovers and mild eaters.

The case against

• Basmati loyalists refuse to call short-grain rice biryani.
• It can feel too rich and sweet for some.
• The real kaima rice is hard to find outside Kerala.

FAQ

What rice is used in Malabar biryani?

Kaima or jeerakasala, a short-grain aromatic rice, not basmati.

What is Thalassery biryani?

A famous Malabar style from Thalassery in Kerala, known for kaima rice, fried onions and a gently spiced masala.

What is served with Malabar biryani?

Commonly a date or lime pickle, an onion and tomato raita and sometimes papad.

Other sides in the Asli Biryani tap war

• Hyderabadi biryani
• Lucknowi biryani
• Kolkata biryani
• Ambur / Dindigul biryani
• All sides: Asli Biryani tap war

A food fight for fun. chillifacts is not linked to any restaurant or brand, and every style here is delicious. Each tap pushes a side, and the score only shows how hard each side's fans tapped.

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