This Andheri restaurant offers delicious biryani, excellent service

Le Berian Food ExcellentService QuickAmbiance Rustic basicLe Berian might conjure up images of a French cafeacute But as we make our way into a dingy lane and not a cobbledstone rue French street to find Le Berian illusions of a romantic space are broken A quick Google search earlier revealed that lsquobiryanirsquo is supposed to have been derived from the Farsi word lsquoberianrsquo which means friedroasted before cooking Many food historians believe that the Persians brought biryani to north IndiaThe Afghani Tikka Biryani was a nonspicy favourite at the table despite having a hint of sweetness PicsNikesh GuravlsquoLe Berian Soulful Biryanis and Morersquo reads a tiny illuminated board The nondescript space has its kitchen on the ground floor while the terrace has a seating area Spacious this section sports faded bluegreen cane furniture unflattering upholstery and low tables that arenrsquot comfortable to eat off Interestingly the service is efficient with wellinformed serversThe flavourpacked Prawn Masala Biryani came with generous amounts of succulent prawnsWe plumb for their signature Bohri Style Lamb Rs 1500240130 for kgfull servinghalf serving only to be told that they had run out of lamb It didnrsquot seem like an excuse when we catch a glimpse of the goingson on the ground floor It reminds us of an assemblyline delivery boys seated neatly in a row their names rattled off in the order in which they are seated a package delivered from the kitchen and handed to them with a chit for the address And repeat Le Berian is a popular delivery joint clearlyInstead of lamb we try Prawns Masala Biryani Rs 250 full Making up for the bright yellow plastic cutlery this beautifully layered preparation includes a generous layer of succulent prawns followed by flavourful rice and fried onion garnishing The biryani is moist with a balanced spice tempering that is enough to relish the flavour of the prawns Served with raita this can feed two peopleNext on our table is the Chicken Afghani Tikka Biryani Rs 110 for half Despite Afghani roots the menu warns of a dish thats low on spice Like all biryanis here this too comes with a side of raita While packed with flavours it has a hint of sweetness We follow this with the Paneer Bhuna Gravy Rs 180 Served piping hot this dish goes with rice or roti A permanent fixture across restaurant menus what sets this version apart is the addition of sauf fennel seeds which imparts a soothing yet additive flavourWe sign off with their Saffron Phirni Rs 70 that is served in an earthenware bowl Stuffed but clearly enjoying the fare we take the route that seems most popular at Le Berian mdash a takeawayWe pack the Egg Biryani Rs 170 full which once again comes with a generous helping of egg the succulent Butter Chicken Biryani Rs 120 half Paneer Lasooni Palak Rs 190 where we can actually see the bits of lasoon to invite a strong aroma another paneer dish mdash Paneer Makhani Roll Rs 120 as paneer seems to be one of few options for vegetarians Malai Chicken Cheese Kalimirch Rs 140 a roll bursting at the seams with meat cheese and black pepper Kathi Chicken Roll Rs 130 which leaves us wondering if its served on a stickkathi or in a roll It turns out to be the latterWe wipe off the meal with Chocolatewala Love Rs 60 a meltinthemouth vegan mousse that is served in a cutting chai glass This dish is a metaphor for a restaurant thatrsquos low on glitz but offers value for money and delicious comfort food