Mathu's Special Chettinad Style Chicken Biryani
Every Indian food lover around the world must have relished Biryani, the national culinary heritage. But in terms of the Biryani made of Seeraga Samba rice, it's much rarer can be found out of India; and the taste is unforgettable!
Chettinad Biryani is the popular version of Biryani in Tamil Nadu, having huge spice kick to it, Chettinad biryani tends to be very spicy. The Biryani served in hotels usually has boiled eggs hidden in the mounds of rice.
Among all varieties of Chettinad biryani, Dindigul Thalapakatti is the especially famous one. This is derived from the word Thalapa (turban), worn by the creator of this Biryani in a place called Dindigul.
The very unique part about this biryani is the usage of a small grain variety of rice called Seeraga Samba. This kind of rice is generally used to prepare Chettinad Biryani. This is a rounder, almost egg shaped sticky rice which imparts a very unique taste to the dish and makes it different from other biryanis.
I had the opportunity of relishing this delicious Biryani during my visit to Mathu akka's home last weekend, also my first time to taste the Seeraga Samba rice. In fact, it is not that hard to prepare at home with pressure cooker method. However the rice can only be found in India at this moment!
Story behind...
"The Thalappakatti Biriyani Hotel’s roots can be traced all the way back to 1957. Founded by Mr. Nagasamy Naidu under the name Anandha Vilas Biriyani Hotel in Dindigul. He always wore a turban called THALAPA(a traditional head dress), which over the years became synonymous with his brand and cooking styles, leading him to earn the nick name “Thalappakatti Naidu” which would eventually became the name of our brand and restaurants.
Right from the beginning, he always emphasized on taste and ensured that the Biriyani made at his hotel was both delicious and unique. This was achieved and still is by meticulous selection of ingredients prepared from quality masala products. Biriyani was prepared using superior quality Seeraga samba rice, known as Parakkum sittu and meat obtained from top-class breeds of cattle particularly found in the famous cattle-markets of Kannivadi and Paramathi. ... ..." ( To read more stories, please visit the website below)
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