
Remember Hyderabad Blues? That Nagesh Kuknoor movie from the 90s? Biryani Blues reminds me of the same quirky Hyderabadi elements. The bright two-level diner is finished in woods and cobalt with Backstreet Boys and Britney Spears on the playlist. Wall art and décor draw references to the City of Pearls and the menu presentation is pop but sticks to Hyderabadi classics. I started off with deep fried 'Shikhampuri Kababs' which arrived with a sprinkling of chaat masala. The kababs were moist but I missed the coarse bite of spice and richness of hung curd which mark out a Shikhampuri from a Shammi Kabab. My 'Nargisi Kabab' had a dry casing of minced meat which fell off promptly to reveal a hard-boiled egg. The signature 'Hyderabadi Mutton Biryani' was layered with masala coated meat and whole spices but pulled back on aroma and flavour. The cold 'Mirch ka Salan' served alongside tasted muddy.