There have been several Indian eatery tenants at 552 Barkly in the past half dozen years. So the arrival of a new player here in the very keen Indian eats scene in West Footscray could quite easily pass with little notice by us.
Even one with the word “biryani” in its name. Except we DO notice the prices.
Here, bone-in chicken curries cost $10, a masala dosa $8 and a basic chicken biryani $10.
These fees are significantly below those of most other places hereabouts and further afield.
But they count for nowt if the quality isn’t there – and the quality, it appears, IS very much present.
CTS pal Nat Stockly has become something of semi-regular since his first visit a few months back – and that’s big thumbs up from a staunch biryani fan boy.
So up Bennie and I rock.
Nat’s endorsement is given extra credence by the number of customers – and delivery drivers – coming and going so early in a Saturday lunch hour.
We both have simple, basic meals – and they are very good.
Bennie’s masala dosa is nearing on perfection, though the dosa itself is a little thicker than is customary.
The accessories are fresh and pretty.
And the spud filling is a glorious, turmeric-yellow jumble of near mush.
So good is his dosa that he returns the next day with his mother, with both ordering the same dish!
Upon arrival at our table, my chicken dum biryani is sans gravy – a situation rectified a few minutes later.
But I confess to Bennie my lunch looks, at first blush, like a bowl of plain rice into which a few pieces of chook from a curry have been buried.
But the spilling of biryani to plate reveals a most excellent restaurant-style biryani, all the usual seasoning and two notably flavoursome and tender pieces of chicken.
It’s a winner, winner, chicken … lunch.
We’re likely, like Nat, to become regulars here for good – and seriously affordable – Indian goodies.
Biryani King, 552 Barkly Street,
West Footscray. Phone: 7013 9347
