Date:02/07/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/07/02/stories/2008070258610100.htm

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Inflation hits ‘Hyderabadi biryani’

M. Srinivas

City’s food lovers have to cough up Rs. 10 more to enjoy the popular delicacy now

- PHOTO: NAGARA GOPAL

IRRESISTIBLE: The ‘Hyderabad biryani’ is now costing more.

HYDERABAD: The immensely-popular ‘Hyderabadi biryani’ is now dearer by Rs.10, thanks to skyrocketing prices of essential commodities and fuel.

At present, chicken and mutton biryani are served at a cost ranging from Rs. 85 and Rs. 100 respectively at popular biryani joints -- Paradise in Secunderabad, Bawarchi and New Astoria restaurants in RTC crossroads, Café Bahar in Himayathnagar and Shadab near Charminar.

The hike in biryani prices ranges from Rs. 5 to Rs. 10 across twin cities and hotel owners attribute this to the steep rise in price of basmati rice, meat, curd, spices, lemon and onion. “We have no other option,” said Ali Raza Saboori, sales in-charge of Bawarchi restaurant.

Hoteliers explained that quality basmati rice was being imported from north India. Ever since the Central government hiked the petroleum prices, transporters had also increased rates leading to increase in price of rice and other commodities.

Feeling the pinch, biryani lovers said they were forced to rethink on weekend bashes.

“It is better to cook biryani at home instead of eating out. We will probably miss the taste but it saves money,” said D. Ravi Kumar, a graphic designer.

‘Tangdi kabab’

‘Kababs’ are also now dearer by Rs. 10 with ‘tangdi kabab’ costing Rs. 110, as is boneless fried chicken, priced at Rs. 90 and tandoori chicken at Rs. 140.

“Though LPG cylinders were spared the recent hike, we are forced to pay more to buy cylinders from private dealers. So we increased the kakab price,” said Jaffer of Kababs Corner at RTC crossroads.