Curry Classics Chicken Biryani

August 25, 2006 | Reviewer: Abi

When they say ‘garnished’, they mean it. This meal contained all of three strips of onion. At first I was quite disappointed in this lack, then I realized that it is rather difficult to eat long strands of microwaved onion.

Price: $3.49
Serving: 1 package, 10 oz.
Calories: 480
Fat: 23%, 15g
Sodium: 34%, 810mg
Carbs: 17%, 51g
Fiber: 15%, 4mg
Protein: 34g

Curry Classics says: Spiced boneless chicken prepared with basmati rice and garnished with sauteed onions.

Abi says: When they say ‘garnished’, they mean it. This meal contained all of three strips of onion. At first I was quite disappointed in this lack, then I realized that it is rather difficult to eat long strands of microwaved onion. I would enjoy large chunks of sweet onion, preferably Walla Wallas or 1015’s. I used to drive on 1015 to get to my job as a teacher. It was a very nice road, and yes, they grew onions there. But this review isn’t about the onion, it is about Curry Classics’ Chicken Biryani. I’ve never had the meal in a restaurant or at home, so I’m not sure if I should be comparing it to something grander and much more enjoyable. Not to say this meal wasn’t enjoyable. It was delicious. Three hours later and I am still full. Ok, so I had a piece of naan with my meal. But still, it is quite filling.

Reading a wikipedia article on biryani has taught me that it is a quite popular dish. I can certainly see why. Who wouldn’t love some chicken marinated in yogurt and spices and coconut milk then mixed with some other spices and basmati rice? Wow.

I now have a new mission in life: find some biryani in DC.

Update: I found some Biryani at Indique. While the Indique Biryani was scads better than the Curry Classics offering, I realized that Curry Classics has a trustworthy product in freezers across DC. Sure, their Chicken Biryani doesn’t contain sweet golden raisins or crunchy sliced almonds, but it does deliver on the most important parts of a good biryani: well-marinated, well-seasoned chicken, and fragrant, flavorful rice. I’ll definitely be purchasing this meal again.

comments

5 Responses to “Curry Classics Chicken Biryani”

Nicole on August 25th, 2006

Abi: Lamb, veggie, and maybe chicken biryani available at an affordable price for lunch at Naan and Beyond at 17th and L St. And naan, of course.
Abi on August 25th, 2006

Oh man, I hadn’t thought of that! Biryani is my new best friend. I had chicken tikka masala yesterday and I could really use something with a lot of greens today. I’m thinking salad. Also, remember your takeout idea? I’d like to get a start on that sometime.
tg on August 25th, 2006

oh c’mon, i wanna hear more about the onion. you only cracked the surface of coverage on the onion here. we the reader deserve more data on the three strips of onion (and, may i say, a bit less about indian restaurants in DC that are geographically unavailable to us, boo-hoo). look, i’m holding up a sign: MORE ONION MORE ONION
Heather on August 25th, 2006

Mmmmm, I love biryani. Veggie biryani is divinely delicious. Alas, Tucson doesn’t exactly have a dearth of Indian restaurants. Sigh…I miss the East Coast.
Joe Lencioni on September 9th, 2006

I just had this for lunch today (I think they changed their name from Curry Classics to Tandoor Chef) and, to be honest, I was a little unimpressed. It was okay, but the rice was a bit dry and it could have used a little bit more flavor. Don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t bad… I just don’t think I would purchase it again.

I would highly recommend some of the other offerings by Deep Foods. I always return to the palak paneer and especially the navrattan korma—partially because there is such a limited selection of Indian food where I live, but mostly because they are delicious in mostly every way.