Nothing is more gratifying than a plate of food suffused with spices that represents a culture in its truest sense. That is the kind of food available at Tanneem’s Kings Kitchen.

It was a very warm welcome by the owner Ms. Tasneem Shahani to her eatery Tasneem’s Kings Kitchen located in Jawlakhel right beside Pulchowk Damkal. The place, is not very hard to find, which serves halal Muslim cuisines, has its origin tied with the traditional Muslim Bohra community.

I came across one of the most passionate persons ever -- Ms. Tasneem, she was ardent about her food, her customer, and her eatery.  She presents her culture perfectly, and so does her menu. A walk through a small hall leads to an area with Warli arts, a beautiful folk art of Maharastra that is traditionally created by tribal women. You will see paintings of human and animals that depict a social life in a rhythmic pattern. But most of all I was hooked by the food served here. Ms. Tasneem suggested I try her Kitchen’s special – Chicken Dum Biryani and Butter Chicken -- which turned out to be something out of this world. Trust me they were the best biryani and butter chicken I have ever come across in my life. The variety of food available here will satisfy anyone from age two to eighty. Although a bit expensive, you don’t need to worry cost wise because they will customize your plate per as you wish so you pay only for what you eat.

Chicken Dum Biryani

You may think biryanis are readily available, but Tasneem’s biryani will knock your shoes off. The right way of cooking a biryani is over a dum. It is a slow cooking process that lets different spices mix together well. The layers in biryani served here consist of rice over chicken, scented spices and rose or kewda water.  And it is served with raita, an Indian condiment made with yogurt and raw or cooked vegetables. A big bowl will serve two people at the most.  The price for the dish is Rs. 500

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Butter Chicken

The bowl of Tasneem’s butter chicken that was served was just phenomenal, a definition of perfection. Murgh Makhani, the weight of its Indian name is enough to conquer the food world. Butter Chicken which has its roots in the Punjab region in India, requires great effort and patience for its preparation. Chicken is marinated for several hours in cream, dahi and spice mixtures, and then slowly cooked with generous amounts of butter. I suggest that even those who are calorie conscious should try this dish because it is all worth it. They should just walk a few extra miles, and they will be glad that they got to try this meal. The price for this dish is Rs. 550