Third-generation owner, Raashid Hakim (centre) with (right) nephew Wajahat and (left) son Daanish

Well aware of his title of the 'Biryani King of Mumbai', we were expecting to meet someone pompous. Instead, a humble, old man in pristine white kurta-pyjama greeted us warmly. Jaffer Gulam Mansuri, fondly called Jaffer Bhai, spoke ardently about food and invited us to the kitchen — its walls lined with large degs (huge vessels in which food is cooked). "This is my happy place. I often join my staff when they are cooking here," he said. Jaffer Bhai's Delhi Darbar catered at our wedding but most importantly, the man left a mark. In September this year, he passed away.

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Chef Bhairav Singh

His son Hasan tells us over the phone, "My father was 14 when his father — who was in the catering business — passed away. A few years later, he dropped out of KC College to enter the business and support his family; he learnt the working of kitchens and techniques. Week after week, he would make the biryani, put them in packets and go on his rickety cycle to give them out to friends and acquaintances for feedback. Sometimes, after long working hours, he'd sleep on gunny bags outside his catering shop. Gradually, with his culinary insights, he built an empire. In 2003, when he had to branch out of the Delhi Darbar brand from his brother who retained the original Delhi Darbar at Colaba, my father got the Grant Road branch. He rebranded it as Jaffer Bhai's Delhi Darbar. He opened more restaurants across Mumbai; one in Panchgani and in Dubai as well."

Jaffer Bhai Biryani

Jaffer Bhai's Delhi Darbar is an intricate part of old Bombay where families had food for their outings and swish parties catered from their restaurants. His sons who have taken over the reins are working towards ensuring that the brand their father painstakingly built remains in the hearts of its patrons with one eye on finding a new fan base among the next generation.

Call 022 23875656/57

Go for the raan

At the turn of the century, changing the Mughlai food game with its fine-dining experience, Zaffran opened its doors in the city in 2003. However, its legacy dates back to much earlier.

Raan biryani, Zaffran

"We are one of the few restaurants in Mumbai that has stayed true to our heritage and inspiration that goes back to the 1950s. An integral part of this heritage is our signature Zaffran raan biryani where a 16-hour marinated whole lamb leg is slow-roasted on charcoal embers overnight with our secret spice rub and fresh aromatics. Once it gets tender, this is layered with our signature biryani masala and carefully selected long-grained basmati rice. This is put on dum for another three hours till the rice is redolent with the intrinsic flavours of the lamb," explains master chef Bhairav Singh. "A single portion feeds seven to eight people, and remains one of our all-time bestsellers."

Call 9967340046

Subtle culinary magic

Back in 2000, veering away from the regular masala-laden biryani, Raashid Hakim, the third-generation owner of Bhendi Bazaar's legendary Noor Mohammadi Hotel, made the white biryani, and offered it to actor Sanjay Dutt for tasting.

"This was before white biryani became common at other restaurants and wedding menus. Baba instantly loved it, and that's when he shared the recipe of his chicken Sanju Baba that we added to our menu," recalls Hakim. Often mistaken for a pulao, this biryani has the meat cooked in mild spices and rich dry fruits, carrying a distinct taste of cashew nuts, infused into layers of rice and meat — cooked on dum. Since it goes easy on spices and masala, it appeals to those looking for lighter indulgence. In three years' time, Noor Mohammadi, started by Raashid's grandfather, will complete a century. Now, the reins are being passed from him and his brother Khalid to the fourth generation; Raashid's son Daanish and nephew Wajahat run the show in Mumbai and Dubai, respectively.

Call 022 23456008

Other favourites

Awadhi dum pukht, Dum Pukht, ITC Maratha

The Awadhi dum pukht biryani at Dum Pukht, ITC Maratha and Kebabs and Kurries ITC Grand Central, Parel, showcases the tradition of dum cooking. Here the marinated meat and long, flavoured rice is slow-cooked over a low flame, resulting in a mildly flavoured biryani where the tender meat falls off the bone. Call 022 28303030

Started in 1984 by late Farid Noorani, the founder of Haji Ali Juice Centre, to serve meat-eating masses, opt for the chicken reshmi tikka biryani at Tardeo's Cafe Noorani. CALL 022 23534753

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