Paradise Biryani Pointe, new at Irvine Spectrum Center, specializes in the cuisine of India’s historic Hyderabad district. The brand has its origins in a small cafe inside a cinema called Paradise in 1953. There are now 16 locations in India and 40 in the U.S.
The new location is smaller than the original, fast-casual and has decidedly contemporary decor, including a graffiti-style mural.
The starring Hyderabadi biryani – known for its perfect blend of saffron, fried onions and mint and fragrant long-grain basmati rice – is billed as “the world’s favorite biryani.” Chicken dum biryani is the most popular version; chicken also figures in the murgh tangdi kabobs from the tandoori oven.
There are a half dozen styles of dosa: thin savory pancakes served with sambal and chutney. Street-food-inspired dishes include dahl poori, split-pea-filled flatbread, and chole bhature, a chickpea curry. Among seafood options are a fish curry and Manchurian shrimp. Adventurous eaters head straight for intensely flavored Chettinad lamb or goat curries.
The perfect introduction? Thali combos bring a variety of small dishes, available as vegetarian. Finish with gulab jamun – small, deep-fried balls in rosewater-scented syrup.
