The first lockdown may have sparked ambitions towards making our own sourdough bread and homemade pasta, but now such aspirations are most definitely waining. Luckily for us, a tonne of new takeaway and delivery services have popped up to keep us safe and fed, including the latest ‘Empire Biryani’ from Indian restaurant, Gunpowder.
On Thursday 11th February, Harneet Baweja and Devina Seth, founders of Indian restaurant Gunpowder will launch Empire Biryani – a new delivery service for London, which is inspired by the pair’s memories of India and celebratory occasions featuring this impressive centrepiece.
In keeping with Gunpowder’s focus on the cuisines of regional India, Empire Biryani will feature a menu centred around the Northern Indian tradition of Dum Biryani. Also available are a wider collection of dishes, which highlight the flavours and spices commonly found in this part of the sub-continent.
Harneet says,
“I’m delighted to be able to deliver one of my favourite dishes from back home to Londoners. I really miss India but am pleased that everybody can partake in a gastronomic journey from the comfort of their own homes. Whilst we’re very much looking forward to having our restaurants open again, I’m equally excited to bring my beloved biryani into people’s homes”.
Focused around quality and simplicity, each of the dishes on the Empire Biryani menu are prepared fresh every morning and will be delivered the same day. Their Signature Biryani – the result of a 36-hour preparation – is steamed on a low heat for several hours until the rice and meat are fragrant and tender (a cooking technique known as ‘dum’). The rice is then topped with shortcrust pastry to bind the flavours and garnished with fresh spices. The biryanis are perfect as a main or to share, with a choice of tender Lamb Shank, or Shahi Mushroom, featuring slow-cooked mushrooms, onions and spices. For those looking to feast, the team have developed a sharing sized biryani which feeds up to four people (or two very hungry people).
Of course, no biryani is complete without sides. Designed to accompany the Signature Biryani, the wider menu features dishes such as Masala Chana Aloo Chaat (a deliciously textural and tangy popular street snack from Delhi); Achari Aloo Gobi (pickled cauliflower and potatoes); Pepper Chicken Fry, tossed with curry leaf, onions and spices; and Beef Boti Kebab, marinated and slowly cooked over charcoal. Other sides include Hyderabadi Egg curry, Paneer butter Masala and Boondi & Kachumber Raita.
Available individually as well as part of a feasting selection, the team have created two DIY Feasting Kits which can be pre-ordered for delivery. These include a Signature Biryani, two side dishes and dessert to share. Completing the menu is their Triple Chocolate Brownie, served with cardamom custard.
Empire Biryani launches for London-wide delivery from Thursday 11th February.
Orders can be made online at www.empirebiryani.com for pre-order delivery to addresses within the M25 and via Deliveroo for same day delivery within six miles of the restaurant.
Gunpowder Tower Bridge, 4 Duchess Walk, London, SE1 2SD