Two brothers from Hyderabad, India opened a biryani restaurant last weekend on city road in Cardiff – from where one of them graduated.
Set on the bustling City Road in Cardiff, ‘Biryani Kings’ opened its doors on October 19, 2024, and is already making waves. The shop is run by Ali, a former business management student at Cardiff Metropolitan University, who, at 33, brings years of restaurant experience from his hometown Hyderabad, India. Along with his elder brother, Ali has created a self-funded business with a passion for authentic Indian food, specifically biryani, which he proudly serves at affordable prices without compromising on quality despite the rising rent costs in Cardiff .
The shop operates from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., attracting a diversity of customers, particularly students from the surrounding areas. “We focus on delivering authentic Indian biryani and curries at a reasonable price,” says Ali, emphasising the student-friendly pricing model. The shop has already partnered with Uber Eats to extend its reach.
Biryani Kings offers an intimate yet casual dining experience, seating over 20 guests with a focus on takeout. Behind the counter, the kitchen hums with the efforts of four dedicated staff members, while Ali and a colleague manage the front, ensuring smooth customer service.
The menu features several varieties of biryani, including the classic ‘Chicken Dum Biryani’ and hearty lamb curries, both of which Ali is confident will become customer favourites. Complementing these are traditional Indian breakfast items like parathas, along with sweets and tea, bringing a slice of India to Cardiff.
Freshness is paramount at Biryani Kings. “We cook fresh food every morning and again before dinner,” Ali explains, assuring customers that leftovers are never served. Instead, he shares them with neighbouring shops or discard the leftover food. Ali’s ambition doesn’t stop here. In the short term, he aims to build a loyal customer base, but his long-term goal is clear: “We want to be the best biryani shop in Cardiff, especially for students.”
His sell-line is both a promise and an invitation: “बिरयानी के नामपर सब खाते हैं पुलाव. असल बिरयानी खाना है तो बिरयानी किंग्स को आओ.” (Translation : Everyone eats ‘Pulao’ in the name of Biryani. If you want to eat real Biryani, then come to ‘Biryani Kings’) reminding customers where to find the real deal.
