If you want to single out one place at Chennai, which is famous for Beef Biriyani, Sukkubhai is a sure winner. Ever since 1975, this humble biryani restaurant at Alandur has built a reputation for itself among the localites.
On first notice, there is a separate (A much broader) division each for parcel and seating to manage the queue of beef fanatics accordingly. In fact, for a moment, I thought they were 2 separate restaurants.
Once seated inside, as the saying goes, “when in Rome do as the Romans do”, I controlled my urge for ordering my favourite biryani(Chicken of course!!) and resorted to the crowd favourite Beef Biryani.
Now to the actual taste,
1. People were totally true about the beef here.. It’s super tender than any other place, a lot of beef pieces are stuffed inside the biryani and it tastes delightful. I ordered a Beef fry along (A Sure Recommend) Which is neatly spiced and complements the biryani so well.
2. On the contrary, the biryani is subtle (Of course it does have the aroma and flavours, made with quality basmati rice)
Would I eat the biriyani alone without the beef? I wouldn’t. (It would taste like many commonly found good ones – the beef is what makes it extra special)
Beyond all this, Sukkubhai biryani has much stronger roots, an interesting history and that is what makes this place even more appealing that people throng all day.
/Read on for those of you who like to know more about Sukkubhai’s history (Presented it in brief), otherwise skim directly to final verdict /
It was started by One Mr.Abdul Khadar, a passionate person who came to Chennai all the way from Nagoor (Nagapattinam) to start some business, in the hope that he can survive at Chennai. Like the good old saying, “Vandhaarai Vaazha Vaikkum Chennai”, he was able to make a living as he settled in.
He sold Sukku Kaapi initially, soon he became locally loving, and people coined him the name Sukku Bhai. Encouraged by friends and well-wishers, he wanted to carve a niche in the restaurant area. Beef is relatively lesser cost than chicken, mutton and the likes. Beef can make people come to it, if he is able to build some solid dishes out of it.
He found this as a Unique Selling Proposition and soon, he became one of the well-known names in the biriyani business.
After him, his son had taken over the business. Till now, this place is growing strong with loyalists. And this sure is a success story of a person and his culinary love, the Biryani.
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