Twenty years of keeping it light.
Shimla Biryani began on Kolkata’s EM Bypass in the early 2000s. Four restaurants later, the idea in the kitchen is the same: biryani that is light, fragrant and full of flavour, at a fair price.
- 20+
- years serving Kolkata
- 4
- restaurants across the city
- 160
- seats at Lake Town, our largest room
“We have been serving the city for the past 20 years and our USP is our biryani, which is light and flavoursome.”
“Our ultimate goal is to enrich the customer experience by serving them quality food at an affordable price.”
Wasim AkramOwner, Shimla Biryani · speaking to t2, 2022
The plates regulars order
Rice, meat, and always the potato.
Kolkata biryani traces back to 1856, when Wajid Ali Shah, the last Nawab of Awadh, was exiled to Metiabruz and his cooks came with him. The city’s version grew lighter and subtler than its Lucknow parent, and it picked up the potato and the egg along the way. That is the biryani Shimla cooks.
Built for families and big tables
Lake Town
About 4,000 sq ft overlooking the Clock Tower, with Mughal-themed interiors and seating for around 160 guests.
Chinar Park
A 2,800 sq ft room in gold and black with grey accents, jaali on the walls and warm light. Seats 86.
From one kitchen to four rooms
- Early 2000sEM Bypass
Shimla Biryani starts on EM Bypass with one plan: biryani that tastes rich but stays light.
- The next yearsVIP Bazaar and Topsia
Two neighbourhood restaurants in the south-east of the city become regulars’ favourites.
- August 2022Chinar Park
The first Shimla up north, and the first with a Mughal-inspired room.
- 2023Lake Town
The biggest Shimla yet, across from the Lake Town Clock Tower.
- Coming soonB.T. Road
A new Shimla at Dunlop–Rathtala More.