Once upon a time
From Persia to India
Sailed all the way
Anchored for ages
Enslaved our tastes
Befriended our hearts
Conquered our cuisine
Captured our platter
A mighty hodgepodge
A magical mishmash
Ascended the throne
Crowned as the Queen
To pamper our palate
To tickle our taste buds
As the lid opens
There it comes
Farrago of flavours
That fiercely flows
The riot of spices
The masala miracle
Cinnamon and clove
Cardamom and mace
Aroma that incites
Any Indian soul
With a dash of saffron
She reigns our plates
Mughlai or Awadhi
Hyderabadi or Bhatkali
Chettinad or Malabari
What’s in a name?
Basmati rice
Bathed in ghee
Chicken or mutton
Fish or prawns
Varied veggies
Cashews and raisins
Crispy onions
In golden hue
Raita and pickle
Hand in hand
She holds the power
To adorn our tables
Festive feasts or holidays
Dine-in or takeaway
In monsoon showers
In winter woes
A warmth that hugs
Our heart and gut
Diets get thrashed
When she shows up
A whiff of her
Beats all the blues
She tops the list
She rules the menu
She is not just a dish
But the supreme bliss
There is no other love
Than our love for her
That makes us hail
With vigour and zeal
Now and forever
B for Biriyani !