Kacchi Biryani vs Burger

There are all kinds of battles – boys vs girls, Barcelona vs Real Madrid, Hillary vs Trump, yet one battle has managed to create a conflict among us Bangladeshis: kacchi biryani vs burgers.

We all know of the legendary Fakruddin's kacchi that even today doesn't fail to make our mouths water. But it seems that the rather newer love for burgers in the city has been dampening kacchi's shine. The younger foodies especially are often seen crowding these aesthetically pleasing outlets as popular hangout spots. So, the question obviously arises: which is better – kacchi biryani or burgers?

Many of the more patriotic would begin by saying that kacchi is a dish that dates back to the Mughal times and is closely linked to the Bengali taste bud, whereas burgers are something foreign that has managed to make a huge impact. Many would even go on to say that a burger is always just a burger, i.e. it's got the same things with a few variations: patty, cheese and mayo inside a bun.

Kacchi biryani, on the other hand, is said to be a carnival of flavours inside your mouth. It is spicy, at times with a hint of sweetness, and even a little tart if you like the aloo bokhara that pop up in your serving if you're lucky. Star anise, cashew nuts, raisins and saffron only add to the perfect concoction of spices on a plate. Even with meat so tender and juicy that it falls off the bone and perfectly cooked Basmati rice that is al dente, the steaming potatoes from the kacchi often tend to be the favourite amongst people. With winter already here, one cannot wait for the biryani at weddings.

For those more gravitated towards the kacchi, burgers taste bland, missing the oomph factor of spices that we, Bengalis, oh-so-love. Without the right blend of ketchup, mustard and mayonnaise, one could potentially end up with a burger which is indeed dry and lacklustre.

On the other hand, for those craving food on the go that can be eaten while having fun with friends, a burger is the best option. With so many burger joints opening up in town, one has a myriad of options to choose from. Those who love cheesy burgers crave a patty that is perfectly cooked and packed with cheese that explodes in your mouth the moment you bite into it. It has the potential to get messy, even more than that with kacchi, but is said to taste as if it's the best thing on earth, especially when paired with a side of fries and onion rings. Add a tall glass of cold beverage to make things even better.

Tomatoes, lettuce and onions add an element of freshness that kacchi woefully lacks. Also, unlike kacchi, there is no such horrific moment where you bite into an elachi and feel like your entire life is coming to an end. Even though the taste goes away after a sip of chilled Coke or borhani, it is still a hassle burger eaters don't have to face.

So, after witnessing this heated debate, which side are you on: kacchi or burgers?

Tahsin Abedi is a hungry potato going through an identity crisis. Send her some love and vanilla ice cream at tahsinabedi@gmail.com