Paradise Biryani Pointe, a nationally branded Indian restaurant, has finally arrived in Southern California, opening its first Los Angeles-area restaurant here in Artesia’s “Little India.”
Proclaiming to be the home of the best biryanis in the United States, the Paradise Biryani Pointe franchise restaurant in Artesia is the latest of about three dozen planned locations across 15 states.
Making his first foray into the restaurant business, Venkat Tungala opened the Little India location as a franchisee in November. A native of Andhra Pradesh who arrived in the United States seven years ago as an IT professional, Tungala is now putting his energies into promoting Paradise Biryani Pointe in Southern California.
“This is one of the biggest Indian chains we have in the U.S.,” Tungala told India-West. “We’re also the world’s largest in selling biryani. Everything on the menu here is a ‘signature’ dish.”
Tungala added that every dish is made to order with spice levels of mild, medium and spicy. Also, the menu has no regional classifications, as dishes represent several culinary corners of the Indian subcontinent.
At the heart of the restaurant’s menu is a smorgasbord of Mughali and Tandoori dishes. Appetizers include a wide variety of dishes for vegetarians, meat eaters and fish lovers alike.
There are Indo-Chinese plates such as a Chicken Manchurian or Chilly Vegetables. One can also choose between Chicken or Shrimp Tikka, samosas or pakoras, Chaat or Masala Wings.
The main entrees feature dishes from all over India, such as Chhole Batura, Eggplant Curry, Butter Chicken, Spicy Goat, Chicken Paneer, Malai Kofta, Goan-style Vindaloo, Hyderabadi curry, and pepper fried chicken or lamb.
As the restaurant’s name indicates, there are several varieties of biryani. In addition to vegetable biryani, meat lovers may choose chicken or lamb for the rice dish. There is a shrimp biryani for seafood aficionados.
The specials that populate the menu include three Kabob plates, a Fish Fry and Salmon Tikka. There is also an on-site bar for ordering beer or wine.
The restaurant’s main Web site is www.paradisebiryanipointe.com. Southern California locals can visit the Artesia franchise’s Web site at www.laparadisebiryani.com. To reach the restaurant by phone, please call (562) 666-2334.
As many as 45 Paradise Biryani Pointes will open across the United States by March 2013. The first Paradise Biryani Pointe in California opened in Santa Clara a few months ago.
Located at 18158 Pioneer Boulevard in Artesia, Paradise Biryani Pointe is open six days a week: Tuesday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for lunch and 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. for dinner; the restaurant is open from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. during weekends.
The menu is Halal friendly and catering is available. 