Arabian Courtyard holds 6th Annual Biryani Muqabala

Press release

Published June 9th, 2011 - 01:06 GMT

The participants, families and judges who attended the event were treated to a scrumptious lunch buffet at the hotel’s Silk Route Restaurant

Arabian Courtyard Hotel & Spa, located in the heart of the ancient cultural district of Dubai, recently hosted the 6^th Annual Biryani Muqabala, a live cooking competition sponsored by award winning Mumtaz Mahal Restaurant. Pushpa Adnani bagged the first prize for her entry of Fish Stick Biryani while Kavita Khanwani won the second prize for her Pahadi Mutton Biryani and Joyce Miranda received the third prize for her Prawns Biryani entry.

The amateur cooking competition received a total of 40 entrants but only 10 finalists, who are mostly wives of expatriates from various states of India, have been shortlisted. The finalists were each given two hours to prepare the ingredients, cook the dish and present the meal on the table. A distinguished panel of judges headed by Rakesh Puri, renowned food critic and writer Sarah Walten, CEO of Table Talk, monitored the cooking, sampled the dishes and selected the top three winners. The recipes were judged based on hygiene, cooking style and method, ingredients, taste and presentation.

Habib Khan, General Manager, Arabian Courtyard Hotel & Spa, said: “We are very pleased to host the annual Biryani cooking competition for amateur chefs who take pride in cooking for their loved ones. The objective of organizing this contest is to promote culinary talent among Indian ladies in the UAE. Biryani is a hugely popular and classic Indian dish loved by families the world over. Whether it’s a classic family recipe passed down through generations or one that is perfected with a secret formula, the Biryani dish will always be part of Indian festivities and celebratory occasions. The judges are really impressed with this year’s entries and we congratulate the winners and the finalists for their effort.”

The winning Biryani recipe will be featured as a Mumtaz Mahal Restaurant special and diners will have a chance to taste the delectable dish. The first prize winner received a Diwan Jewellers pearl necklace, shoes from Adaa Lounge Shoe and meal and spa vouchers from Arabian Courtyard Hotel & Spa. The second and third prize winners also received gift vouchers from Diwan Jewellers, shoes and meal and spa vouchers.

The participants, families and judges who attended the event were treated to a scrumptious lunch buffet at the hotel’s Silk Route Restaurant.

Background Information

Arabian Courtyard Hotel & Spa

Set in the historic heart of Dubai, Arabian Courtyard Hotel & Spa is inspired by old Dubai’s heritage it offers a unique experience which is a combination of warm Arabic hospitality and state-of-the-art amenities designed to cater to both tourists and business travelers. It is opposite Dubai Museum and is a stone’s throw-away from the famous Dubai Creek and the timeless Souk Al Kabir, more commonly known as Meena Bazaar. At a walking distance to Historic Bastakiya, Bank Street, Diplomatic Area, Computer Street and Port Rashid, this hotel is just 6 kilometers away from Dubai International Airport. It offers a splendid accommodation of 173 tastefully furnished rooms, including 41 executive rooms and 23 suites with non-smoking and interconnecting rooms also available. The hotel offers all business services and conference / meeting rooms as well as a variety of dining options. A fully equipped health club, temperature controlled swimming pool, sauna, Jacuzzi and a Wellness Spa complete the picture.