Aminia Restaurant is no stranger to the culinary landscape of the city and has in fact been there since pre-Independence times. As the celebrated restaurant now completes a landmark 95 years, t2 sat down with the third and fourth-generation owners of the brand for a tete-a-tete. Excerpts...
Take us through the initial establishment days of Aminia...
In its early establishment dating back to 1929, Aminia commenced as a humble eatery, primarily serving breakfast items to the residents of pre-Independence India. However, over time, its reputation for delectable flavours and unwavering commitment to quality led to its expansion and evolution into an iconic Mughlai dining destination. Throughout its journey, Aminia has steadfastly preserved its culinary heritage, passing down secret spice blends and generational recipes, making it synonymous with Calcutta’s favourite biryani and a testament to enduring tradition in the realm of Indian cuisine.
What was the first outlet like? Who started it and when?
The first outlet was at Zakaria Street, established in 1929 by Abdul Rahim. With time the legacy was passed from one generation to another. Today, Aminia rests on the shoulders of four generations. It was a labour of love for Abdul Qayum, who passed the traditions on to his three sons — Mohammed Tahir, Mohammed Ather, and Mohammed Azhar. The outlet at Esplanade was established on the day our nation declared itself free — August 15, 1947. From M.F. Husain to Jyoti Basu, patrons of Aminia make for a bouquet of legends and anecdotes.
What is Aminia’s food philosophy?
Aminia’s food philosophy is to spread the taste and experience of Calcutta biryani far and wide. Being one of the oldest Mughlai/Awadhi food brands in the city, the philosophy lies in serving authentic flavours from Aminia’s kitchen to every possible location. The vision has always been to offer an enhanced dining experience at a reasonable price. Besides, Aminia strives to provide the patrons with top-notch services, ambience, and food quality to ensure a memorable dining experience.
Why the name Aminia?
Then name Aminia comes after the name Mohammed Amin who was the son of the founder Abdul Rahim.
How many outlets are there today?
At present, Aminia has several outlets located across Calcutta in New Market, Rajarhat, Jessore Road, Shyambazar, Golpark, Behala, Barrackpore, Serampore and Sodepur. It has also marked its presence beyond Calcutta in Siliguri, Guwahati, and Kolaghat. With a view to reaching out to a wider audience, Aminia plans to establish new outlets across the globe in future.
Your patrons include iconic personalities from diverse fields...
Aminia’s patrons read like a captivating anthology of legends and anecdotes, spanning from the renowned M.F. Husain to the esteemed Jyoti Basu. Aminia played gracious host to none other than Imtiaz Ali during the filming of Highway, a gathering that saw the presence of luminaries like Alia Bhatt and Randeep Hooda. The year 2018 etched another chapter in Aminia’s storied existence when Sarah Todd, herself an accomplished chef and author, savoured the timeless allure of this Mughlai gem, forever imprinted on the annals of history. Transporting ourselves back to yesteryears, we find the echoes of Ustad Vilayat Khan and Ustad Bismillah Khan’s impassioned melodies reverberating through Aminia’s outlet. For legendary football icons such as P.K. Banerjee and Chuni Goswami, Aminia wasn’t just a destination, it was the coveted goal at the end of a thrilling match.
What is the idea behind the new menu?
The idea behind our new menu was to introduce a fresh and exciting culinary experience for our valued patrons. We wanted to go beyond tradition and offer a diverse range of flavours and dishes that would not only resonate with our legacy but also excite the palates of our patrons. Through this menu, we aspired to offer something for everyone, ensuring that patrons seek the comfort of our signature dishes as well as the thrill of exploring something new.
A couple of outlets have come up outside Calcutta too. Are you looking at a nationwide expansion?
Yes, indeed, we are actively considering expansion for Aminia. We have exciting plans in the works, and we will be revealing more details soon. Stay tuned for updates as we aim to bring the authentic flavours of Aminia to even more regions beyond Bengal.
What are some of the classic bestselling dishes at Aminia?
Aminia specialises in serving authentic Awadhi/Mughlai cuisine. Some of Aminia’s quintessential classics include the Mutton and Chicken Biryani, Aminia Special Mutton Curry, Mutton/Chicken Rezala, Chicken Chaap and Shahi Firni.
Completing 95 years is a huge milestone. To what do you owe the success of the brand?
The success of Aminia’s 95-year-old brand can be attributed to a combination of factors, including its commitment to preserving culinary traditions, a dedication to serving authentic and flavourful cuisine, and a deep connection with the patrons who have supported and cherished Aminia for generations. The ability to adapt to changing times while maintaining the core essence of its dishes has also played a crucial role. Moreover, the brand’s philanthropic initiatives, community engagement, and relentless pursuit of excellence in taste and quality have contributed to its enduring success in the competitive culinary landscape.
What are some of the biggest challenges that the brand has faced?
Throughout its illustrious 95-year journey, Aminia has encountered and gracefully overcome the common challenges that come with the territory of a long-established brand. These challenges include adapting to evolving culinary preferences while preserving its heritage, managing competition by staying true to its unique identity and navigating economic fluctuations with resilience. Aminia’s commitment to quality, consistent taste, and customer satisfaction have been a driving force in maintaining its reputation and expanding its reach, while its dedication to adhering to regulations and nurturing customer loyalty has only strengthened its position as a beloved culinary institution in Calcutta.
What are the plans for the future?
Aminia has a vision for a dynamic and promising future. Our plans include a strategic expansion beyond our current locations, aiming to bring the rich culinary heritage and exceptional flavours of Aminia to a wider audience across the nation and beyond. We are committed to maintaining our commitment to quality, authenticity, and innovation as we grow. Additionally, we will continue to engage with our patrons through innovative menu offerings ensuring that every dining experience with us remains memorable.
Zeba Akhtar Ali
Pictures: Koushik Saha and Aminia
