I’d been curious about trying biryani for a while. While wandering the mini food pop-ups at the mall, I spotted Biryani Shaker. The first time I saw the stall, the owner was there, smiling and saying “masarap talaga.” He was clearly not Filipino, which made me think he really knows his way around biryani. I didn’t know much else about them. But my curiosity got the better of me, and I had to have my first biryani here.
If you’re unfamiliar like I was, biryani is a rice dish made with long-grain basmati rice and meat. The spices are layered in a way that fills the dish with a fragrant, slightly tangy aroma. Some versions have a bit of heat, and it often comes with yogurt or sauce on the side. Just having that little context made me appreciate the experience more, especially since this was my first time diving into it.
So, for my first biryani, here’s what I ordered
For my first biryani experience, I went with the Chicken Biryani from Biryani Shaker. The portion was just right for one, though if you have a bigger appetite, it might not be enough. It cost ₱120, which felt fair for such a tasty meal. The biryani came in a paper bowl, which made mixing everything easy and added a fun, convenient touch. It also included a small container of sauce that you can pour over the rice.
I almost passed at first because there were so many delicious foods at the mini pop-ups that I couldn’t decide what to eat. After about an hour, I couldn’t imagine going home still wondering what biryani tastes like, so I went back to finally try it. Eating it at home after the short wait only made me even more excited.
My first impressions
I was starving and a little tired after wandering, so I wasn’t paying attention to every detail, but the first bite told me it was good. The rice was fluffy and separate, not mushy, and the chicken was tender and well-seasoned.
The sauce they gave on the side was a little mild for me, but it still added something extra. When I got home, I added some pickled cucumbers, and the tang really lifted the whole dish. That little twist made it even better than I expected.
It wasn’t fancy or complicated, just a solid meal that made me glad I finally tried biryani.
After my first biryani, I grabbed a little extra snack
While exploring the mini food pop-ups all afternoon, I thought I spotted a bread topped with pork floss from Biryani Shaker and was immediately tempted to grab one. It turned out it was actually from a different stall, but I bought it anyway for ₱30.
Eating it right after the biryani felt like an extra reward for all that wandering. The bread was soft, topped with savory pork floss that added a fun, light texture. It was such a simple, satisfying snack that perfectly capped off my afternoon food adventure.
My thoughts and takeaway
This is a fun spot for first-time biryani eaters or anyone curious about exploring mini food pop-ups. I’d recommend trying it for lunch or a light dinner. If you’re visiting, consider bringing it home. You can also have a seat nearby so you can savor the flavors at your own pace. Full disclosure: I was so hungry when I tried it that my taste buds might have been extra impressed, but honestly, it was still a tasty first biryani experience.
The mini stall is near the entrance of Market! Market! in Taguig, Metro Manila. If you’re coming in, you’ll see Jollibee and Mercury Drug on the right and McDonald’s on the left. The mini food pop-ups are just around that area, so it’s hard to miss. I didn’t get a photo this time, but I’ll make sure to snap one next visit so you can see the setup for yourself.
If you want to check their latest pop-up updates or menu, you can visit Biryani Shaker’s Facebook page.
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