Murugan Biriyani Kadai

We are situated at number 127 in Vedi Kounder Colony, which is right across from Aishwaryam Hospital in Salem. Being near a hospital means we get a lot of different people coming through our doors at all hours. Some are just looking for a quick bite while they wait, and others are regulars from the local neighborhood. The kitchen gets busy very early because the biriyani takes a while to get right. We use big pots and a lot of fire, which makes the whole place smell like spices and smoke. It’s not a fancy setup at all, just a basic kadai with enough room for people to sit and eat. The walls have a few marks on them and the floor is a bit uneven, but it’s a place where people feel comfortable. We don’t have a website or a marketing person to tell people about us. Most folks just follow their nose or see the sign when they are passing by on the road. We try to keep the prices fair so that everyone can afford a meal. My cousins and I run the place, so it’s a bit of a family effort most days. When we run out of food, we just close up the shutters and head home to rest before doing it all again the next day. It’s a simple life, but it keeps us busy and fed.