Recently, Fakruddin has responded to the ever-increasing demand from city dwellers and opened its second branch in Gulshan. Walking past Gulshan-1 circle, you are bound to get attracted to the red and white banners and its traditional biriyani house ambience.

"Our journey began in 1966 and it was in a small scale inside the Viqarunnisa Noon School compound. Haji Mohammed Fakruddin was the pioneer and his two sons carried on the heritage after their father had passed away. Labour was our main capital because it was goodwill that we dwelled on. My father Mohammed Rafique and uncle Mohammed Shafique now look after the business.

'The popularity of our food has spread to foreign countries and they have already made several overseas trips to satisfy the taste bud of important people," said Khaleque, the grandson of Mohammed Fakruddin.

Kachchi, the usual favourite form for biriyani lovers, originated from Mohammad Fakruddin's hands, informed Khaleque.

"The reason behind opening a branch in Gulshan was that we used to cater a lot of customers from this area. For many, our biriyani was only available at weddings and special occasions. That's why we decided to arrange something for biriyani lovers who wished to eat at the restaurant or preferred to take it home. Through this, we hope to maintain the grand family legacy," said Khaleque.

The first thing one will notice at the Fakruddin Biriyani and Restaurant in Gulshan is the huge amount of people constantly moving in and out. The place is jam-packed with people enjoying plates of steamy magic or waiting patiently for their biriyani parcels. As the outlet is still pretty fresh, the launching ceremony decorations of colourful balloons and ribbons can be spotted hanging on the walls. Despite the rush, the restaurant is a relatively cozy place for eating with friend or talking business over lunch.

The busy restaurant staff welcomes the guests at the entrance and once they have found a free table for you, you are reminded of the universal appeal of their food with framed photos on the walls of Fakruddin's stalls at various Bangladeshi food festivals abroad.

The set of choices range from main courses, kebabs, drinks and desserts. Kachchi, chicken biriyani, beef tehari, jali kebab, prawn dupeyaja etc. each qualify as delicacies and at lunch or dinner they are a food connoisseur's definite delight.

"One may choose a set menu of kachchi biriyani, jali kebab, borhani and salad. That is scrumptious," says Masud, a regular customer.

According to the chef, kachchi is the most sought-after treat with beef tehari in second.

"The beef tehari with a glass of borhani is truly superb. I just have to come back here," said an excited Jayson, a foreigner who just had his first taste of Fakruddin.

Dessert items also draw gasps of content from the customers.

"The flavour of firney straight from the clay pot is heavenly," says Imran.

Some people might think that the food at the restaurant is a bit more expensive than some of the other biriyani shops in the city but a genuine food critic would definitely find value for money at Fakruddin.