Kathi rolls — synonymous with Calcutta — have been kept alive at U.P. Bihar Restaurant, New Market, for the past 80 years. Launched as a humble stall in 1937, the eatery has since earned many loyal customers who walk in for everything from Beef Bhuna to Khiri Kebab to Chicken Biryani. Though its next-door neighbour Nizam’s may be a more famous name, U.P. Bihar has stood the test of time, keeping the legacy of kathi rolls, especially beef kathi rolls, alive for eight decades.
On November 15, this landmark establishment celebrated its 80th anniversary with a long overdue renovation and relaunch. Started by Fakhir Mohammad and Abul Hasan in 1937, the restaurant is currently run by their fourth generation offsprings — Md. Kasim, Md. Nasim and Md. Wasim along with Md. Shamim (son of Md. Kasim).
t2 checked out all that has changed, or rather what hasn’t!
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@ Rs 92 per plate: More than 200 plates of these kebabs are sold every day. The Beef Kathi Kebab, which is marinated in a “secret” mixture of aromatic spices, is a must for those who love their red meat. Eat it with their crisp parathas, or have it as an appetiser, either way you won’t be disappointed. The same goes for the Khiri Kebabs @ Rs 100 per plate, which sell like hot cakes and taste best when stir-fried with chopped onions and chillies and some vinegar drizzled over for that tangy taste.
Text: Zeba Akhtar
Pictures: Mayukh Sengupta
