This Big Bite, run by Pakistanis, does a delectable tandoori chicken and a good biriyani.
Big Bite, like Pilawoos, is a brand with many branches of wildly differing quality. We can say that the Big Bite Mount Lavinia is one of the good ones. It’s run by actual Pakistanis and they do a unique and tasty take on biriyani (chicken/mutton) and BBQ (tandoori style) chicken.
The Food
The BBQ chicken (Rs. 280) here is really good, that’s what first attracted us to the place. They have rich red skewers of chicken roasting over an open fire. They’re flavorful and tender, especially when they’re eaten hot-hot. If you want to go that next level they’re absolutely delectable with a bit of lime.
The other speciality seems to be biriyani, either mutton (Rs. 500) or chicken (Rs. 280). The base is a good long grained basmati, uniquely spiced and served white, yellow and orange. With the mutton at least they serve a good amount of meat and gravy. We haven’t seen the chicken, but if it’s anything like the BBQ, it should be good.
The Location
This Big Bite is in Mount Lavinia on Galle Road, past the Hotel Road turnoff a ways. This is convenient if you’re in Mount, but not otherwise. The shop itself is quite nodescript. It’s basically a fire pit with a fan blowing over it, a big pot of biriyani and some chromey seating inside. It’s clean enough but the location remains your usual roadside kade.
The Service
The place is run by four or five Pakistanis, which definitely gives it some authenticity. They’re nice enough and there are obviously different (and good) influences on the food.
Conclusion
If you’re in the neighborhood, this Big Bite is worth a stop for the BBQ chicken and biriyani. Pakistani influenced and good.
