Hyderabadi Biryani by air in Mumbai, Pune

A new service promises fresh, hot food from the city’s famous restaurants, delivered within six hours in Mumbai and Pune.

The biryani from Paradise Food Court has a long day ahead of it. After being cooked, it will be double packed in foil, shipped off to the airport and packed again. On arriving at its destination, either Pune or Mumbai, the traditional rice preparation will make its way to sundry homes.

Food by Air (Biryani by Air) is a delivery service that was launched in Pune and Mumbai.

"Our idea is to get fresh food from anywhere in the country to the people who want it," says Mohan Rao, speaking of the cross-country takeaway service that delivers within six hours from the time of placing an order.

Mohan is from the city but based in Pune. The idea for the delivery came to him after repeated attempts to find authentic biryani.

"What was available was an insult to the original Hyderabadi biryani," says Rao. The mutton biryani from Shah Ghouse Cafe and chicken biryani from Paradise are being supplied piping hot. The long grain rice preparation is sealed in two foil packets, accompanied by packets of mirchi ka salan that lets out a light aroma of meat and spices when cut open. The biryani is packed in layers, with the rice on the top and masala-meat encased below. Food by Air charges Rs 499 for 1 kg.

Pista House had earlier started this concept of sending food by air. The hotel renowned for haleem also sends them by air to different cities across the country.