Delhi Shahi Phirni: A covetable Iftar delicacy in Rajshahi

RAJSHAHI, Mar 30: 'Delhi Shahi Phirni' of Rahmania Hotel and Restaurant, a well-know eatery located at Ganakpara in Rajshahi city, has been bearing a tradition of more than seven decades.

After its maiden sale in small clay pots in 1952 at a price of four annas, this Phirni (a traditional dessert made with ground rice, sugar, milk and cardamoms) quickly started gaining popularity.

It has been reigning supreme for 72 years, maintaining popularity in terms of taste and quality.

After a long journey, the price has increased to Tk35 only. The demand of this Phirni increases manifold in the month of Ramadan. As a result, sales continue throughout the night from Iftar to Sehri.

It is learnt that in 1950 Anisur Rahman Khan established Rahmania Hotel and Restaurant at Ganakpara intersection of the city.

Two years after its establishment, he brought the recipe of 'Delhi Shahi Phirni' from India to Rajshahi and started its business.

A bowl of Phirni then cost four annas. Since the beginning, 100 grams of Phirni was given in each bowl.

Now the price stands at Tk35 only. Among the many modern iftar arrangements in Rajshahi, this 'Delhi Shahi Phirni' is still at the culmination of popularity.

Homeliness and hospitality have not returned everywhere. Shahi Phirni of Rajshahi's Rahmania Restaurant has not lost its value in taste and tradition even in so many decades.

Riaz Ahmed Khan, president of Rajshahi Restaurant Owners Association and owner of Rahmania Hotel and Restaurant, said that his grandfather Anisur Rahman Khan established this restaurant in 1950.

After the death of his grandfather, his father Abdul Bari Khan took over the business. He is now looking after the business after his father's death. Apart from Shahi Phirni, this restaurant's Shahi Halim, Shami Kabab, Kathi Kabab, Shik Kabab, Panionu, Beguni, Kachuri and Jilapi are very popular.

Md Chan started working as a phirni maker at Rahmania Hotel about 48 years ago for a wage of one taka and four paisa.

He said this phirni is made by mixing various spices with milk, Polao rice powder, raisins, cherry fruit and sugar. Later it is stored in an earthen pot and sold.

Mamunur Rashid came to Rahmania Hotel from Alokar More area of the city to buy Iftar items.

He said this Shahi Phirni is kept for Iftar every year due to tradition and t0aste; because, Iftar does not get its fulfillment without this Phirni.

He also said, "Even a few years ago this Phirni was sold for Tk15. Now the price is Tk35. I didn't stop buying it because of its incomparable taste."

Sixty-year-old woman Sura Begum said, "For almost 25 years, my family has had to have this delicious phirni along with other dishes on their daily Iftar menu."

Md. Kalu, salesman of the hotel said, Shahi Phirni is their best attraction in the month of Ramadan. This Shahi Phirni has been carrying the tradition of taste for ages. This Ramadan, an average of 450 bowls of Phirni are being sold every day. But as Eid comes closer, sales will increase.

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