Biryani Moshla
Buy online →It's not any one spice or technique that makes or breaks a biryani. A good biryani is a culmination of the right ingredients, consistent practice and mastery over timing. The biryani moshla is one (albeit important) part of the puzzle.
Developed by fellow YouTuber, and Kolkata biryani–expert, Salma the Chef, over years of tinkering, of trials, errors and careful iterations, this is Salma’s labour of love.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why did I get a set of two spice mixes?
Salma’s Kolkata biryani moshla is two spice blends—Biryani Moshla 1 & Biryani Moshla 2.
- Biryani moshla 1—this has 14 different spices, that have been roasted before being ground, which gives them a deep, rich flavour.
- Biryani moshla 2—this has just two whole spices: cardamom and mace. Here, the spices are ground in their raw, unroasted state, which preserves the vibrancy of the spices.
When you add these two together at the different stages while making biryani, you get the unique, well-rounded flavour of Kolkata biryani.
Who is Salma The Chef?
Salma The Chef is a passionate cook and popular YouTuber. She is known for her rigour in testing the recipes she puts out. Over the years she has developed a speciality in the area of modifying Kolkata biryani recipes for home-cooking at various scales.
She is originally from Medinipur, and now lives in Kolkata with her family. Besides educating viewers on Youtube, she runs her own cloud kitchen and spice business.
How did this collaboration with Salma come about?
We met Salma—believe it or not—in the YouTube comments section! In 2018, we posted our first Kolkata mutton biryani video on the Bong Eats channel. We called it our "Biryani v.1". Salma left some feedback on it, to which we responded. Some heated exchanges may have taken place. Thus began our association.
After years of remaining "internet friends", we finally got to taste biryani made with Salma's own hands in 2023. By this time, she had iterated and fine-tuned her own process (all documented on her channel), and the result was outstanding. Salma's Kolkata biryani was right up there with the greats.
Thus, we thought it was only fitting that the "Biryani v.2" that we had promised viewers nearly six years previously would be Salma's own version. It was a full-circle moment for all of us.
In January 2025, we released Salma's epic masterclass of a Kolkata biryani tutorial, and launched our co-branded spice mix, the Kolkata Biryani Moshla.
Do I need to follow your exact recipe to use this Biryani Moshla?
That's not strictly necessary. Use our Biryani Moshla how you would use any other readymade biryani moshla. Our detailed recipe will give you great results, but if you happen to have a Kolkata biryani recipe you regularly make, you can use our Biryani Moshla in that.
What else can I use this for besides biryani?
Besides Kolkata mutton and chicken biryanis, you can use these spices for chicken chaap. If you're looking for something vegetarian, Karishma's family's khushka recipe is a simple and elegant option.
How can I get Bong Eats spices in the US?
We are working towards bringing the spices to as many viewers as we can. But we want to expand sensibly and sustainably (we are a two-person team!), maintaining quality, freshness and integrity. Meanwhile, you can easily make all our spices for yourself at home. The recipes are all up on our YouTube channel.
How should I store my spice mixes to keep them fresh?
Store the spices in an airtight jar, away from direct sunlight or humid environments. Refasten the lid/seal after use. To maintain freshness longer, avoid scooping the spices with a wet spoon or damp fingers. If making them at home, grind in small batches that can be used up within 2–3 months, and don't forget to label your containers with the date of preparation!
How can I use the spice mixes in my cooking?
All our spice mixes come with a fleet of recipes that you can use them in, but there is also room for experimentation. To use our spice mixes in your own recipes, start by adding a small amount to your dish and adjust according to your taste. They can be used in marinades, rubs, or added to the pan directly when cooking.
What is the recommended dosage for these spice mixes?
Well, it ranges from ¼ tsp (in case of gorom moshla) to as much as 4 tbsp (in case of nihari)! Please see the usage instructions on our website. If following one of our recipes, it should clearly specify the amount. But when in doubt, err on the side of caution; add a little at first, and adjust as you go. Your milage with respect to heat level may also vary.
What spice mixes work well for vegetarian dishes?
All the spices mixes themselves are fully plant-based. With the exception of the vindaloo and nihari moshlas, all other spices mixes can be used in, or adapted for, vegetarian dishes. Gorom moshla is great for vegetable gravies; bhaja mosha for chaats and raitas; kochuri torkari moshla for curried potatoes and shingara; and vegetable chop moshla for, well, vegetable chops. Our tandoori moshla can be used with paneer, tofu, capsicum, cauliflower, broccoli, etc. Biryani moshla can be used in a beautiful khushka.