This place has been on my radar for a few years... Roughly since they opened. Right down the street from me is a good local spot by the name of Curries but I am always looking for something new, even if it's in the same category. Quick tangent, but years ago there was a nice spot in Downtown Everett whose name I cannot recall that had an amazing lunch special. Like for $5, they had a Masala Chaat, with rice, naan and a drink. I used to love frequenting but it's been gone for years so.... Anywho. Back to the main character that is Five Rivers Indian Cuisine. As you walk in you'll be hit with classic jabs, punches and slaps of aromatics, spices and the uniqueness of many Indian restaurants. It was empty but a good sign was the counter. Ladened with several orders of either pick up or the all too common door-dasherie' that's commonplace these days. I always try to do a good amount of reconnaissance before I order, having an idea of what I wanted but also wanting to try something I've yet to experience. Panipuri has been something that has been in my imagination and salivations for a long time. Now this place has a different variation of it, called Gol Gappe but it is still close enough to be an introduction, considering the plethora of videos I've seen.
The start of my conquest was the classic Butter chicken. Now quick pause; you can select any protein available, from chicken, lamb, fish or shrimp plus any I might have forgotten. I asked for medium spicy and it had enough kick for me to get one less spicy next time I visit. The next dish was their Lamb Biryani. That was the same level of spicy and the same thing goes; less spicy. Now, instead of the usual naan or garlic naan, I always go for the Keema. It is naan stuffed with lamb and spices. It's always been my favorite and this was a great choice. I finished out my order with the Gol Gappe. It is similar to panipuri, I assume but the mixture was a potato and chickpea mixture accompanied by a tamarind sauce. My total was around $60, not including tip and then an additional order of a couple cans of coke to which i purchased after my food was ready and picked up after waiting 15-20 minutes.
After I got home, I set up my little sport and got ready for my initial peeping and sample of what I had ordered. First was the Gol Gappe. From what I seen online of the panipuri offspring, the little pocket pouches are usually;y fried and puff up from the cooking and process. These however were premade or manufactured, due to the little pressed inventions on its body. a little disappointing but not the end of the world and it still delivered an experience that I was looking for. The potato-chickpea mixture was very subtle and soft with a very bland yet nice flavor. After cracking the top of the Gol Gappe pocket, I spooned in some of the mixture and then poured in the tamarind sauce. The bite was very sensuous and refreshing. The textures melded well together and the sweetness of the tamarind sauce or juice brought it what gave me i good idea how the barometer for this dish or snack can be. I had a like three or four before I moved on to the entrees. I was happy.
Next was the Lamb Biryani. Now I've had biryani before, with goat and at a different venue and it was light and fluffy. This was a different variation entirely. It was a heavy box so I knew I would be having leftovers for the next few days, which is always a plus. when I opened the box I was immediately hit with a powerful aroma of the Lamb and the accompanying spices. It was very dark, almost like a soy sauce fried rice color and the steam was rising like it came straight from the pan. The lamb was huge. Thick hunks and chunky cuts that were well seasoned and dotted all throughout. I placed a decent portion in my bowl. The flavor was WOW. And remember when I said less spicy next? Yeah, it had kick. It was not overwhelming and you can taste the lamb and the spices plus the rice but the flavor of the spiciness lets you know you you're eating some heat!!! The dish came with a little to go ramekin of a yogurt sauce which definitely helped calm it down but I ended up using it all and will have to get more the next time. read more