The ongoing commercial LPG crisis has hit Kolkata’s iconic culinary scene hard, forcing the legendary ‘Arsalan’ to switch from gas burners to traditional wood-fire stoves. With a daily requirement of 70 cylinders across 12 outlets becoming nearly impossible to meet due to supply disruptions from West Asia, the restaurant management has decided to keep the fires burning using firewood and charcoal.

Mozammal Haque, the manager at Arsalan (Park Circus), stated that this move was a necessity to prevent a total shutdown. Interestingly, the management is now claiming that this transition might be a blessing in disguise for foodies. According to them, slow-cooking biryani over an open wood fire enhances the aroma and infuses the dish with a distinct smoky flavor that gas flames simply cannot replicate. Loyal customers are already flocking to the outlets to taste this ‘back-to-roots’ version of their favorite biryani. While the authorities are trying to maintain a positive spin on the situation, the hospitality sector remains on edge, hoping that the government resolves the fuel crisis before more kitchens go cold.