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Social media is now a laboratory for food experimentation, where producers combine the most unusual ingredients just for the sake of getting attention and trending on social media. From outlandish flavours to unusual food combinations, nothing seems to be taboo in the pursuit of likes and shares. The new trend that has ignited a heated discussion is the combination of matcha, a green tea powder from Japan, with biryani, a favourite Indian dish.
A video of this bizarre combination has left everyone who loves food begging for such experiments to stop. But is it a mere viral trick, or is there any true health advantage? We consulted Dr Shweta Chhabra, Nutritionist, Nourish Me, Raipur, to share their opinion.
The Viral Video: Matcha Biryani Leaves Foodies Stunned
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In the now-viral Instagram video, chef Heena Kausar Raad stands with her students and introduces the dish: matcha biryani. She discusses how matcha is known for its bitter taste and how she decided to try it in biryani, hoping to create something new and interesting. The video quickly gained traction, with many viewers expressing shock and even horror at the idea of mixing matcha with a traditional dish like biryani. Food lovers and purists took to the comments, begging for mercy and asking for an end to such culinary experiments.
Heena’s attempt is just the latest in a long line of food trends where classic recipes are given a viral twist, often for the sake of novelty rather than taste or nutrition. But does adding matcha to biryani actually make it healthier, or is it just for show?
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Nutritionist Reacts To Matcha Biryani
To get a clearer picture, we spoke with Dr Shweta Chhabra, as she explained, “Basically, matcha is a green tea powder. You can take it in a powder form, or you can mix it with water, which is more beneficial. If you mix it with something else, the absorption depends on that food.”
Dr Chhabra points out that matcha’s benefits are best realised when it’s consumed on its own, such as in tea or with water. “If you mix it in coffee, it has caffeine; if you mix it in milk, it has lactose. When you mix it in rice or biryani, the benefits of rice remain the same. If the biryani is high in fat or contains dry fruits or non-veg, its fat, protein, starch, and carbohydrate content will remain the same. Mixing matcha in biryani doesn’t make it healthier or change its nutrients.”
She compares this trend to other viral food fads: “You must have heard of blue pea rice, where the flower changes the colour of the rice but doesn’t affect its nutrition. Similarly, adding matcha to biryani is just a trend. It doesn’t lower the glycemic index or reduce carbohydrates. The idea is to become viral, not to make the dish healthier.”
Dr Chhabra stresses, “If you take matcha separately as a green tea, its antioxidants are more beneficial. Mixing it into biryani or other foods doesn’t increase the health value of the dish.”
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Conclusion
Matcha biryani may be trending on social media, but according to experts, it’s more about hype than health. Adding matcha to biryani doesn’t make the dish a superfood or boost its nutrition. The real benefits of matcha come when it’s consumed on its own, not hidden in a heavy, rich meal. For those who love biryani, it’s best enjoyed in its classic form, no viral twists needed.