Legend has it that Chinnasami Selvam was known as
"Thalaivar-Raja" aka Thalairaj by his community
for his truly OUTSTANDING biryanis.Born of a Tamil
lineage that had migrated to Nellore for opportunities,
the ambitious young Chinnasami moved from
Nellore to work in the kitchens of the Nizam Raja
of Hyderabad nearly 100 years ago. His talents as
a cook quickly brought him acclaim and moved him through the
ranks as his culinary innovations delighted the palettes
of the court.
After 17 glorious years, he returned to Nellore to start
his family. With him, he brought the
recipes he had created for the Nizam and perfected his
21 spice masala by incorporating the traditions of
Nellore and his Tamil roots.
