The Biryani Pot at Five Valleys Indoor Market, Stroud: A South Indian Lunch in the Heart of the Cotswolds

Tucked inside the vibrant food hall at Five Valleys Indoor Market, you’ll find The Biryani Pot — a compact, welcoming stall serving South Indian favourites with warmth and authenticity.

We stopped by for lunch and were greeted by Gautum, who took our order and served us with genuine hospitality. There’s something reassuring about a food stall where the person cooking, plating, and handing over your food cares about what you’re about to eat.

The Biryani Pot brings traditional South Indian recipes into a casual, modern setting focusing on flavour, spice balance, and home-style cooking rather than heavy, overworked dishes. That philosophy was evident in everything we tried.

What We Ordered

We ordered the following:

Pani Puri
Gunpowder Masala Dosa with Ghee
Lamb Keema with Roti

Pani Puri: Fresh, Light & Properly Balanced

We began by sharing a portion of Pani Puri. As there were five in the serving and two of us, Gautum kindly added an extra one so we could each enjoy three, a small gesture that set the tone.

The puris were crisp and airy, holding their crunch even after being filled with the flavoured water. This time, the pani came in a small jug and was mint and lime based, lighter and fresher than the tamarind-heavy versions we’ve had elsewhere.

We had assumed tamarind water was the norm, but this mint-lime version felt cleaner and more refreshing. It wasn’t overpowering; instead, it lifted the flavours inside the puri rather than dominating them. A simple dish done well.

Gunpowder Masala Dosa with Ghee: Crisp, Comforting & Generous

Next came the Gunpowder Dosa with Ghee (a small 50p supplement that was absolutely worth it).

The dosa was impressively large, almost too large for the plate, crisp on the outside and soft within. The filling of mashed lentils, herbs, and potatoes made it far more substantial than a plain dosa, turning what is often a breakfast dish into a satisfying lunch.

It was served with three dipping sauces, offering variety in flavour and heat. Our friends remarked that when they ordered this from the Indian near them, they offered only two dipping sauces and the Dosa was smaller. Importantly, the rice batter didn’t leave that lingering fermented aftertaste that can sometimes overshadow a dosa. Instead, it tasted clean and balanced. Light, filling, and expertly cooked.

Lamb Keema with Roti – South Indian Comfort

We also ordered Lamb Keema with three pieces of Roti, another dish typically associated with breakfast but perfectly suitable for lunch.

The Lamb Keema, made with spiced ground lamb, was flavourful without being overly hot. The sauce was slightly runnier than we might usually prefer, but there was plenty of it ideal for dipping the soft roti. It wasn’t dry, and the spice level was approachable while still carrying depth.

This felt like classic South Indian comfort food: simple, one-pot cooking with generous seasoning and warmth.

Other Dishes to Try: Biryani and Thali definitely on the list

Although we didn’t order a biryani on this visit, despite the name, we will certainly be back to try one. Based on the balance and freshness of the dishes we sampled, we have high expectations.

We were also tempted by the Veg Thali and Mango Lassi, both displayed at the counter. Gautum explained that the thali was freshly prepared to show customers exactly what the dish includes, a thoughtful touch that reflects confidence in the food. The thali looked colourful, varied, and generously portioned, and the mango lassi promised the perfect cooling companion to the spices.

Beyond what we ordered, there were several other street food options that caught our eye, including Samosa Chaat, Green Mango Tarka Dhal, and Lamb Keema Puffs — each offering a different take on classic South Indian flavours.

The Biryani Pot delivers authentic dishes in a relaxed, friendly market setting, with the kind of hospitality that makes you want to return. Next time, it will be biryani — and very likely that Veg Thali and a Mango Lassi too.

The Biryani Pot delivers authentic flavours in a relaxed, self serve and friendly market setting. If you’re visiting Stroud and exploring the Five Valleys Food Hall, it’s a stall that deserves a stop.