A Taste of India: Top 5 Biryanis

Biryanis of India

When you hear the word ‘Biriyani,’ what is your first thought? Some people think of its rich flavors, while others may focus on the fragrant rice or the tenderness.  Biriyani is not just a dish; it represents a significant aspect of India’s culinary heritage. Each region in India brings its unique touch, from the spicy Hyderabadi biryani to the delicate and aromatic Lucknowi style. Biryani is a beloved dish that brings joy to weddings, festivals, and family dinners. Its rich flavors and aromas make every meal a delightful celebration.
Let’s explore the top 5 biryanis of India.

Hyderabadi Biryani [Telangana]

Hyderabadi Biryani ranks among India’s most famous and flavorful biryanis, and people celebrate it for its rich taste and aromatic spices. The royal kitchens of the Nizams of Hyderabad created this iconic dish, blending saffron, fried onions, mint, coriander, cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon to produce a deeply infused, mouth-watering aroma. The unique dum cooking method sets Hyderabadi Biryani apart — cooks layer marinated meat and fragrant basmati rice and slow-cook them together in a sealed pot. They usually serve it with cooling raita, spicy mirchi ka salan, or tangy baghara baingan.

Lucknow Biriyani [Uttar Pradesh]

Lucknowi Biryani also referred to as Awadhi Biryani, is distinguished from the more robust and spicy Hyderabadi version. This delicacy is renowned for its mild yet nuanced flavors and refined aroma. A defining characteristic of Lucknowi Biryani is the dum pukht cooking technique, a slow-cooking method that seals the ingredients to preserve the fragrance and richness of the spices. Cooks prepare the rice separately from the meat, which they marinate in yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, and a subtle combination of spices like saffron, cardamom, cinnamon, and rose water. They then layer the rice and meat and steam them together, allowing the flavors to integrate seamlessly without overpowering the palate.  This biryani is traditionally accompanied by burhani raita, a spiced yogurt, or salan, a type of gravy.

Kolkata Biriyani [Bengal]

Kolkata Biryani showcases subtle and fragrant spices that gently enhance its flavor. Cooks add surprising elements, most notably soft-boiled potatoes and sometimes boiled eggs, which they nestle alongside the aromatic rice and tender meat. The rice is light and fluffy, gently infused with saffron, rose water, and kewra essence. This creates a delicate balance of flavors without overwhelming heat. Unlike the richer and heavier biryanis from other regions, Kolkata biryani is known for being mild yet flavorful. This allows the aroma of the rice and the subtle spice combination—consisting of cardamom, cinnamon, bay leaf, and nutmeg—to shine through. It is typically cooked in the dum style, where the meat, rice, and potatoes are layered and slow-cooked.

Malabar Biriyani [Kerala]

Malabar Biryani is a fragrant and flavorful delicacy from the Malabar region of Kerala, celebrating the area’s rich culinary heritage. Malabar Biryani delights food lovers with its subtle flavors, where no single spice overpowers the dish. Cooks prepare it with small-grained, aromatic jeerakasala or kaima rice, which absorbs the rich blend of mild spices, ghee, fried onions, and tender meat or chicken. They often serve Malabar Biryani with raita, pickle, and a sweet date chutney. Traditionally, people cook this biryani during weddings and festive gatherings.

Ambur Biryani [Tamil Nadu]

Ambur Biryani stands out as a renowned South Indian dish, and food lovers admire it for its unique flavor and rich heritage. Cooks use short-grain seeraga samba rice and give the biryani its fiery red color by blending dried red chilies instead of heavy masalas. They marinate the meat—usually mutton or chicken—in yogurt and spices, then cook it with the rice in a dum style. Finally, they add a touch of ghee to enhance its aroma. People commonly serve it with brinjal curry and onion raita.

Embark on a delicious journey across India’s top 5 biryanis — from Hyderabad’s royal kitchens to Kolkata’s subtle spice. Discover, savor, and share these timeless flavors today on @theworldtime