Types of Biryani in India You Must Try

A timeless classic, Biryani, needs no introduction. Delicious, aromatic and bursting with flavours, it is one of the most loved and popular delicacies in India and the world over. You may often hear the food lovers say, Biryani is not just a wholesome food; it is a state of happiness.  

In India, there are different types of Biryani, and they say there is a Biryani for everyone. Over the years, the classic dish has undergone many modifications in different parts of the country. 

As a result, you will find many Biryani varieties in India because the cooking process and the use of spices differ from state to state. 

However, they all are worth tasting!

Let us look at the nine amazing Biryanis of India that you must try.  

• Lucknowi Biryani 

• Kolkata Biryani 

• Dindigul Biryani 

• Ambur Biryani 

• Hyderabadi Biryani 

• Bhatkali Biryani

• Sindhi Biryani

• Malabar Biryani

• Bombay Biryani

 

 

Lucknowi Biryani
 

Lucknow is the mecca for all food lovers. Lucknowi dishes are rich, and with every morsel why the city is called the land of Nawabs. From kebabs to chaat and paratha, you will be spoilt for choice. However, nothing defines the Lucknowi food culture better than Lucknowi Biryani. It is unequivocally one of the best types of Biryani in India.

It stands out from the rest of the Biryani types in India because of its cooking style, known as dum pukht. It essentially involves cooking the meat (infused with spices) and rice in a handi (a vessel with a deep bottom) and sealing on the sides with a dough, allowing the flavours to penetrate every rice grain and piece of meat. 

Kolkata Biryani 

Whether you are a food lover or not, you ought to have Kolkata Biryani when you are in Kolkata. It is a famous Biryani in India that people of all age groups love. Characterised by a tinge of sweetness and sparse use of spices, Kolkata Biryani has more subtle flavours than other Biryani types in India. 

The dish typically includes fragrant Basmati rice, succulent meat (often chicken or mutton), and a medley of spices. Its distinctive preparation and unforgettable taste make it one of the favourite Biryani varieties in India among people of all ages, ensuring a delightful culinary adventure in the vibrant city of Kolkata. It may be low on the spices but ranks high on the taste quotient. One mouthful of this delicious Biryani will have you smiling from ear to ear. 

Biryani Bliss in the City of Joy

Eating Kolkata Biryani in Kolkata is not just a culinary experience; it's a journey into the heart of the city's rich history and vibrant culture. The ambience of a place can significantly enhance the overall dining experience. 

Kolkata, with its unique blend of tradition and modernity, adds a special charm to enjoying one of the best Biryani varieties in India.

The hustle and bustle around you captures the spirit of Kolkata, known for its lively street life and the constant buzz of people engaged in animated conversations.

Dindigul Biryani 

As you travel from north India to Tamil Nadu in the south, you will notice and experience a stark contrast in culture, etiquette, language spoken, and food. When you talk about food, you cannot leave out Biryani.  

Originating from the Dindigul city in Tamil Nadu, Dindigul Biryani is one of the best Biryani in India, and is available all over Tamil Nadu. It is the perfect example of a food that can make even the harshest critic drool! It boasts a delicate balance of delicious local spices and tanginess, making every mouthful a flavour bomb. It is a local favourite and one of the best types of Biryani in India!

Tamil Nadu's Biryani Mosaic

Both Dindigul Biryani and Ambur Biryani have their own fan base, and each is cherished for its unique characteristics. If you have the opportunity to visit Tamil Nadu, trying both varieties will give you a delightful insight into the rich culinary diversity of the region. 

Visiting Tamil Nadu is the best way to experience these two Biryani varieties in India. On one hand, the Dindigul Biryani is robust and spicy, while the Ambur Biryani is subtle and well-balanced. This gives you a delightful insight into the rich culinary diversity of the region. 

The true essence of enjoying Biryani in Tamil Nadu can often be found in local eateries and street food stalls.

Ambur Biryani

Coming from the same state as the Dindigul biryani, you cannot afford to miss having a plate of Ambur biryani while you are in Tamil Nadu, especially in Chennai. Typically cooked with meat, either lamb or chicken, Ambur Biryani is one of the top biryani in India. Unlike other types of biryanis from north India, it is light on the usage of spices. 

One mouthful of the dish, and you would know you are in for a real treat. What makes it distinct from other types of biryani is the way the meat is prepared and how it is paired with eggplant (locally known as ennai kathirikai) curry.  

The meat is marinated for about 2-3 hours in coriander and mint-infused yoghurt and then added to Seeraga samba rice, one of the types of biryani rice and other spices. It is then slow cooked until the meat is tender and falls off the bone. 

It is a local favourite and every biryani lover’s delight!

Hyderabadi Biryani 

Hyderabad Biryani. Just the mention can make anyone’s mouth water. Made with the choicest of ingredients, this Biryani symbolises the rich historical heritage and influence of the royal Nizams on the local culture. It is one of the most popular dishes from India that you can eat everywhere globally. 

We can talk a lot about how it is made, its cooking process, the spices used, etc., but nothing can do justice to the real experience of tasting the Biryani yourself. With every bite, you will realize why this is one of the best Biryani varieties in India.

Indulge in Royalty with Hyderabadi Biryani

Eating Hyderabadi Biryani in Hyderabad is like taking a royal trip back in time. This is one of the Biryani varieties in India that was once the star of Nizam feasts, and it brings a taste of luxury.

With the first bite, you discover a world of succulent meat, perfectly cooked rice, and a symphony of spices that make each grain flavourful. It's not just a meal; it's a delicious journey into the regal culinary heritage of Hyderabad.

Bhatkali Biryani

A lesser-known, less-spiced Biryani makes up festival cuisines in most of the homes in coastal Karnataka. This one of the types of Biryani in India carries a magical flavour. Credited to the Nawayath Muslims of Bhatkal, Karnataka—one can find onions and green chillies in abundance in this recipe. 

The layering of ingredients is followed in this Biryani as well. Unlike Ambur Biryani, meat pieces in this Biryani are cooked in curd. This process helps balance the spice.

A Culinary Celebration in Karnataka

Picture yourself in a cosy Bhatkali restaurant, perhaps nestled in a bustling market or along the serene coastline. The decor might feature elements that showcase the local culture, with vibrant colours and traditional patterns. The atmosphere is likely to be lively, filled with the chatter of people enjoying while you relish one of the best types of Biryani in India.

Enjoying Bhatkali Biryani in Karnataka is a celebration of flavours, a cultural exploration, and a sensory experience that lingers in your memory. The ambience and spices work together to create a dining experience that goes beyond the plate, inviting you to savour the essence of Karnataka's culinary traditions.

Sindhi Biryani

Every food lover's delight—Sindhi Biryani is a gift from Sindh province, which is now part of Pakistan. This cuisine includes a generous amount of chopped green chillies, mint and coriander leaves paste, roasted spices, onions, nuts, and dried fruits, making it very savoury!

It is further cooked in yoghurt, making it more aromatic and flavourful. Like in the Kolkata Biryani, potatoes are added to this recipe with additional plums to create a good measure for a larger crowd. Sindh Biryani tends to be more robust and bold, making it one of the best types of Biryani in India for those who enjoy a spicier and aromatic culinary experience.

Authentic Sindhi Biryani in India

While Sindh is not a part of India anymore, you can still enjoy the Sindhi Biryani here. Sindhi cuisine is often well-represented in cities with a significant Sindhi population. 

Mumbai is known for its vibrant food scene and diverse cuisine, including Sindhi cuisine. You may want to explore areas with a significant Sindhi community or visit restaurants that serve authentic Sindhi dishes.

This is one of the types of Biryani in India whose aroma wafts through the air, enticing your senses with its combination of aromatic spices.

Malabar Biryani

Kozhikode, Thalassery, and Malappuram from Kerala are known for their special Biryanis of India. The particular taste is added to this Biryani by a variety of rice produced and found locally in Khyma rice. The flavour is further enhanced by using spices, cashew nuts, and raisins. Furthermore, this Biryani has an altogether different cooking style where the meat gravy is cooked in a separate unit from the rice. The meat and rice are mixed at the time of serving.

Distinct Tastes of Kerala

In Kerala, many eateries that serve Malabari Biryani maintain a traditional setting. The use of earthy tones, wooden furniture, and sometimes even banana leaves as plates adds a rustic charm to the dining area. 

Unlike other Biryani types in India, this one has Arabian, Persian, and Indian culinary elements, offering a blend of aromatic spices, coconut, and flavourful meats. 

This authenticity in the setting creates a unique atmosphere that transports you to the heart of Kerala's cultural roots.

Bombay Biryani

Bombay Biryani is one of the delicious Biryani varieties in India that has the right amount of sweetness, spiciness, and tanginess to them. It is cooked in dum style, with a rich mix of spices and fried potatoes. 

Basmati rice is usually used to create this Biryani, with a layering process where each layer is topped with kewra water for an aromatic experience. The dish is generously seasoned with a medley of spices, including cloves, cinnamon, and cardamom, creating a rich and complex taste profile. 

Compared to other Biryani types in India, it is served with accompaniments like raita or a squeeze of lime. Bombay Biryani delivers a delightful gastronomic experience that captures the essence of Mumbai's diverse culinary scene.

Mumbai's Flavourful Diversity

Mumbai serves almost all the Biryani varieties in India, but the Bombay Biryani truly represents the city's vibrant and inclusive gastronomic identity.

The hustle and bustle of Mumbai creates a dynamic backdrop for your culinary adventure. Whether you're at a local eatery or a renowned restaurant, the energy of the city seeps into the ambience. Mumbai's lively streets, constant traffic honks, and bustling crowds create the unmistakable urban pulse of the city.

Experiencing Different Biryanis with Club Mahindra

Club Mahindra offers a premium stay at a diverse array of destinations that promise memorable vacations for you and your loved ones. Immerse yourself in relaxation and comfort at the exquisite resorts, strategically located in some of India's most enchanting locations. At Club Mahindra resorts, savour delectable meals that reflect the authenticity of each region, which includes relishing the many types of Biryani in India. Create lasting memories with Club Mahindra as you explore the beauty and diversity of incredible India. 

Now that you know about the different types of Biryani in India, it is time you try them one by one. The best place to try these is in the respective cities.