Biryani in India: Its Diversity and Some Renowned Outlets

Even if you are a non-foodie in India, the aroma of biryani must be tantalizing for you. And it doesn’t matter if it’s in the form of a veg or a non-veg, right? We all know that its subtle aroma of spices transcends regional boundaries and cultural differences. What makes it extra special is its ability to harmonize aromatic basmati rice with tender meat (such as mutton, chicken, or fish) or vegetables, and an appropriate blend of herbs and spices. The tactical methodology that is involved in its cooking makes it a catchy platter too. Here, the chef needs to properly layer the rice and meat, imbue them with flavors, and allow them to gel together in a pot, creating an opera of taste and aroma. 

Since its inception in India, the country’s regional diversity affected the recipe in varied forms. Each state adds its own special touch, evolving in a congregation of techniques and flavors. For instance- Hyderabadi biryani is celebrated for its aromatic and rich flavors while Lucknow biryani is admired for its slow cooking process and delicate spicing. Before you place your next order biryani online, let’s discuss some of the top renowned biryanis in India, shall we?

A Kaleidoscope of Nuanced Biryani Dishes Through India’s Rich Culinary History

• Kolkata Biryani

It is considered to be a sub-variant of Lucknow Biryani. Its inception took place in the kitchens of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah right after he was banished from his Princely courts in Awadh. The catch in the recipe is the introduction of potatoes in sync with the meat and rice. Legend has it, that the eccentric idea of looping in potatoes to the recipe was an initiative of a Khansama of Wajid Ali Shah. 

In times of fiscal crises, his Khansamas came up to the rescue and added potatoes to the recipe, minimizing the ask for meat. Thus, this practice brought down the overall price point of the platter. What remained true to its value was the spicy treat in each ounce of rice. Another historical speculation that countered the epic was that- the potato was introduced since it was an exotic vegetable at the time of the Nawabs. Whatever might be the history, the dish lived up to its standards even if it’s been hundreds of years since its discovery.

• Hyderabadi Biryani

We all know that this lip-smacking treat was crafted in the courts of Nizams. But did you know that the kitchens of Nizams witnessed the classic conflux of Persian, Turkish, and Afghani recipes and flavors? Yeah, you hear it right. And so, it is derived that Hyderabadi Biryani is a descendant of Pakki Biryani. When it was first served as a sumptuous treat, the Nizams helped to optimize it and convert it into a legendary cuisine from a simple dish. Their unmatched ingredient selection, innovative cooking methods, and meticulous practices gave the biryani a peerless maturation. Hyderabadi biryani is savored best with hot and spicy curries. 

• Lucknow Biryani

Another classic biryani platter whose inception took place in the royal courts of Awadh. Sometimes it is often considered a Pulav, rather than a Biryani by food enthusiasts. But it should not stop us from mentioning this vibrant dish. It’s cooked with meat with a subtler amount of spice as compared to other biryanis. You will find long-grained, aromatic rice to be the base texture. Sometimes it is also considered to be inspired by the Kolkata biryani. As you venture into the southern parts, the spices start shaping into a unique taste of its own. 

• Bhatkali Biryani 

Bringing in the taste from the coastal regions of Karnataka, this rich platter should definitely be on your list if you are on a new biryani hunt. This dish had a confluence effect on itself from both the Arab traders and the Navayathas during the 15th century. This format of biryani generally boasts an appropriate amount of tomatoes, onions, and spices, which best describes the combined essence of Konkani and Middle-eastern regions. 

• Sindhi Biryani

Mostly celebrated among the Sindhi community in India, this biryani is all about relishing a tangy dish. You can say it’s a loved cultural icon that bounds borders together. Derived from Pakistan’s Sindhi region, it brings a rich history, significant characteristics, and diversified traits of cooking to the table. 

Resembling a typical Pakki biryani platter, it is filled with aromatic spices, roasted nuts, and green chilis that will sway your tongue just at its first spoon. It is best savored with compliments like raita. 

• Ambur Biryani

If you don’t know about Ambur- it’s a small township in the Arcot region of Tamil Nadu. As per history goes, the Nawabs of Arcot used to craft this spicy platter in the royal courts. First invented by Hasin Baig- a cook in the princely kitchens of Arcot Nawabs, it got so popular among the locals that he established his own shop in Ambur. If you want to taste it according to the locals, then you should try with compliments like raita.

As a gourmet, to bolster your online biryani ordering plan, you should also know the best places in India that serve authentic platters, right? Well, given below are some quick suggestions that you can try at some point in your biryani expedition-

• Paradise Biryani, Hyderabad: Spread over 17 outlets in Hyderabad itself, this chain will tantalize your taste buds with authentic biryani like never before.
• Bawarchi, Hyderabad: Their wide range of biryani platters will hook you up to this place.
• Meghana Foods, Bangalore: Known for their Andhra-styled cuisines, you can try out their palatable biryanis too.
• Wahid Biryani, Lucknow: This is a celebrated spot for the locals in Lucknow because of its irresistible chicken biryani. This item is cooked in dum style and involves a range of sophisticated chicken and mutton delicacies that will etch its aroma in your heart. 
• The Awadh’s Dastarkhwan: Apart from their exceptional biryani, the Awadh’s Dastarkhwan is the appropriate spot for gourmets relishing varied Mughlai cuisine. Their biryani possesses that tender succulent meat tossed in flavored spices and seasoned rice. 
• Al Jawahar Biryani, Delhi: Located in the heart of Old Delhi’s streets, Al Jawahar Biryani is known for its Chicken Achaar and Mutton Achaar Biryanis, apart from other Mughlai platters. 
• India Restaurant, Kolkata- Apart from Arsalan Restaurant in Kolkata, India Restaurant’s Mutton/Chicken Biryani brings that spicy and historic aloo variation. As you know Kolkata is known for its pocket-friendly yet delicious cuisines, their influence in Biryani is also celebrated across the nation and India Restaurant has justified it properly. So, this spot be on your priority list too, if you are a resident of the City of Joy. 

Conclusion 

If you are a citizen of India, then your understanding of the potential of Biryani and how much it holds the rich cultural emotions of Indian cuisine, matters. Especially when you are planning your biryani order, online. As you know, it can be savored during the day or at night. But its rich aroma and spiciness will hook gourmets like you at any time of the day. That is the potential. 

So the next time you are planning to order your biryani platter online, try out legit delivery platforms like Swiggy. Through the Swiggy website, you get deep insights into the varied types of biryani that will evangelize you rather than throw it directly on the screen. Apart from that, it boasts all the renowned restaurant chains as described above. And voila! your favorite biryani will be delivered right to your doorstep, just with some swipes on your smartphone screen. Moreover, with seamless payment options and a high probability of coupon discounts, this is the sole and hot opportunity that you might be longing for quite some time.