14 Types of Biryani You Need to Taste in India

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Did you know that there are over 26 varieties of biryani in India and that the preparation of the meal varies depending on the region? If you love biryani as much as we do, you’ve come to the right spot, as we’re going to go into great depth about this classic meal and its regional variations.

India offers a large range of biryanis, each with a unique blend of whole spices and preparation techniques. Some of them you may have already tried or at least heard of; others you may not be familiar with.

This Biryani recipe is a delightful mix of aromatic rice, flavorful spices, and tender marinated meat. It is said to have come to India with Arab traders and the Mughals. Join us as we dig deep into the 14 different popular Biryani types you have to taste when you’re in the country.

1. Hyderabadi Biryani

 

If we’re talking about Biryani, you cannot forget the classic Hyderabadi Biryani! This satisfying delicacy is supposedly from the Nizams’ royal kitchens in Hyderabad. It has a range of meats, fragrant spices, mint leaves, and Basmati rice. Worldwide, biryani enthusiasts have a special place in their hearts for Hyderabadi biryani.

Among the most well-liked Hyderabadi Biryani types is the “dum biryani.” In order to prepare this dish, the meat must be marinated and cooked with rice in a special pot that is covered with dough and cooked using the traditional dum pukht method. After that, the pot is set over a charcoal fire.

There are various forms of Hyderabadi biryani, including the popular dum Biryani, which uses a dough-sealed earthen pot for cooking. There is also a vegetarian option available for this flavorful dish.

2. Awadhi Biryani

 

The next Biryani type we have up in line is the delicious Awadhi Biryani for your special occassion! What makes this chicken biryani special is its different way of cooking. It takes inspiration from the Persian cooking style.

The meat, whether it’s chicken or mutton, is marinated and cooked separately from the rice. Each part is filled with a spice mix, like saffron, star anise, and cinnamon. They are layered carefully in a handi (clay pot). Then, everything is cooked together in low heat.

This method may feel a bit tricky, but please be patient to get that mild yet flavourful dish. The entire process results in the tastiest Awadhi Biryani you could find.

3. Tehari Biryani

 

Biryani isn’t exclusive to non-vegetarians, in case you didn’t already know. If you want to taste a good vegetarian Biryani, look no further than Tehari Biryani!

This is a tasty veg version, which sometimes is confused with pulao. But we promise you that with spices similar to Biryani and rice used in it, this Biryani is sure to make your day.

It likely started to please the vegetarian Hindu bookkeepers during the Mughal era. Unlike regular biryanis that use meat, this special type uses potatoes instead. Once you have a taste of it, you’ll realise how finely it has retained the classic flavours and smell of Biryani.

4. Kalyani Biryani

Have you heard of the poor man’s Hyderabadi biryani? If you haven’t, it’s the Kalyani Biryani, which comes from Bidar! It supposedly came during the time of the Kalyani Nawabs.

But don’t let that name fool you! It lacks some of the more expensive Biryani ingredients found in another biryani variant, but the taste isn’t lacking at all.  You can typically make it with buffalo meat, which features several spices, coriander, and tomatoes to create the perfect taste.

5. Kolkata Biryani

 

If you’re in Kolkata, you cannot go wrong with the iconic Kolkata Biryani. The best biryani in town has received its name after the West Bengal city of Kolkata.

The origin of biryani, a flavourful rice dish, has Mughlai roots. The use of rose water and saffron gives it its distinct yellow colour and special aroma.

The blend of nutmeg, cinnamon, coriander leaves, mace, cloves, and cardamom, along with soft-boiled eggs and potatoes, creates a magic dish you just can’t resist. Also, adding raita can really take it to the next level.

Also read: Bengali Food Delights: Exploring the Cuisine of West Bengal

6. Bombay Biryani

 

When you travel to Mumbai, you’ll discover the Bombay Biryani, a unique variety of biryani. Usually, it consists of spicy fried potatoes with mutton or chicken.

These ingredients give it a sweet and tangy flavour that makes it different from other biryanis. Meat marination consists of basic biryani spices with an addition of green chillies, coriander, mint, lemon juice, and plums.

Bombay biryani also has fried potatoes in it. The unique combination of dried plums and kewra water makes this biryani interesting.

7. Malabar (Thalassery) Biryani

 

If you’re a fan of Keralan food, we bet you at least have heard of the popular must-try from the state, the Malabar (Thalassery) biryani! Thalassery Biryani comes from the Malabar region of Kerala.

This Biryani dish uses a special rice called Khyma or Jeerakasala, along with local spices and meat. When you fry onions, ghee, cashews, and raisins together, you create a unique sweet and spicy flavour that is delightful to enjoy.

8. Ambur Biryani

 

The Ambur Biryani is a special dish from the Vellore district in Tamil Nadu. It uses meat marinated in yoghurt.

This is combined with cooked seeraga samba rice, dried chilli paste, and various spices. What makes this dish even better is the side dish of brinjal curry known as ennai kathirikai. Don’t forget to add it to have the full experience of this Biryani type.

9. Dindigul Biryani

Let’s now travel to Tamil Nadu and the town of Dindigul. This is where you can find Dindigul Biryani.

Dindigul biriyani is known for its dark brown colour, mild flavour, and tender meat. The meat used in the biryani is sourced from free-range goats that graze the surrounding hills.

It is made with local seeraga samba rice, which is a short-grained rice that is native to Tamil Nadu. It is then mixed with mutton or chicken, yoghurt, pepper, and lemon juice to make it taste amazing.

10. Bhatkali Biryani

Bhatkali Biryani is a special dish from Bhatkal, which is in coastal Karnataka. It comes from the mixing of Navayath cooking traditions and Persian trade influences.

This biryani is known for its strong and spicy flavour. The taste mainly comes from cooking meat with onion and green chillies, which are layered with rice.

This unique version of biryani grabs the attention of every biryani fan, and we hope you give it a try and like it as much as we do.

11. Memoni Biryani

 

If you have ever travelled to Gujarat, you couldn’t have missed their special biryani variant, the Memoni Biryani.

It comes from the Gujarat-Sindh area and is made by the Memon people. This biryani has fewer tomatoes and less food colouring. This way, the rich colour of the meat and the spices really stand out.

It mixes the flavours of lamb, yoghurt, fried brown onions, and layered potatoes. The Memoni Biryani looks and tastes amazing, making it very tempting for your taste buds.

12. Beary biryani

 

Beary Biryani is another delicacy rice dish from coastal Karnataka. Beary Biryani is one of the most popular dishes in the Beary community.

This Biryani was made by merchants and traders using lots of green chillies and coconut while cooking it. It mixes fragrant rice with tender meat, traditional spices, and coconut milk.

This Biryani type has a special blend of coastal flavours and fragrant ingredients. It is a great choice for biryani lovers who want to try different Indian varieties.

13. Chettinad Biryani

 

Next, we journey to the spicy heart of Tamil Nadu, the Chettinad region, home to the flavorful Chettinad Biryani. This dish is made with fragrant seeraga samba rice and typically features coconut milk, cashew nuts, and meat, usually chicken.

What makes Chettinad Biryani truly special is the addition of traditional Chettinad ingredients, which include a unique blend of spices, shallots, curry leaves and black pepper, giving it a rich and flavorful profile that reflects the region’s renowned culinary heritage.

A rich blend of ghee and spices pays homage to the area’s renowned spicy cuisine, making this biryani a true celebration of Chettinad’s bold flavours.

14.  Kozhikode Biryani or the Calicut biryani

 

Kozhikode Biryani, or Calicut biryani, is a famous dish from South India. It is a delicious dish from the Malabar Kozhikode region, renowned for its exotic spices and mouthwatering taste.

It impresses people with its special flavours. This type of biryani has fragrant rice, tasty spices, and tender meats.

It gets some of its unique taste from Arab traders. Kozhikode Biryani is often made in Indian kitchens. You should try this dish next time if you want a fun food experience in the Malabar region.

Conclusion

We’ve explored the rich culinary heritage of India through 14 unique and flavorful biryani types. Each region offers its own distinct taste and style, and every biryani type reflects the vibrant, creative, and diverse nature of Indian cuisine, with common elements like aromatic spices, high-quality rice, and the art of slow cooking in low flames.

Each biryani captures the essence of its region, transporting you to a world of bold flavours and comforting textures. Which biryani are you most excited to taste? Let us know.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes each Biryani unique?

Each type of Biryani has its own special identity. This comes from using different ingredients and cooking methods that are typical for the area in which it comes from. The kind of rice used, the mix of spices, bay leaf, and the choice of meat or vegetables all help make each Biryani unique.

Which type of rice is used in specific types of biryanis?

Different kinds of Biryani use various types of rice. This depends on what people prefer in each region and what is available. Here’s a simple guide:

How can one identify an authentic biryani?

To identify real biryani, you need to recognise its key features. These include the smell, texture, and colour of the rice. The types of spices used also matter. You should pay attention to the cooking style, like whether it’s Dum style or not. Lastly, notice the ingredients that are included, such as meat, vegetables, or eggs.

Which type of biryani is the spiciest?

Dindigul Biryani from Tamil Nadu stands out for its spiciness. Made with traditional biryani masala, what sets it apart is the generous amount of pepper used in it, rendering it the perfect choice for spice enthusiasts!

Is there a difference between biryani and pulao?

Yes, there’s a marked difference. Biryani involves layering the partially cooked rice and meat and then cooking it together, whereas, in Pulao, the rice and meat are cooked together from the start, often resulting in a milder flavour compared to the biryani.

What is the tastiest biryani?

The taste of a biryani can be quite subjective, depending on personal preference. However, Hyderabadi Biryani and Lucknowi Biryani are two varieties that are widely acclaimed for their distinct aromas and flavours, making them immensely popular among biryani lovers worldwide.