Biryani has always been a popular dish in India and is widely loved by people of all age groups and backgrounds. It isn’t just a food item in India; it’s a symbol of the country’s rich culinary heritage and diversity. Its widespread popularity has made it an essential part of both festive occasions and everyday meals, reflecting its significance in Indian culture and history.
It is believed that biryani originated in Persia, where it was popularly known as Biryan. This popular dish travelled to India with Mughal emperors who ruled the country from 16th to 19th century. However today, many different biryani varieties can be found.
Starting from its origin to the types of biryani, let’s take a look at some of the most popular Biryani varieties that you need to try in India.
Biryani: A Culinary Heritage
The origin of Biryani can be dated to the time of the Mughal Empire during the 17th century. Legend has it that Queen Mumtaz Mahal, the beloved wife of Emperor Shah Jahan was concerned about the nutrition of the soldiers in the Indian army. So she commissioned her chefs to prepare a dish that would provide a hearty blend of meat, rice, and essential nutrients.
The chefs crafted what we now know as biryani – a sumptuous blend of aromatic rice and flavorful meats, rich in both taste and sustenance.
As a symbol of indulgence and sophistication, biryani became synonymous with the lavish lifestyles of the Mughal emperors, embodying the essence of luxury and fine dining in every tantalizing bite.
Exploring 11 types of Biryani
1. Hyderabadi Biryani
Hyderabadi Biryani originated in the city of Nizams, Hyderabad.
One of the best Biryani type, Hyderabadi biryani is famous for its unique cooking technique known as the “dum” method, where the ingredients are layered and slow-cooked in a sealed pot, allowing the flavours to meld together harmoniously. This method of slow cooking allows the rice to absorb all the fragrant essences and creates a dish that is bursting with flavour. It also guarantees that the meat becomes soft and filled with rich spices.
2. Lucknowi Biryani
Lucknowi biryani, also known as Awadhi biryani, hails from the city of Lucknow in northern India, specifically the Awadh region. It is one of the most popular type of Biryani.
Unlike other biryani varieties, Lucknowi biryani typically features a lighter seasoning, allowing the natural flavours of the meat and rice to shine through. The use of the “dum pukht” cooking method, which involves cooking the rice and meat together in a sealed pot over a low temperature, is one of the distinctive characteristics of Lucknowi biryani.
3. Kolkata Biryani
Kolkata biryani, also known as Calcutta biryani, is a unique and one of the best biryani type that originates from the city of Kolkata in eastern India.
Unlike other types of biryani, Kolkata biryani typically uses potatoes as an additional ingredient, adding a delightful texture and taste to the dish. This rice is often layered with cooked meat and potatoes before being steamed together in a sealed pot, allowing the flavours to blend perfectly.
4. Malabar Biryani
Malabar biryani originates from the Malabar region along the southwestern coast of India, particularly in the state of Kerala.
The rice is layered with marinated meat and caramelized onions before being cooked together in a sealed pot. The addition of coconut milk and fried onions, which give the dish a rich, creamy texture and a delicate sweetness that perfectly balances the spices, is what really sets Malabar biryani apart.
5. Thalassery Biryani
Thalassery biryani is a delightful variation of biryani that hails from the town of Thalassery in the Malabar region of Kerala, India.
Thalassery biryani uses a special type of rice, known as “Khyma” or “Jeerakasala” rice. This short-grain rice is prized for its distinctive aroma and texture, which adds a wonderful depth of flavour to the dish.
6. Ambur Biryani
Ambur biryani is one of the most delicious and aromatic biryani varieties that originates from the town of Ambur in the Vellore district of Tamil Nadu, India.
Ambur biryani uses seeraga samba rice, a short-grain rice variety famous for its unique aroma and texture. Cooked separately, the rice and meat are placed together with caramelised onions, fried cashews, and raisins in a heavy-bottomed container.
7. Dindigul Biryani
Dindigul biryani is one of the best Biryani type from the city of Dindigul in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu.
One of the key distinguishing features of Dindigul biryani is the use of seeraga samba rice, a short-grain rice variety that is known for its fragrant aroma and delicate texture.
8. Bhatkali Biryani
Bhatkali biryani is a delectable variation of biryani that originates from the coastal town of Bhatkal in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka, India. It is renowned for its unique blend of spices, fragrant rice, and tender meat or seafood, making it a cherished dish among food lovers.
Bhatkali biryani is made with a special rice variety called “Khaima” rice, also known as “Jeerakasala” rice.
9. Calicut Biryani
Calicut biryani, also known as Kozhikode biryani, is one of the most flavourful biryani varieties that originates from the city of Kozhikode (Calicut) in the Indian state of Kerala.
One of the defining characteristics of Calicut biryani is the use of “Khyma” rice, a special short-grain rice variety known for its fragrant aroma and distinct texture.
10. Sindhi Biryani
Sindhi biryani is an aromatic dish that originates from the Sindh province of Pakistan. It is renowned for its unique blend of spices, fragrant rice, and tender meat, making it a cherished dish among biryani enthusiasts.
11. Awadhi Biryani
Awadhi biryani is a regal and aromatic dish that originates from the Awadh region of India, particularly Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh.
One of the defining features of Awadhi biryani is the meticulous cooking technique known as “dum pukht.” In this method, the meat is marinated with yoghurt and a blend of spices, before being layered with partially cooked rice in a heavy-bottomed pot. The dough is then tightly packed inside the pot and baked slowly over a low heat, allowing the tastes to blend naturally.
Easy ordering with Swiggy
- Download and Install the Swiggy App: Use your Google Play store or Apple App store to download the Swiggy App. Install the app and open it.
- Login or Sign Up: If you’re a new user, you’ll need to sign up for a Swiggy account. Use your email address, and phone number, or social media accounts like Facebook or Google to sign up. If you’re an existing user, simply log in with your credentials.
- Enter Your Location: You can type your address or let the app use your device’s GPS to detect your location automatically.
- Browse Restaurants: After entering your location, you can browse through the options or use filters to narrow down your search. You can check biryani restaurants near me and select the dishes you want to order by tapping on them.
- Proceed to Checkout: Once you’re satisfied with your order, click “Proceed to Checkout” to proceed to the payment screen.
- Choose Payment Method: Select your preferred payment method. Swiggy accepts various payment options, including credit/debit cards, e wallets, and sometimes cash on delivery option. Once everything looks good, tap on the “Place Order” button to confirm your order.
- Enjoy Your Meal: Once your food arrives, enjoy your delicious meal!
Conclusion
It’s time to experience the rich tapestry of Indian cuisine with these biryani different types waiting to tantalize your taste buds. Set out on a gourmet gastronomic tour of India and savour the aromas of Calicut, Sindhi, Ambur, and other regions; each biryani offers a symphony of flavours that honours the country’s rich culinary legacy.
FAQ
1. Which country is famous for Biryani?
India is most famous for biryani, with Lucknowi Biryani as one of the best biryani type.
There are also some of the countless regional variations showcasing the country’s diverse culinary heritage. However, biryani is also popular in other countries such as Pakistan, Bangladesh, and various parts of the Middle East.
2. What are popular side dishes to serve with Biryani?
Popular side dishes served with biryani different types include Raita, a yoghurt-based condiment often flavoured with cucumber, mint, or spices, salad, pickles, papadum, Mirchi ka salan, boiled eggs and fried onions.
