Summary

Have you ever wondered whom to thank for India's love story with biryani?

Thank none other than the Mughals, whose culinary legacy has deepened our relationship with this aromatic and flavourful dish. Keep reading to know about the different types of popular biryanis in India.

Introduction

We all love food, especially biryani. For Indians, biryani is not just a dish; it's an emotion. No celebrations are fulfilled without biryani on the plate, including the celebrations of celebrities. 

From Thala Ajith Kumar cooking biryani on Valimai set to Thalapathy Vijay delighting his fans with a biryani feast, and Lokesh Kanagaraj showcasing his love for the dish through his movies, this dish is just the pure emotion from Kollywood to Bollywood.  

In this blog, let's take a journey across India from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, exploring the different regional biryanis created over the centuries.

Explore the Popular Varieties of Indian Biryani

Get ready to start a mouthwatering journey through the tempting world of biryani! From the regal kitchens of Hyderabad to the backwaters of Kerala, India boasts delicious varieties of biryani, each with unique flavours and cultural influences. 

1. Hyderabadi Biryani

Telangana is home to one of the most iconic biryani in India -The Hyderabadi Biryani! This iconic dish of Hyderabad is the best example of the perfect symphony of flavours. Basmati rice, meat marinated in curd and spices, and the unique "dum" cooking technique create a spicy and aromatic biryani. 

Fun fact: Tennis superstar Sania Mirza is a self-proclaimed Hyderabadi biryani lover, proudly showcasing her culinary roots. 

2. Lucknowi Biryani - Awadhi Biryani

Lucknowi Biryani, also known as Awadhi Biryani, is a traditional Indian rice dish that originated in the Awadh region of Uttar Pradesh.  

The dish is made by layering marinated meat or vegetables with rice and slow-cooking it over low heat. The meat used in Lucknowi Biryani is usually lamb, but chicken can also be used. The rice used is long-grain basmati rice, which gives the dish a unique taste and texture.

3. Malabar Biryani - Thalassery Biryani

Moving further down the coast to Kerala, we encounter the flavoursome Thalassery Biryani. This biryani, native to the Malabar region, is made with fragrant Kaima rice, tender meat (such as chicken or mutton), and a unique blend of spices, including fennel, cinnamon, and cloves. 

It is often garnished with fried onions, raisins, and cashews, adding a delightful crunch and sweetness. 

4. The Taste of Tamil Nadu

Let us now head to Tamil Nadu and unveil the distinct varieties of biryani. With each spoonful, allow your taste buds to discover the secrets of Tamil Nadu's biryani legacy, a testament to the region's passion for culinary excellence.

i) Ambur Biryani

Heading to Tamil Nadu, we unveil the irresistible Ambur Biryani, showcasing the flavours of the region. This dish contains seeraga samba rice, tender meat, and spices. The unique spice blend creates an aromatic and flavourful biryani. Using a special brinjal curry as an accompaniment adds a delightful contrast to the dish. 

Make Ambur Biryani in just 20 minutes! Follow the simple instructions and enjoy a delicious and authentic meal with Cookd’s Ambur Biryani Kit.

ii) Chennai Biryani 

Let's indulge in the flavours of Chennai biryani. This biryani is a culinary delight with fragrant basmati rice, succulent meat, and a unique combination of spices. The flavours create a symphony that leaves an everlasting impression.

iii) Dindigul Biryani

Dindigul Biryani, hailing from the city of Dindigul in Tamil Nadu, is a delectable dish renowned for its unique flavours and cooking technique. 

This biryani features aromatic seeraga samba rice cooked with juicy meat and a mix of spices, including kalpasi, star anise, bay leaves, and fennel seeds. It is known for its balanced blend of flavours, with a hint of spiciness and a burst of fragrant spices. 

Dindigul Biryani originated in Dindigul and was created by Nagasamy Naidu. The biryani is named after its creator, Nagasamy Naidu, who wore a thalappakatti, meaning "turban" in Tamil. He had a unique style of making biryani and developed his own blend of spices and techniques, making this biryani stand out. 

It’s a must-try! 

So, if you're a biryani lover who is particular about the biryani made with seeraga samba rice, then Dindigul Biryani is a must-try!

With Cookd’s Dindigul Biryani Kit, you can make authentic Dindigul biryani at home! 

iv) Trichy Biryani

Trichy Biryani is a delectable dish known for its rich flavours and unique preparation. It is made with succulent turkey meat cooked with aromatic spices and basmati rice and cooked over firewood, resulting in a flavourful combination. 

Turkey biryani is a relatively new dish in Trichy. It was first introduced by a restaurant based at Palakkarai. It then quickly became popular among the locals, especially during Diwali. Several eateries in Trichy are now offering turkey biryani with special offers.

v) Vaniyambadi Biryani

Our next waypoint is at Vaniyambadi, famous for its delicious rice dish with a unique blend of flavours - Vaniyambadi Biryani! 

Made with fragrant basmati rice and tender meat, such as chicken or mutton, this is cooked with a mix of spices like cloves, cardamom, and cinnamon, lending it a distinct aroma. The biryani is known for its subtle yet rich taste, with each grain of rice perfectly cooked and infused with the flavour of the spices.

Cookd Recommendations: This summer, take a trip to Yalagiri and don't forget to stop at Vaniyambadi for this mouth-watering dish.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the journey through the captivating world of biryanis in India has been an absolute delight. From the aromatic flavours to the rich taste, biryani has undoubtedly captured the hearts and taste buds of millions across the country. 

Its popularity is evident in the fact that it has become the most ordered food online in India. In the year 2022, Zomato received 16,514 biryani orders on New Year's Eve, while Swiggy reported 137 biryani orders placed per minute!

Interestingly, even the AI, ChatGPT, once referred to biryani as a South Indian tiffin when the Chief Executive Officer of Microsoft, Satya Nadella, asked it to list the South Indian tiffin. How cool is that??

So, the next time you find yourself craving a lip-smacking meal, have a plate of biryani. After all, biryani is not just a dish; it's an emotion that captures the essence of India's rich culinary roots.

FAQs About Biriyanis in India

How many kinds of biryanis are there in India?
India is known for its diverse culinary traditions and countless regional variations of biryani. Some famous types include Hyderabadi biryani, Lucknowi biryani, Ambur biryani, Malabar biryani, Dindigul biryani, and many more.

What makes Indian biryanis unique?
Indian biryanis are known for their unique blend of spices, which gives them a distinct flavour and aroma. They also vary in cooking techniques, rice quality, and the choice of meat or vegetables used.

Are biryanis spicy?
The level of spiciness in biryanis varies based on the region it belongs to and its type. Some biryanis are mild and aromatic, while others can be fiery and hot.

What side dishes are usually served with biryani?
Raita and dalcha are the most common sides that are usually served with biryani.

Is biryani difficult to cook at home?
Yes, the process of making biryani is certainly time-consuming and difficult for beginners to cook at home. However, with Cookd's biryani kit, all you have to do is add your choice of meat and veggies, and it's done. Compared to a usual biryani, which takes an hour to prepare, you can cook in just 20 minutes with Cookd’s kit, which is 3X faster.