26 Irresistible Types of Biryani to Add to Your Bucket List

Biryani is more than just a dish—it’s a celebration of flavors, aromas, and culinary traditions. From the rich, spicy layers of Hyderabadi biryani to the mild, fragrant notes of Lucknowi biryani, each variety tells a story of its region and heritage. Here are 26 unique types of biryani that showcase the diversity and richness of this beloved dish.

What is Biryani?

Biryani is a fragrant and flavorful rice dish that originates from the Indian subcontinent. This dish is typically made with long-grain basmati rice, marinated meat (such as chicken, mutton, or fish), and a medley of spices like saffron, cardamom, and cloves. What sets biryani apart is its method of preparation—often cooked in layers, allowing the rice to absorb the essence of the meat and spices. Biryani comes in countless regional variations, each with its unique twist, making it a versatile and cherished meal enjoyed by people around the world.

Hyderabadi Biryani

Known for its “Dum” (steam) cooking method, Hyderabadi biryani is a flavorful and aromatic dish where marinated meat and rice are cooked together in a sealed pot. The dish is rich in spices and often garnished with saffron, fried onions, and boiled eggs, making it a sumptuous meal.

Lucknowi (Awadhi) Biryani

Originating from Lucknow, this biryani is more delicate, with a focus on aromatic spices rather than heat. The meat and rice are cooked separately and then layered, creating a subtly flavored dish that’s often garnished with saffron and rose water.

Kolkata Biryani

Influenced by the Awadhi style, Kolkata biryani is lighter on spices and includes boiled potatoes, a unique addition. The dish has a slight sweetness, balanced by the rich flavors of meat and fragrant rice, making it a favorite among those who prefer milder biryanis.

Sindhi Biryani

A robust and spicy dish, Sindhi biryani is known for its bold flavors, with generous amounts of chilies, tomatoes, and yogurt. It’s tangy and fiery, often enjoyed with a cooling raita.

Thalassery Biryani

A specialty from Kerala, Thalassery biryani is lighter and made with short-grain Jeerakasala rice. The dish is mildly spiced, with fragrant notes of ghee, fried onions, and a unique blend of spices. It is often served with chicken or mutton.

Donne Biryani

Donne biryani is a specialty from Karnataka, particularly popular in Bangalore. Served in a leaf bowl called “donne,” this biryani is made with jeera samba rice and a green masala paste of coriander and mint. It’s a flavorful and aromatic dish, typically enjoyed with spicy raita and often garnished with boiled eggs and fried onions.

Bhatkal Biryani

Bhatkal Biryani is a specialty from the coastal town of Bhatkal in Karnataka. This biryani is known for its spicy and tangy flavor, achieved through a blend of aromatic spices and a unique masala made with green chilies and coconut. Often cooked with either chicken or mutton, it’s typically served with a side of cooling raita, making it a flavorful and satisfying dish that highlights the distinct regional cuisine of coastal Karnataka.

Ambur Biryani

Hailing from Tamil Nadu, Ambur biryani is known for its simplicity. It uses seeraga samba rice and fewer spices. The dish allows the meat’s flavor to shine through and is typically enjoyed with raita and brinjal curry.

Dindigul Biryani

Another Tamil Nadu specialty, Dindigul biryani, is tangy and spicy, with the use of yogurt and lemon juice. It’s made with seeraga samba rice and freshly ground spices, offering a distinct flavor that sets it apart from other biryanis.

Bombay Biryani

Popular in Mumbai, Bombay biryani is a mix of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors, often including potatoes and mutton or chicken. The dish is aromatic, with a hint of kewra water, making it unique and flavorful.

Malabar Biryani

From Kerala, Malabar biryani is often made with fish or chicken and flavored with coconut milk. This rich and creamy dish has a mild yet distinct flavor profile, making it an indulgent dish.

Memoni Biryani

A spicier version of Sindhi biryani, Memoni biryani hails from the Memoni community in Gujarat and Pakistan. It’s known for its fiery heat, with green chilies and minimal tomatoes, allowing the natural flavors to stand out.

Bohri Biryani

Popular among the Bohra Muslim community, Bohri biryani is a layered dish with a balance of spicy and tangy flavors. It’s often garnished with fried onions and fresh herbs, and typically served with a cooling raita.

Kozhikode Biryani

A Malabar-style biryani from Kerala, Kozhikode biryani is made with fragrant spices like cinnamon and cloves. The biryani is mildly spiced and often prepared with mutton or chicken, offering a rich and satisfying flavor.

Beary Biryani

Originating from the coastal Karnataka region, Beary biryani is mild and less spicy, often made with fish or chicken. The use of coconut adds a unique aroma and taste, making it a light and refreshing dish.

Kalyani Biryani

Known as the “poor man’s Hyderabadi biryani,” Kalyani biryani is simpler and more economical. It is typically made with beef and a basic spice mix. Despite its simplicity, it’s full of flavor and a hearty dish.

Sri Lankan Biryani

Sri Lankan biryani is a spicier version of biryani. It is often made with chicken or mutton and includes ingredients like pandan leaves. The biryani is aromatic and flavorful, with a spiciness that’s perfect for those who enjoy a more intense dish.

Tahiri

Tahiri is a popular vegetarian biryani from Uttar Pradesh, India, made with potatoes, peas, and ghee. It’s a rich and buttery dish cooked with fragrant spices, making it a satisfying meal for vegetarians.

Rawther Biryani

Rawther biryani is a spicier version from the Coimbatore region of Tamil Nadu, often made with mutton and samba rice. It’s a robust and flavorful dish, perfect for those who enjoy bold and hearty meals.

Afghani Biryani

A milder version than Indian and Pakistani biryanis, Afghani biryani often includes dried fruits and nuts. The dish is less spicy and has a subtle sweetness, making it a rich and comforting meal.

Palakkad Biryani

Palakkad biryani, from Kerala, is a unique dish with a blend of coconut and mild spices. It is often made with mutton or chicken and is less spicy, but it has a rich coconut flavor that’s comforting and delicious.

Degh Ki Biryani

Degh biryani is known for its large-scale preparation in “degh” (big pots). The biryani is spicy and hearty, often served at weddings and large gatherings, perfect for feeding a crowd.

Sofiyani Biryani

Sofiyani biryani is a milder and creamier version of traditional biryanis from Hyderabad. Rich in cream, khoya (dried milk), and nut paste, it has a subtle blend of spices and is often referred to as white biryani due to its color.

Mughlai Biryani

A North Indian specialty, Mughlai biryani is a rich and luxurious dish, often made with chicken or mutton. It includes nuts, dried fruits, and saffron, giving it a royal flavor that’s perfect for festive occasions.

Iranian Biryani

Iranian biryani is a simpler version, often made with lamb and flavored with saffron and dried fruits. The biryani is less spicy and has a mild sweetness, making it a comforting and aromatic dish.

Jodhpuri Kabuli Biryani

Jodhpuri Kabuli Biryani is a distinctive vegetarian biryani from Jodhpur, Rajasthan, combining basmati rice with a variety of vegetables and aromatic spices. What sets it apart is the addition of fried bread cubes, which add a unique texture and flavor to the dish.