Biryani, the Flavorful Rice Dish Taking NYC by Storm
From humble beginnings in ancient Mughal Empire to its current status as a staple of South Asian cuisine in New York City, biryani has come a long way. This flavorful rice dish is now enjoyed in dozens of variations across the city, each with its unique twist and flavor profile.
Lucknowi Biryani: The Simple yet Elegant Option
The Lucknow version of biryani is often considered the more subtle and refined of the two styles. It typically features sweet spices, saffron, and a layering technique that sets it apart from other versions. This style is also known for its use of "dum pukht," where the dish is cooked in a sealed container to concentrate flavors.
Hyderabadi Biryani: Spicy and Exuberant
On the other hand, Hyderabadi biryani is known for its bold and spicy flavor profile. This style often incorporates fresh spices and herbs at the last minute, which adds to its depth of flavor. The use of gongura, a pickled sorrel from Andhra Pradesh, gives it a unique tanginess.
Kabab King: A Classic Pakistani Biryani
When it comes to classic Pakistani biryani, Kabab King is a must-visit destination. Their chicken and goat biryanis are both delicious and packed with flavor. The addition of miniature dried apricots adds a sweet surprise that elevates the dish.
Halal Diner: A Halal Twist on the Classic
For those looking for a halal twist on traditional biryani, Halal Diner is an excellent option. Their chicken biryani is attractively plated and packed with spices, nuts, and caramelized onions. It's also affordable at just $11.99.
Kuttanadan: Beef Biryani Like No Other
In the world of Indian cuisine, beef is not often seen. However, Kuttanadan's beef biryani stands out for its unique flavor profile, which includes black pepper and clove. This dish hails from Kerala, a southwestern state known for its spices.
Indika House: Egg-cellent Biryani
For vegetarians, Indika House offers an egg-cellent alternative to traditional meat-based biryanis. Their jackfruit biryani is a standout, featuring hard-boiled eggs and a flavorful raita with mango pickle.
Masala Times: A Diner-Style Biriyani
In the heart of Greenwich Village, Masala Times serves up street-style vegetable biryani that's spicy and filling. This dish is perfect for those looking for a hearty meal at an affordable price.
Fresh Curry: Saucy Bangladeshi Biryani
When it comes to saucy Bangladeshi biryanis, Fresh Curry is the place to go. Their version features a rich gravy and plenty of meat, making it a must-try for those looking for this style of cuisine.
Javitra: Unique Lucknowi Biryani
In the Upper East Side, Javitra offers a unique take on traditional Lucknowi biryani. This dish is served in a banana leaf and features tender baby goat cooked in the dum pukht style.
Kebabwala: Crust-Topped Lucknowi Biryani
For those looking for an authentic crust-topped Lucknowi biryani, Kebabwala is the perfect destination. This New York City staple offers a limited supply of this dish each day, making it a must-try for foodies.
Kanyakumari: Unique Bangladeshi Biryani
This unique restaurant in Union Square offers a Bangladeshi-style biryani with tender baby goat cooked in the dum pukht style. The addition of yogurt and peanut salan adds to its depth of flavor.
Spice Up: Beef Tehari Biryani
For those looking for a spicy kick, Spice Up's beef tehari biryani is a must-try. This Bronx steam-table establishment offers a thumbnail sketch of Bangladeshi food, including freshwater fish essential to the cuisine.
Hyderabad House: Chef's Special Chicken Biriyani
Finally, Hyderabad House offers an impressive chef's special chicken biryani with fried and glazed chicken 65 on the side. Boiled eggs provide decoration, and two sauces – raita and a peanut-based salan – are provided for added flavor.
From humble beginnings in ancient Mughal Empire to its current status as a staple of South Asian cuisine in New York City, biryani has come a long way. This flavorful rice dish is now enjoyed in dozens of variations across the city, each with its unique twist and flavor profile.
Lucknowi Biryani: The Simple yet Elegant Option
The Lucknow version of biryani is often considered the more subtle and refined of the two styles. It typically features sweet spices, saffron, and a layering technique that sets it apart from other versions. This style is also known for its use of "dum pukht," where the dish is cooked in a sealed container to concentrate flavors.
Hyderabadi Biryani: Spicy and Exuberant
On the other hand, Hyderabadi biryani is known for its bold and spicy flavor profile. This style often incorporates fresh spices and herbs at the last minute, which adds to its depth of flavor. The use of gongura, a pickled sorrel from Andhra Pradesh, gives it a unique tanginess.
Kabab King: A Classic Pakistani Biryani
When it comes to classic Pakistani biryani, Kabab King is a must-visit destination. Their chicken and goat biryanis are both delicious and packed with flavor. The addition of miniature dried apricots adds a sweet surprise that elevates the dish.
Halal Diner: A Halal Twist on the Classic
For those looking for a halal twist on traditional biryani, Halal Diner is an excellent option. Their chicken biryani is attractively plated and packed with spices, nuts, and caramelized onions. It's also affordable at just $11.99.
Kuttanadan: Beef Biryani Like No Other
In the world of Indian cuisine, beef is not often seen. However, Kuttanadan's beef biryani stands out for its unique flavor profile, which includes black pepper and clove. This dish hails from Kerala, a southwestern state known for its spices.
Indika House: Egg-cellent Biryani
For vegetarians, Indika House offers an egg-cellent alternative to traditional meat-based biryanis. Their jackfruit biryani is a standout, featuring hard-boiled eggs and a flavorful raita with mango pickle.
Masala Times: A Diner-Style Biriyani
In the heart of Greenwich Village, Masala Times serves up street-style vegetable biryani that's spicy and filling. This dish is perfect for those looking for a hearty meal at an affordable price.
Fresh Curry: Saucy Bangladeshi Biryani
When it comes to saucy Bangladeshi biryanis, Fresh Curry is the place to go. Their version features a rich gravy and plenty of meat, making it a must-try for those looking for this style of cuisine.
Javitra: Unique Lucknowi Biryani
In the Upper East Side, Javitra offers a unique take on traditional Lucknowi biryani. This dish is served in a banana leaf and features tender baby goat cooked in the dum pukht style.
Kebabwala: Crust-Topped Lucknowi Biryani
For those looking for an authentic crust-topped Lucknowi biryani, Kebabwala is the perfect destination. This New York City staple offers a limited supply of this dish each day, making it a must-try for foodies.
Kanyakumari: Unique Bangladeshi Biryani
This unique restaurant in Union Square offers a Bangladeshi-style biryani with tender baby goat cooked in the dum pukht style. The addition of yogurt and peanut salan adds to its depth of flavor.
Spice Up: Beef Tehari Biryani
For those looking for a spicy kick, Spice Up's beef tehari biryani is a must-try. This Bronx steam-table establishment offers a thumbnail sketch of Bangladeshi food, including freshwater fish essential to the cuisine.
Hyderabad House: Chef's Special Chicken Biriyani
Finally, Hyderabad House offers an impressive chef's special chicken biryani with fried and glazed chicken 65 on the side. Boiled eggs provide decoration, and two sauces – raita and a peanut-based salan – are provided for added flavor.
I think what's crazy is how biryani has become so diverse in NYC - you've got Lucknowi with sweet spices, Hyderabadi with bold flavors, and even beef options like Kuttanadan! It's amazing to see how South Asian cuisine is being reimagined here.
I'm obsessed with all these NYC biryani options! They're all so unique and flavorful in their own ways 
. From the Lucknowi's subtle spices to the Hyderabadi's bold kick, each dish is like a taste sensation 
. And can we talk about how amazing it is that there are halal options available too? 
Halal Diner sounds like my new go-to spot for an affordable and delicious meal 
. I'm also intrigued by the Kuttanadan beef biryani - who knew beef could be so good in a biryani dish? 
love the way it's cooked in that sealed container to bring out those amazing flavors 
kabab king is a close 2nd tho 
been to halal diner and kuttanadan too, but for me, kuttanadan's beef biryani wins the prize 
What I think is really interesting too is how each restaurant has its own unique twist or take on traditional biryani - it shows just how versatile and adaptable this dish can be. For me, trying all these different biryanis would be like going on a culinary journey through India... 
And don't even get me started on the Hyderabadi biryani, that spicy kick is everything! 
just had lunch at Kebab King and OMG their Lucknowi Biryani is TO DIE FOR!!! 
I've been to all the other places on this list and while they're great, there's something special about Kebab King's crust-topped version 
. Maybe it's the fact that you can taste the love in every bite 
or maybe it's just the magic of their secret spice blend 
but trust me when I say that Kebab King is the real deal 
! 
And can we talk about the prices? $11.99 for a delicious halal chicken biryani from Halal Diner is basically a steal 
def gonna be back here again
. And can we talk about how affordable most of them are? $11.99 for halal biryani is literally a steal 