Biryani Across India: 7 Iconic Regional Flavours You Must Try

Biryani isn’t just food – it’s an emotion in India. A rich blend of spices, long-grained basmati rice, and tender meat or vegetables, biryani is a dish that unites regions while showcasing incredible diversity. Whether you’re traveling from Hyderabad to Kolkata or from Lucknow to Kozhikode, every corner of India offers a distinct biryani experience. Here’s a culinary journey across India exploring the most popular types of biryani you must try on your travels.

1. Hyderabadi Biryani – The Royal Classic
Originating in the kitchens of the Nizams, Hyderabadi Biryani is perhaps India’s most iconic variety. Cooked with the dum method, this biryani is layered with marinated meat, fragrant rice, saffron, and fried onions. There are two versions – kacchi (raw meat cooked with rice) and pakki (cooked meat layered with rice).

🧭 Where to try: Hyderabad, Telangana
🔥 Keyword: Hyderabadi Biryani, dum biryani Hyderabad

2. Lucknowi (Awadhi) Biryani – A Subtle Affair
More refined and aromatic, the Awadhi Biryani hails from the royal courts of Lucknow. Unlike its spicier southern cousins, this one is lighter, with meat slow-cooked in yakhni (stock) and layered with rice in a sealed handi.

🧭 Where to try: Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
🔥 Keyword: Lucknowi biryani, Awadhi biryani India

3. Kolkata Biryani – The One with a Potato
What makes Kolkata biryani unique? Aloo (potato)! Influenced by Awadhi styles but with a twist, this biryani is delicate and slightly sweet, with fragrant rice, tender meat, and golden potatoes stealing the show.

🧭 Where to try: Kolkata, West Bengal
🔥 Keyword: Kolkata biryani, biryani with potato

4. Malabar Biryani – Kerala’s Spiced Wonder
With Persian influences and Kerala’s coastal flavors, Malabar Biryani (also known as Thalassery Biryani) uses short-grain rice (jeerakasala) and includes ghee, cashews, and raisins. It’s lighter on spice, but rich in flavor.

🧭 Where to try: Kozhikode, Kerala
🔥 Keyword: Malabar biryani, Thalassery biryani Kerala

5. Dindigul Biryani – Tamil Nadu’s Tangy Gem
Tangy, spicy, and cooked with jeera samba rice, Dindigul biryani is bold in flavor. It includes curd, lemon juice, and a special masala that sets it apart from others.

🧭 Where to try: Dindigul, Tamil Nadu
🔥 Keyword: Dindigul biryani, Tamil Nadu biryani types

6. Sindhi Biryani – The Spicy Explosion
Famous for its fiery flavor, Sindhi biryani includes green chilies, mint, yogurt, and sourness from dried plums or lemon. It's a favorite among spice lovers.

🧭 Where to try: Mumbai (Sindhi communities), or home kitchens
🔥 Keyword: Sindhi biryani spicy, Indian biryani varieties

7. Ambur Biryani – The Highway Delight
Ambur Biryani, from the town of Ambur, Tamil Nadu, is a favorite of road travelers. Made with small-grain rice and infused with dry red chili paste, it’s usually served with brinjal curry and raita.

🧭 Where to try: Ambur, highway dhabas between Chennai and Bengaluru
🔥 Keyword: Ambur biryani, South Indian biryani

Final Thoughts
India’s biryani map is as diverse as its languages and landscapes. Each biryani has a story, a history, and a local twist that makes it worth tasting. If you're a traveler and a foodie, myTravelOn can guide you to the most authentic biryani experiences across India.

Explore India. Taste the Biryani. Travel with Flavor.