Food & Drink

Biryani Styles

Regional biryani styles from across South Asia, showcasing the diverse cooking traditions, spice profiles, and unique characteristics of this beloved rice dish.

12 rows6 columns1 views0 downloadsSource: Food culture / WikipediaUpdated: 2/18/2026
biryanifood & drinksouth asiapakistanindia
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Name
Origin City
Key Ingredient
Rice Type
Spice Level
Serving Style
Hyderabadi BiryaniHyderabad, IndiaGoat/lamb, yogurt marinadeBasmati (long-grain)Medium-HighDum pukht (sealed pot), served with mirchi ka salan and raita
Lucknowi (Awadhi) BiryaniLucknow, IndiaLamb, rose water, kewraBasmati (long-grain)Mild-MediumPukki biryani (meat pre-cooked), layered and slow-steamed
Kolkata BiryaniKolkata, IndiaMutton, potato, eggBasmati (light, fragrant)MildLighter style with whole potato and boiled egg, subtle rose water aroma
Karachi BiryaniKarachi, PakistanMutton/beef, potatoes, prunes, yogurtBasmati (long-grain)HighSpicy and tangy, served with raita, salad, and fried onions
Sindhi BiryaniSindh, PakistanMutton, dried plums, potatoes, chiliesBasmati (long-grain)Very HighVery spicy with tangy notes, garnished with fried onions and mint
Bombay BiryaniMumbai, IndiaChicken/mutton, fried potatoes, dried fruitsBasmati (medium-grain)Medium-HighSweet-spicy with kewra water, fried potatoes, and dried plums
Thalassery BiryaniThalassery, IndiaChicken/mutton, cashews, raisinsKaima/Jeerakasala (short-grain)MediumMalabar style using small-grain rice, rich with ghee and Malabar spices
Ambur BiryaniAmbur, IndiaMutton, curd, mintSeeraga samba (short-grain)MediumTamil Nadu style with seeraga samba rice, served with brinjal curry and raita
Memoni BiryaniGujarat/SindhLamb, tomatoes, potatoesBasmati (long-grain)HighVery spicy with liberal use of chili, minimal food coloring, tomato-based
Dindigul BiryaniDindigul, IndiaMutton, cube-cut meat, curdSeeraga samba (short-grain)HighTamil Nadu style with small cube-cut meat, tangy and peppery flavor
Chettinad BiryaniChettinad, IndiaChicken, kalpasi (stone flower), star aniseSeeraga samba (short-grain)HighDistinctively spiced with freshly ground masala, served with chettinad-style gravy
Afghan PulaoKabul, AfghanistanLamb, carrots, raisins, almondsBasmati (long-grain)MildSubtly spiced with cardamom, topped with caramelized carrots, raisins, and nuts
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