A trip to India is like a spa day for your taste buds. They are treated to an eclectic smorgasbord of flavours and spices, each more tantalizing than the last. But Indian food is more than just nourishment for the body; it is also food for the mind.
Each Indian dish is a gastronomic accumulation of local history and culture. The biryani, for example, the most popular Indian dish, has subtle variations in flavour, style and preparation, depending on the locality. A biryani near me, differs from one near you, with subtle discrepancies reflecting local gastronomy and history.
These are the seven types of biryani you should make an effort to seek out and consume while you are in India.
Hyderabadi Biryani
A favorite in Southern India, the Hyderabadi biryani is a Mughlai staple. The traditional Hyderabadi biryani has a rich saffron flavor, stemming from the saffron-infused rice, complemented by coconut and the addition of a brinjal gravy.
Lucknowi Biryani
For those with a milder palate, the Lucknowi biryani is a must-taste component of Indian cuisine. The Lucknowi biryani is one of the oldest variations of biryani, dating back to the Mughal era. Born in the milder kitchens of the Lucknowi Nawabs, marinated chicken and fresh spices unlock the secrets to this dish, which stands among the giants of Indian cuisine. The meat is also traditionally partially cooked separately. They are then layered and finished off together.
Dindigul Biryani
Traditionally enjoyed in the streets of Chennai, Dindigul biryani stands out due to its use of jeera samba rice instead of the traditional basmati. The jeera samba gives the dish a unique flavor, strengthened by the liberal dose of pepper.
Kalyani Biryani
Kalyani biryani has a similar flavor to the Hyderabadi biryani, however, instead of mutton or chicken, buffalo meat provides the dish with its protein source. You can find Kalyani biryanis lingering in the stalls around Delhi and Hyderabadi waiting to impress an unsuspecting traveler caught in the snare of its alluring aroma.
Ambur Biryani
Ambur is a town located in Tamil Nadu province. The town is known for its contribution to the Indian sub-continent in two vastly different ways: leather and its Ambur biryani.
The strong mint and coriander flavors offer a welcome twist on traditional biryani recipes. But the real secret behind the Ambur biryani’s rich flavor lies in its preparation. Traditional Ambur chefs soak the meat, either chicken, mutton, beef or prawn, in curd before adding it to the dish, giving it a deeper, richer flavor.
Sindhi Biryani
Our final instalment is one of the most unique biryanis on the list, blending chillies, mint, coriander, dried fruits and nuts to provide a slightly spicy, cool and sweet biryani offering. The Sindhi Biryani stems from the Sindh region of modern-day Pakistan.
These are just a selection of the many types of biryani dishes available throughout India. For true biryani lovers looking to explore the mysticism and history surrounding this Indian favourite, seek out others and add to the ever-expanding list of biryani variations and biryani-inspired offshoot dishes.
