Placate your senses with some scrumptious biryani in Abu Dhabi. Be it a special occasion or a casual Friday lunch, biryani makes every meal a celebration. The complex combination of seasonings and fragrances in biryani has made it an epitome of Desi cooking! In other words, this dish is a treat that is hard to beat.
If you are someone who is a die-hard fan of Biryani, you would fancy knowing the backstory of this dish. There are several theories around the origin story. However, this one happens to be the most popular of them all.
Legend has it that Mumtaz, wife of Emperor Shah Jahan had instructed the army cooks to cook a dish with meat and rice. This was in reaction to the undernourished, tired soldiers in the Mughal army. She gave stringent orders to provide them a balanced meal. The dish, thereby created, was rich in nutrition and cooked on fire. This was how the Persian dish made its way into the Mughal kitchen.
And ever since, biryani has been a favourite among many. On that note, we’ve picked the places for the best biryani in Abu Dhabi.
1. Moti Mahal Delux
Pioneers of putting Butter Chicken on the map, this restaurant is a legend in the streets of Delhi and manages to bring out the essence of Mughlai cuisine to the capital as well. Their Chicken Biryani is rich in aromatic spices, long-grained rice and succulent meat – one worth remembering. We recommend their Murgh Dum Biryani (AED 38) – simmered in saffron and exotic spices. Add on a juicy kebab for the side, and you’ll go back asking for more.
Cost for Two – AED 100
Location – Al Baraka Tower, Tourist Club Area, Abu Dhabi
2. Peppermill
Peppermill is an Indian casual dining concept with a fusion twist. With little tweaks to traditional dishes and a meticulously curated menu, their delicacies have won the hearts of many. The biryani is cooked to perfection and balances out the intense flavours, satiating your taste buds. The Prawn Biryani (AED 75) made with soft King Prawns is a winner on their menu.
Cost for Two – AED 250
Location – Al Wahda Mall, Abu Dhabi
3. By The Biryani
One of the best biryanis in Abu Dhabi, By the Biryani is a delivery-only restaurant that specializes in different varieties of the rice dish. Their Awadhi Chicken Biryani (AED 45) is a huge hit among meet lovers. Traditionally slow-cooked with marinated meat and a special mix of spices, this one’s to die for. Moreover, the portion sizes are big – good enough for two if not three. Total value for money!
Cost for Two – AED 80
Location – Al Wahda, Abu Dhabi
4. Ghee Rice Restaurant
This Malabar style biryani is sure to entice you with its irresistible flavours. There are a collection of restaurants where you can find this variant, but we can vouch this is the most authentic find in Abu Dhabi. Ghee Rice Restaurant serves cult favourites in Kerala coastal and other popular Asian dishes. Their Bamboo Biryani (AED 38) comes in a tool used in Kerala-style cooking giving warm, and earthy flavours to the biryani. Bookmark this restaurant to relish a scrumptious meal on a weekend.
Cost for Two – AED 100
Location – Electra Street, Najda, Abu Dhabi
5. Biryani Pot
Biryani Pot is a contemporary take on Indian cuisine in Abu Dhabi. The food, inspired by the street food concepts in India serves some wholesome Biryani. The restaurant also dishes out lip-smacking kebabs, wraps and other light bites. The Lamb Biryani (AED 49) paired with raita can spruce up your senses in every bite. Furthermore, they also have a Quinoa Biryani(AED 54) dished out for health freaks.
Cost for Two – AED 105
Location – Galeria Mall, Al Maryah Island
6. Curry Mahal
Curry Mahal is a royal culinary affair with a thoughtfully curated menu – where each dish is a reflection of India’s rich culture. Don’t miss their Hyderabadi Dum Biryani (AED 43) when here. Fragrant and rich in masala, this one’s perfect for spice-lovers. The restaurant also has a selection of Mughlai curries and sabzis. All things considered, there is no reason for you to not visit Curry Mahal for this delightful experience.
Cost for Two – AED 235
Location – Muroor Road, Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi
7. Lazeez
If the whole of Abu Dhabi had to go on the record and vote – they would pick Lazeez as their go-to! The biryani menu in Lazeez is so popular, people can’t stop raving about it. Lazeez is a pioneer in scrumptious Mughlai/Awadhi cuisine with a twist and needless to say, their biryani is a notch above all biryanis in town.
Their royal Sultani Biryani is a grand affair in every morsel and is something you should definitely try. Lastly, finish your meal with a pot of Matka Firni.
Cost for Two – AED 120
Location – Hamdan Street, Al Markaziya, Abu Dhabi
8. Nihal Restaurant
This restaurant is a legendary gem in Abu Dhabi serving favourites in Pan Asian cuisine. This place is your speed dial for a grand Biryani feast. They credit their success to simple ingredients and natural flavours. Don’t miss their aromatic and flavoursome Mutton Biryani (AED 28). Overall, this is the best place to have a generous, hearty meal without breaking the bank.
Cost for Two – AED 85
Location – Electra Street, Al Markaziya, Abu Dhabi
9. MYNT Indian Cuisine
This hole-in-the-wall fine dining concept in the heart of Abu Dhabi delivers a diverse selection of dishes from all over India. The makers of this place passionately reinvent conventional dishes. Amongst a selection of dishes, their signature dish is the Jhinga Dum Biryani (AED 54), cooked with the best of aromatic spices and long basmati rice.
Cost for Two – AED 180
Location – Salam Street, Near FAB, Tourist Club Area (Al Zahiyah), Abu Dhabi
10. Royal Biryani
Royal Biryani calls themselves ‘The Biryani Specialists’ and we’re not surprised! One of the best biryanis in Abu Dhabi, they go the extra mile to bring in the right blend of spices. Although the dishes are priced on the premium side, the grandeur in the flavours makes up for it. Last but not least, their signature lamb biryani- Kachche Ghost Ki Biryani (AED 91) is a must-try when here.
Cost for Two – AED 280
Location – Al Seef Village Mall, Khalifa Park Area, Abu Dhabi
Also, do check out our picks for the best biryanis in Dubai.