Dubai loves its Biryani and thankfully the city is decked with restaurants that nail this all-time favourite dish. And it’s quite rare to find someone who will not love the aromatic blend of rice, meat and spices. The UAE has at least 20 different restaurants and street-side eateries that serve lip-smacking biryanis. That said, this can also make it hard for foodies to find the best biryani in town.
CT Dubai went on a quest for the best biryanis in town and we’ve compiled a list. So, go on and binge!
1. Kulcha King
One look at the name and you’re sure to wonder how a restaurant that sells Kulcha also makes the best biryani in town. Well, Kulcha King is the place to go if you’re up for a sumptuous biryani feast. The ‘King of Kulcha’ in Dubai is also known for dishing out lip smacking biryanis. The restaurant serves eight different types of biryanis.
Don’t leave the premises without tasting the Lamb Rogan Josh Biryani. A unique fusion of Lamb Rogan Josh and fragrant basmati rice, this one’s a spicy, top notch biryani. Also try the Smoked Wild Mushroom Biryani- a smoky biryani loaded with Shiitake Mushroom, Portobellos, and Button mushrooms, in a unique biryani gravy. And if you’re loyalty towards chicken stops you from trying other forms of meat, binge on their authentic Chicken Tikka Biryani. Place your orders online on www.kulchaking.com
Cost for Two – AED 100
Location – Al Barsha, DSO, Karama, Al Nahda, JLT, Deira, Jafza, Sharjah
Contact: 800 Kulcha (800585242)
2. Pak Liyari
Tucked away in the crowded lanes of Meena Bazaar, Pak Liyari is one restaurant every biryani lover swears by. The Pakistani restaurant has been in business since 2005. The hero of the restaurant is a Pakistani chef Ali Mohammed, who hails from Liyari, a small town in Pakistan. Coming from a family of master chefs, the 52-year old chacha started his cooking journey way back 1986 in Dubai’s Lyari hotel.
The restaurant makes 100-150 kgs of biryani and sell about 300-400 plates of in a day. And the number hits 200 kg over weekends. Pak Liyari serves a range of mutton and chicken biryani, each better than the other. Biryanis aside, the restaurant also serves vegetarian curries, chicken and mutton barbecue, steamed and seasoned lentils and salad. And finally, when you’re done gorging on the flavourful rice, finish your meal with a tall glass of Zafrani Kheer.
Location: Behind Gulab Building, Al Fahidi Street, Meena Bazaar
Timings: 11 am – 1 am
Cost: AED 40 for two people
Contact: 04 3535587
3. Jaffer Bhai’s, Karama
Moin Jaffer Mansuri’s association with the aromatic biryani runs in his blood. Back then, Mansuri’s grandfather ran a catering business that served the best biryanis. Later, when his father took over the business, he opened a restaurant, so people didn’t have to order one full kilo each time. The first full-fledged restaurant opened in 1973 in Mumbai. As of today, there are 10 branches in Mumbai.
Jaffer Bhai’s biryani is unlike any other biryani you would have ever tasted. The dum chicken biryani served here, boasts juicy meat and delectable masalas, leaving behind an unforgettable aroma. The biryani is made depending on the number of orders, but maintains a perfect balance of spice. And if you think the secret is in their recipe- the restaurant does not follow a 50-year old recipe, seasoned to perfection over the years. The restaurant also has a dedicated menu for chicken, mutton, and other vegetarian delicacies. Head to Jaffer Bhai’s to dig into biryani like never before!
4. Grub Shack
Grub Shack has been garnering quite the fame for their alluring menu and tempting taste that makes you want to come back. They are quite popular for their GS Special Biryani served with a delectable selection of meat cooked to perfection. They also have innovative specials cooked up in various flavours – from Peri Peri Biryani to Tawa Tandoori Biryani, they quite nail the masterpiece.
Cost for Two – AED 160
Location – Umm Hurair
5. Adaminte Chayakada
This popular spot for Malabar Fusion food has some of the best Malabar style biryani in the region. From their classic biryani wrapped in a banana leaf to Chinese-themed biryani called Bruce Lee Biryani, Adaminte Chayakada has it all to offer. The biryani is not only rich in flavour, but each variant has a touch of charm with a fusion take on biryani without losing out on the authenticity.
Cost for Two – AED 85
Location – Al Qusais
Credits: Adaminte Chayakada Facebook