Be it a house party, a family get-together or even a quick lunch with colleagues, Biryani is India’s favourite dish! Not only is it delicious but it also isn’t very heavy on the pocket. It’s one of the few dishes that one can have by itself, no accompaniments required! One might not think of Mumbai as the best place to get biryani but it does give Delhi, Lucknow and even Hyderabad stiff competition. However, there are a few places in the bay that do manage to serve a pretty mean version of what is (arguably) one of the most popular rice dishes in the world. So here are the best biryani places in Mumbai!
Best Biryani Places In Mumbai
1. Jaffer Bhai’s Delhi Darbar
Established in 1973, Jaffer Bhai’s Delhi Darbar is an institution when it comes to biryani. Today, they are popularly known as ‘The Biryani King of Mumbai’. Jaffer Bhai’s Delhi Darbar manages to live up to all the hype that’s been surrounding it for almost 45 years now, be it their Chicken Biryani, Mutton Biryani or even their Chicken Tikka Biryani.
Where: Multiple Locations
When: 11 AM to 12 AM
Cost: ₹1,200 for two approx.
Also read: 9 Food Joints At Mohd Ali Road That Promise The Best Iftar Feasting
2. Noor Mohammadi Hotel
Having been in business for the last century (Yes! That’s how old this place is), Noor Mohammadi Hotel has managed to carve a niche for itself amongst the meat lovers in the bay. Although they are very popular for their Nalli Nahari, Chicken Hakimi and Sanju Baba Chicken, what a lot of people don’t know is that they serve a unique version of the biryani. Known as the Chicken White Biryani, this version is unlike any other biryanis out there.
Instead of having the traditional brown/red masala as the base for the biryani, the folks at Noor Mohammadi Hotel prepare one with a reshami (white masala) base. This gives the biryani a very unique creamy flavour as opposed to the traditional masala flavour.
Tip: People who have tried this version of the biryani swear by it; thus making it one of their fastest-selling dishes. Make sure you reach there before 8 PM in order to sample this creamy goodness.
Where: Multiple locations
When: 7 AM to 4 AM
Cost: ₹650 for two approx.
Also read: Restaurant Review: Turban Tales, Powai
3. Persian Darbar
One glance at their menu and you will come across multiple options when it comes to biryanis. The one that stands out is their Chicken/Mutton Persian Special Biryani. This biryani gets the proportion of rice to meat to masala just right!
Where: Multiple locations
When: 11:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Cost: ₹1,800 for two approx.
Also read: 10 Irani Restaurants In Mumbai You Have To Try
4. Hotel Deluxe
Known mainly for its Malayali offerings, Hotel Deluxe is not a place where one would generally go for a plate of biryani. Surprise! Surprise! Hotel Deluxe’s Boneless Chicken Biryani is truly a hidden gem. Prepared with short-grained rice as opposed to the traditional long-grained basmati rice, this version of the biryani is highly spiced. It is also doused with a generous amount of ghee (you can actually taste the ghee while having the rice).
Where: No.10-A, Pitha St, behind Saraswati Temple, Fort
When: 12 PM to 11:30 PM
Cost: ₹600 for two approx.
Also read: Bandra Gets A New Gastropub, House of Nomad At Taj Lands End
5. Café Noorani
For biryani connoisseurs, the concept of a ‘Chicken Tikka Biryani’ might seem slightly scandalous. A true biryani is one where the rice and meat are cooked together. The various spices and masalas combine together and that’s when individual flavours from all ingredients complement each other. Voila! You have your perfect biryani ready. Although Café Noorani’s Chicken Tikka Biryani does not follow this route, rest assured that there is no compromise at all when it comes to taste. Fragrant, colourful rice is topped on a bed of tikka masala along with huge pieces of juicy chicken tikkas. It’s far from being the perfect biryani but it surely hits the spot as far as flavour is concerned.
Also read: Mumbai’s Iconic Haji Ali Juice Centre Is Now In Bengaluru
Where: Plot No.5D, Tardeo Road Opposite Heera Panna Shopping Center, Haji Ali
When: 8 AM to 12 AM
Cost: ₹900 for two approx.
6. Kebabs & Kurries
The only 5-star restaurant to feature in this list, Kebabs & Kurries Gosht Dum Pukht Biryani is totally worth the bomb that you’re going to spend on it. Prepared in the traditional dum pukht style. The biryani is delicately spiced with pieces of mutton that melt in your mouth. This is the closest that you’re going to get to finding a truly authentic biryani in the bay. Highly recommended!
Where: 287, Dr Baba Saheb Ambedkar Rd, Parel
When: 12:30 PM to 2:45 PM and 7 PM to11:45 PM
Cost: ₹ for two approx.
7. Zaffran
A biryani list without the addition of Zaffran would have to be a crime! The next time you don’t want to wait for Eid to get some great Biryani, just head over to Zaffran and order the mutton biryani. The meat is succulent, it is just the right amount of spicy and it smells like what heaven must smell like.
Also read: 5 Best Places To Have Butter Chicken In Mumbai
Where: Multiple Outlets
When: 11:30 AM to 3:30 PM, 6:30 PM to 11:30 PM
Cost: ₹2,000 for two approx.
8. Go! Biryan
Don’t feel like heading out to that party tonight? How about you bring the party to your house? A delivery kitchen, Go! Biryan is your perfect companion for an ultimate Biryani feast. Serving king-size, queen-size and by-the-kilo portions, Go! Biryan has a great selection of vegetarian and non-vegetarian biryanis. Vegetarians can choose from Paneer Tikka Biryani, Vegetable Afghani Biryani and many more! Who said Biryani can’t be vegetarian?
Cost: ₹400 for two approx.
9. Hyderabad Xpress
You have not had biryani until you’ve had Hyderabadi Biryani. And Hyderabad Xpress gives you just that, authentic Hyderabad dum biryani flavours available in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian variants. Get a taste of asli Hyderabadi biryani, you won’t be able to go back to regular biryani after this. We recommend vegetable biryani, Hyderabadi dum biryani, and boneless chicken biryani. Don’t forget to pair them all with delicious and trademark Mirch Ka Saalan.
Cost: ₹500 for two approx.
10. The Sahib Room & Kipling Bar
When you do fancy, do it right. And nothing spells fancy like The St. Regis Mumbai hiding away The Sahib Room And Kipling Bar. Turns out you get killer gourmet-level Biryani here! And at The St. Regis Mumbai, we expect no less. Whether it’s the fragrant Subz Dum Biryani, Murg Biryani or Gosht Biryani, the right amount of spices and marination will have you salivating for more. Pair them up with some fresh cocktails. And don’t forget to make a reservation before you go.
Where: Level 9M, The St. Regis Mumbai, Lower Parel
When: 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm 7:00 pm to 11:30 pm
Cost: ₹4,000 for two approx.
11. Behrouz Biryani
With over 15 outlets in Mumbai, Behrouz has surely established a name for itself. Many turn to it for a hearty meal and an uber-delicious Biryani. It’s a delivery-only canteen and boy does it make life easier when you just don’t want to go out nor do you have the energy to cook either. All you have to do is try Behrouz Biryani’s range of biryanis including Afghani Biryani, vegetable biryani, paneer biryani etc. You shall not be disappointed.
Cost: ₹800 for two approx.
12. House Of Charcoal Eats
Get flavourful Biryani, good quantities of it too and without breaking your bank here at Charcoal Eats. We swear by the Awadhi Biryani and Chicken Tikka Biryani. There are plenty of options for both Vegetarians and Non-vegetarians. Go crazy and tell us which is your favourite Biryani here! You can also call for the party packs here, suited for larger groups, to gorge on unapologetically.
Cost: ₹400 for two approx.
13. Lucky Restaurant
Think wide range of biryanis, great quantity and spot-on taste and you have Lucky Restaurant. What’s more, there are a lot of dishes and cuisines to check out and gorge on here instead of just biryanis. It’s the sort of place to take all your friends and family to so that you can try as many dishes as possible! Go for chicken biryani and mutton biryani. End the meal with a sweet and fluffy caramel custard or malai kulfi and you are all set.
Where: 9, Hill Rd, S.V. Road, Santosh Nagar, Bandra West
When: 9 AM to 1:30 AM
Cost: ₹400 for two approx.
14. Biryani Barbeque Chinese By Borivali Biryani Centre
Want to discover something new in Borivali that does Biryani as well as your cult favourites? Head to Biryani Barbeque Chinese By Borivali Biryani Centre. Their expansive menu, indulgent quantities and economical rates will definitely impress you. We recommend the Chicken Tikka Biryani, Chicken Dum Biryani, Mutton Biryani etc.
Where: Ground Floor, Shraddha Heights, Shop No 1B, Eksar Rd, OPP, Kamdhenu Society, Borivali West
When: 11:30 AM to 11:30 PM
Cost: ₹850 for two approx.
15. Rahat Darbar
Rahat Darbar in the Marol area serves a number of cuisines like Chinese, North Indian and Mughlai. It is not a huge restaurant but the food here is amazing. Some of the dishes you must try here are their Chicken and Mutton Biryani, they are heavenly. And while you’re at it, do try their Kebab dishes, especially the mutton kebabs. Also, the Chicken Shawarma is very popular among customers. It’s easy on the pocket too!
Where: Alpine Industrial Estate, Military Rd, opposite Mumbai Residency, Andheri East
When: 12 PM to 1 AM
Cost: ₹950 for two approx.
16. Birista
If you are in Navi Mumbai, don’t despair for Birista with its multiple outlets is going to make your mundane day a delicious one. With multiple lip-smacking biryanis to choose from, our money is on the Murgh Nawabi Biryani which is perfectly cooked in a mixture of yoghurt, and garam masala which is complemented by soft, melt-in-the-mouth chicken. Can we really ask for more?
Where: Shop 12, Bhramma, Plot 53, Palm Beach Rd, Sector 15, Navi Mumbai
When: 12 PM to 3:30 PM and 7 PM – 11:30 PM
Cost: ₹950 for two approx.
17. Dum Pukht, ITC Maratha
With a rich history behind it and the fact that Dum Pukht has been serving up a storm for the past 32 years, you sure as hell don’t want to miss out on their biryani. The iconic restaurant is popular for its Dum Pukht Biryani which has had people coming back for not second but third helpings. The fact that it is a mutton biryani goes to show that they care about the authenticity and the recipe hasn’t changed since the restaurant’s inception.
Where: ITC Maratha, Shankar Mandal Road, Ashok Nagar, Andheri East
When: 12 PM to 3 PM and 7 PM to 11:30 PM
Cost: ₹8,000 for two approx.
18. Kasbah Grand
This eatery in Goregaon is wildly popular for their Nawaabi Thaal which comes in at a whooping ₹10,800. And if you don’t have the appetite for a thaal that big then you can definitely make some space for their Murgh Mussalam Biryani which is an absolute delight to have. Trust me, you don’t want to miss out on this one.
Where: Top Floor, Chandiwala Arcade, New Link Rd, opp. Dmart, Motilal Nagar II, Goregaon West
When: 12 PM to 1 AM
Cost: ₹2,500 for two approx.
19. Kakori House
Here’s another reason to rejoice you can relish Kakori House’s delicacies at multiple outlets across the city. Honestly, nothing can beat their kebabs which are bound to remind you of the city of Nawabs, Lucknow. But we have a soft spot for their exquisite rice dish, the Dum Gosht Noormahal Biryani. Not only is the name of the dish a mouthful but so is the dish. With meatballs steeped along with the rice, this one’s a cracker!
Where: 4 & 5, Building 25, Linkway CHS, Meera Tower, Oshiwara, Andheri West., Mumbai, Maharashtra 400053
When: 11 AM to 11:45 PM
Cost: ₹1,900 for two approx.
20. Jyran, Sofitel
You can’t come to Mumbai and not head to Jyran in Sofitel, you just can’t. And the reason behind that is their Mutton Awadhi Biryani. Flavourful rice cooked with soft chunks of lamb and the most pristine spices. What’s not to love about it?
Where: C 57, G Block BKC, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra East
When: 12:30 PM to 3 PM and 7 PM to 11 PM
Cost: ₹4,000 for two approx.
21. Dewano Da Dhaba
If you find yourself wandering on an empty stomach in Versova, you need to make your way to Deewano Da Dhaba. With an exhaustive list of biryanis which will your mind confused mess, just do what the seasoned patrons do. Get yourself a portion of the Sikandari Raan Biryani. A complete meal in itself, this biryani is food for the mind and the soul.
Where: 204/A, Inlaks Nagar, Versova, Andheri West
When: 12 PM to 1 AM
Cost: ₹1,100 for two approx.
22. Shalimar
Shalimar, a legendary eatery on Mohammad Ali Road, Mumbai, is renowned for its exceptional biryani. This iconic spot has been serving fragrant, flavourful biryani for generations, captivating locals and tourists alike. The rich aroma of spices and the succulent meat within the fluffy rice create an unforgettable dining experience.
Where: Shalimar Restaurant, Bhendi Bazaar, Mandvi
When: 10 AM to 3 AM
Cost: ₹1,000 for two approx.
23. Chinese N Grill
Chinese N Grill on Mohammad Ali Road offers a unique dining experience with its fusion of Chinese and Indian flavours. While primarily known for its grilled skewers and Chinese dishes, the restaurant also serves a noteworthy biryani. This aromatic rice dish, infused with Indian spices and cooked with tender meat, provides a flavourful contrast to the Chinese specialities, making it a popular choice for those seeking a diverse culinary adventure.
Where: 122/132, Barkat Manzil, I.M. Merchant Road, Mohammed Ali Rd, near Minara Masjid
When: 12:30 PM to 1 AM
Cost: ₹1,100 for two approx.
24. Taste Of Hyderabad
Taste Of Hyderabad in Powai is a haven for lovers of authentic Hyderabadi cuisine. The restaurant’s star attraction is undoubtedly its biryani. This flavourful dish, meticulously prepared with fragrant basmati rice, succulent meat, and a blend of aromatic spices, offers a true taste of Hyderabad in the heart of Powai, captivating diners with its rich flavours and authentic presentation.
Where: Shop No. 01, Municipal School, near Tirandaz, Opposite IIT Main Gate, BSNL Colony, Powai
When: 12 PM to 3 PM and 6:30 PM to 12 AM
Cost: ₹500 for two approx.
25. Nischita NXT
Nischita NXT in Borivali is a restaurant that offers a contemporary twist on Indian cuisine. While known for its innovative dishes and elegant ambiance, the restaurant also serves a delectable biryani. This rendition, crafted with fragrant rice, tender meat, an array of seasonal vegetables, and a blend of subtle spices, provides a flavourful and satisfying experience of the classic dish.
Where: Holy Cross Rd, IC Colony Ext, Lal Bahadur Shastri Nagar, Dahisar West
When: 12 PM to 3 PM and 7 PM to 12 AM
Cost: ₹600 for two approx.
26. Biryani By Kilo
Biryani by Kilo is a unique dining experience where you can order biryani by the kilo, perfect for sharing with family and friends. Their signature dish, the biryani, is a culinary masterpiece. Prepared with high-quality ingredients and meticulous attention to detail, the biryani boasts fragrant rice, tender meat, and a symphony of spices, offering a truly indulgent feast.
Where: Multiple Locations
Cost: ₹250 for two approx.
27. Pride Kitchen Hyderabadi Biryani
Pride Kitchen Hyderabadi Biryani is renowned for its authentic Hyderabadi biryani, a dish that embodies the rich culinary heritage of the region. Fragrant basmati rice, succulent meat, and a symphony of aromatic spices come together in perfect harmony, creating a flavour explosion that will tantalise your taste buds.
Where: Multiple Locations
Cost: ₹500 for two approx.
28. Carter’s Blue
Carter’s Blue is a popular restaurant known for its diverse menu and vibrant atmosphere. While offering a wide range of cuisines, they also serve a delectable biryani. This aromatic dish, prepared with fragrant rice, succulent meat, and a blend of carefully selected spices, offers a flavourful and satisfying experience for those seeking a taste of Indian cuisine amidst a vibrant dining scene.
Where: Multiple locations
When: 12 PM to 12 AM
Cost: ₹1,200 for two approx.
29. Afzal Restaurant
Afzal Restaurant in Mazgaon is a local favourite, renowned for its authentic and flavourful dishes. Their biryani is a true highlight, a testament to traditional recipes. Prepared with fragrant basmati rice, tender meat, and a delicate blend of spices, this biryani offers a comforting and satisfying experience, transporting diners to the heart of Indian culinary traditions.
Where: XR9R+W5J, 9/A, Shop 36/37, Tulsiwadi, Shivdas Chapsi Marg, Building, Mazgaon, opposite Sai Niketan, Mazgaon
When: 11 AM to 1 AM
Cost: ₹700 for two approx.
30. Sahibaan
Sahibaan in Colaba offers a refined dining experience with a focus on Chinese and Mughlai cuisine. Their biryani is a testament to their culinary expertise. Prepared with fragrant basmati rice, succulent meat, and a delicate blend of spices, this biryani is a symphony of flavours, offering a truly unforgettable dining experience.
Where: Alipur Trust Building, Colaba Causeway, near Kailash Prabhat Hotel, Railway Colony, Apollo Bandar, Colaba
When: 11 AM to 1 AM
Cost: ₹1,500 for two approx.
We’re sure that we haven’t covered all the best biryani joints in Mumbai in this article. Know a really cool biryani place? Please drop a word regarding the same in the comments section below.
Cover Image Credits: Canva Pro Images
With inputs from Tooba Shaikh and Aman Shah.
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