2. Jaffer Bhai’s Delhi Darbar, Mumbai Titled the ‘Biryani King of Bombay’, this Mumbai institution dishes out royal mutton boti and ghosht dum biryanis that are both rich and deeply satisfying.
3. Lalla Biryani, Lucknow Lalla ji still personally serves steaming plates of biryani — slow-cooked with woodfire, traditional Awadhi spices, and soulful hospitality.
5. Rahmath Hotel, Kozhikode A Malabar legend — their mutton biryani is light yet deeply flavourful, layered with ghee rice and coastal spices that make it unforgettable.
6. Kayees, Mattancherry, Kochi Every bite of Kayikka’s biryani is a tribute to Kochi’s rich culinary heritage — soft mutton, slow-cooked rice, and that hint of caramelised onions.
7. Babu Shahi Bawarchi, Delhi Tucked away from the spotlight, this humble joint wins hearts with biryani made using hand-ground spices and a secret masala that’s rich, bold, and uniquely personal.
8. Shivaji Military Hotel, Bengaluru A cult favourite for its mutton biryani, this iconic spot serves fiery naati-style biryani in a donne (areca leaf bowl) — rustic, aromatic, and unforgettable.
9. Kappa Chakka Kandhari, Chennai Serving authentic Thalassery biryani made with short-grained rice, ghee, and delicate spices, this spot brings Kerala’s coastal warmth to your plate, one soulful spoon at a time.
10. Shahghouse, Hyderabad Beyond the Irani chai and melt-in-mouth kebabs, Shahghouse serves Hyderabadi dum biryani with some of the longest-grain rice and perfectly marinated meat you’ll ever taste.