The amazingly rich culinary landscape that Chennai provides is a food lover’s paradise, and without a doubt, biryani holds a very special place in the food culture of this city. The best biryani in Chennai isn’t at all just about taste; it remains in history and regional flavours. From Mughlai spices to Hyderabadi dum techniques and the rather more subdued and fragrant Chettinad version, each plate tells a story. Join us as we take you on a journey through some of the must-try varieties and what makes each one unique, tempting, and unforgettable.
The Chennai Biryani scene is an absolute allure.
Biryani in Chennai is not a mere dish but an experience that brings people together. The best biryani in Chennai does not culminate in one particular style but is diversified to suit one and all tastes. Each brings along its flavours, varieties of rice, and choice of ingredients. If you are an Ambur, Dindigul, or even a heavy Mughlai biryani lover, the list never ends.
There is that secret gem in every Chennai neighbourhood catering to those who want an exciting, subtle spiciness or a bold, layered flavour. Let’s look at some of the popular types of biryani in the city to discover what makes them stand out and why locals and visitors love them.
Various Types of Biryani in Chennai that You Must Try
Ambur Biryani
One more speciality is Ambur Biryani, which is available in every corner of the Tamil Nadu region. This particular biryani is prepared with small-grain rice, usually steerage samba, and is mixed with tender pieces of mutton or chicken. Low on spice, soft-tasting biryani, Ambur Biryani is perfect for those who avoid spicy flavours. Ambur Biryani has very few masalas; instead, it is the meat and rice that dominate it. It is simple and has a unique combination of rice with juicy meat that makes it memorable.
Dindigul Biryani
Dindigul Biryani is another favourite style, and a distinct flavour and sour yoghurt are used in the preparation. The Biryani is made using samba rice and is famous for its tiny, fragrant grains. The zest from the marination done with curd, spices, and pepper has infused a distinct zest within it. This biryani style is very aromatic and has a punchy, peppery taste. This difference can be attributed to the yoghurt-based marinade, which attracts those who love a bit of tanginess in their rice.
Chettinad Biryani
Chettinad is known for spicy, delicately flavoured dishes, and Chettinad Biryani is no exception. Prepared with aromatic spices that include star anise, cinnamon, and cloves, the biryani is almost a treat for all senses. The pungent masalas imparted to the rice and meat make it even more of a hit for those who can bear a little heating up of their meal. Boiled eggs, cooling raita, or spicy gravy go so well with Chettinad Biryani that it would remain a meal to remember for anyone looking to sample true Tamil flavours.
Hyderabadi Biryani
Even though it was originally a Hyderabadi dish, this biryani has quickly captured the hearts of hundreds of people in Chennai. The distinctive dum style of its preparation owes to how Hyderabadi Biryani sees fragrant basmati rice coated with marinated meat slowly roasted to perfection. The combination of spices, saffron, and fried onions gives those rich flavours that lend an elusive aroma to this biryani, making one go mouth-watering. Hyderabadi Biryani would be apt for lovers who love a richness-spiced biryani that is aromatic and flavourful at the same time.
Mughlai Biryani
Biryani was first popularised in India by the Mughal emperors but has now become a speciality item in Chennai. This biryani is said to be rich with a creamy texture and mild spiciness of an aromatic flavour. Filled with a combination of spices and yoghurt, the meat used in Mughlai Biryani is soft and full of flavours that melt into the mouth every time. Served mainly with boiled eggs and raita, this version of biryani serves well for those who like a much lesser-fragrant spicy food aroma that is basically aromatic.
Important ingredients that make Chennai’s Biryani so unique
The biryani that Chennai is known for is noticeable because of the use of a certain kind of rice and a special spice mix. Especially when preparing Ambur and Dindigul regional biryanis, this very special samba rice is used, whereas basmati is used for Hyderabadi and Mughlai versions. This unique combination of spices, including star anise, cloves, and cardamom, gives an unparalleled depth of aroma and taste, thereby making Chennai biryani a culinary delight to sense. Due to yoghurt marinades, meat can be softened; spices balance out, and flavours are enhanced if used.
The Chennai biryani comes with various side dishes that go well with the flavour of biryani. One of the favourite yoghurt-based dishes, onions and cucumber, go very well with biryani to lessen its spice level. Papad and pickles are popular accompaniments that provide a satisfying crunch, completing the biryani experience with a nice play of contrasts.
Order the Best Biryani in Chennai through Swiggy
Biryani in Chennai transcends age and class, for every person in the city has a favourite. It is the dish at each celebration enjoyed by people cut from all sections of society. From family gatherings to casual weekend indulgences, biryani unifies people through its irresistible flavour and aromas. The sheer variety of biryani available in Chennai makes it a destination for food lovers, where every style tells a story of history, culture, and a love for good food.
In a culturally diverse city like Chennai, where one would never be too far from the best biryani in Chennai, it’s become easy to have it delivered to your doorstep. Swiggy, bringing the best option for spicy Chettinad biryani or aromatic Hyderabadi dum biryani from local restaurants, is now here. Download the Swiggy app today and discover a world of biryani options from local restaurants and savour their favourite flavours in just minutes.
