India is a country that has a wide range of flavors from all the parts. Different types of cuisines and meals evolve to produce more distinguished recipes. And one such elaborating dish is Biryani. We all know how popular and delicious is Indian Biryani as we cannot get even a substitute for it in other countries. Biryani is not only confined to India but is now globally accepted. People from other countries visit India to have the exact experience of consuming the hot and tempting recipe. In this blog, we will know about different types of Biryanis, origin of Biryani, and the ingredients. Also, we will be listing out a few special biryanis of India.

History of Biryani

Biryani, such a single and simple word, has a long and puzzling history. Although its origin is not documented, people who have been making Biryani for years narrate different stories.
According to the legends, Biryani has come from Persia, known as Brian, which means fried before cooking, and Birinj, known as rice. People say that Mughals bought the Biryani to India and were further evolved in the Royal Mughal Kitchen.
There is also a story that reveals the belonging to the Mughals as Mumtaz Mahal, wife of Shah Jahan, once visited the army barrack, and she found many soldiers looked malnourished. So, to provide a balanced diet to the soldiers, she asked the chef to prepare a dish with rice and meat. Biryani was then prepared for the soldiers to maintain a properly balanced diet.
Whereas other legends say that Biryani was bought to India by the Turk-Mongol conqueror, Taimur. At that time, Biryani was prepared in the earthen pots.

How many types of Biryanis are there in India?

There are different types of Biryanis in India that the citizens and even outsiders love.
The list of Biryani is as follows:

1) Lucknowi Biryani

There is no way you are Indian if you have not tried Lucknowi Biryani at least once in your life. The colors and aroma in the plate of Lucknowi Biryani directly take you to the door of heaven, and having the first bite of the Biryani is what you are enjoying the paradise of flavors. The delicious, balanced spices absorbed by the rice are its specialty, and the tender and juicy mutton make it a complete meal. It is prepared using the Dum Biryani recipe, also known as Awadhi Biryani, which is more earthy and less in spices. The Biryani is supposed to be eaten with curry as Biryani is less intense. Being less in spice is its authenticity.

2) Kolkata Biryani

Another special type of Biryani in India is from the City of Joy. Just like Lucknow, Kolkata is a place that has vast Biryani varieties. To know and explore the city, you have to try out their Biryani. Biryani preparation in Kolkata is slightly different from others as they use boiled potatoes or eggs in their Biryani with mutton. They believe that adding potatoes or eggs gives it uniqueness and extra flavor. Again, the spices are subtle, and rice is usually cooked in desi ghee with a few drops of Kewra water for the aroma.

3) Hyderabadi Biryani

It’s impossible if we talk about Biryani and do not mention the famous Hyderabadi Biryani. The Nizams of Hyderabad introduced the dish to the city, and Biryani is now one of the major dishes of Hyderabad. People from different states order Hyderabadi Biryani or call the chefs to make it on special occasions. You cannot know the craze behind the Biryani until you have it. The difference it creates is the high number of spices, and also, it is heavy. Though it is also prepared using the Dum technique like Lucknowi, it is a lot spicier and has strong flavors. Hyderabadi Biryani is a little tangy as it contains a nice amount of yogurt and lemon in it.

4) Bombay Biryani

Bombay Biryani is the finest of all in terms of spices. You might be unfamiliar with the fact, but Bombay Biryani is one of the special Biryanis in India. They generally use 2 techniques in making the Biryani: the Dum technique and layering technique. They add boiled potatoes and other vegetables to give the extra flavor, even in mutton or chicken biryani.

5) Thalassery Biryani

Thalassery Biryani is a type of Biryani that comes from the Thalassery cuisine from Kerela. The Biryani is a combination of Persian, Arabian, Indian, European styles of cooking. Instead of using Basmati rice, Thalaserry Biryani is cooked with Jeerakasala rice. It is a special type of Muslim Biryani as it has Mughal touch in it that is loved by the Muslim community of South India. Also, Biryani is an exotic dish for the people of Kerala.

6) Ambur Biryani

Among all the different Chicken Biryani varieties from Tamil Nadu, Ambur Biryani stands out with exceptional delectable taste. It is one of the famous Chicken Biryani in South India. The Biryani is made of Jeera Samba rice that gives it a royal taste cannot be replaced by the Basmati rice.

7) Dindigul Biryani

Another palatable Biryani from Tamil Nadu is one of the best Biryani recipes you need to try out once in your life. The rice used to make Dindigul Biryani is Sreeraga Samba Rice, also known as Parakkum Situ. Nagaswamy Naidu chose the variety to make the Biryani unique. The rice and meat together melt in the mouth as if it is cotton candy.

8) Chettinad Biryani

Like Dindigul Biryani, Chettinad Biryani is also made with Sreeraga Samba Rice, but the key ingredient they use to make Chettinad Biryani different from other forms is coconut milk. Cooking Chettinad Biryani with coconut milk gives thick consistency to the mixture prepared for the meat or chicken and adds a fresh and subtle taste.

9) Beary Biryani

Beary Biryani is a Mangalorean Muslim Biryani that is usually made in Karnataka. The Beary word is derived from the Byara that means trade and business. It is a specialty in the Beary community as it has a different pungent taste. The main ingredients of this Biryani are green chilies, coconut which is used in excessive amounts. Also, rice and chicken are cooked separately for hours. And this is the delicacy prepared.

10) Delhi Biryani

The Delhi Biryani is influenced by the Lucknowi Biryani and is known as Kache gosht ki biryani. In Delhi Biryani, meat is cooked first with spices and curd, and the mixture is then layered over the rice and kept under the flame for Dum. Garnishing with Kewra water and lots of coriander and mints completes the dish.

I cannot exactly tell that how many types of Biryanis are there in the World? But, the best and delicious Biryanis from India are mentioned above. Do let us know which one is your favorite and which one would you like to have?