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Where to find the best biryani in Mumbai?

Last updated on: October 28, 2015 18:41 IST

Mini Ribeiro lists her 10 fav biryani places in Mumbai.

Zaffran Chicken Biryani

Photograph: Courtesy Zaffran

Looking for the best Biryani in Mumbai? Here are my 10 favourite places in the city.

Zaffran

A must visit place if, like me, you love biryani. The Zaffran Chicken Biryani (Rs 395) here is irresistible.

Basmati rice slow cooked on dum with saffron milk and succulent morsels of chicken, results in an unparalleled gourmet experience.

The unique cooking style is what sets it apart, imparting the aroma and flavours to this biryani. Consistently good. I can never tire of this one!

Where: Several outlets across Mumbai in Crawford Market, Lower Parel, Bandra.

Neel-Tote on the Turf

Kacche Gosht Ki Dum Biryani

Photograph: Courtesy Neel-Tote on the Turf

For mutton lovers, this is a must try. Kacche Gosht Ki Dum Biryani (Rs 885) is a sublime gastronomic experience.

The aroma fills your nostrils even before you bite into the melt-in-the-mouth mutton pieces and flavourful rice with a medley of spices. Given the portion size, I am full easily, but can never have enough of this. Pure indulgence, this one is.

Where: Mahalaxmi Race course, Mahalaxmi, Mumbai

Monkey’s Bar & Restaurant

Jackfruit Biryani

Photograph: Courtesy Monkey Bar & Restaurant

Whoever said vegetarian biryani is boring, needs to try this one. The Jackfruit Biryani (Rs 380) served with raw apple raita and boondi is a gourmand’s delight.

I love the texture and the bite there is to the jackfruit pieces in the biryani. With this on my table, I don’t miss a mutton biryani. Vegetarian rules.

Where: Sumerville, Junction of 14th and 33rd Road, Linking Road, Bandra West, Mumbai

Jai Hind Lunch Home

Photograph: Ranveer Allahbadia @beerbiceps93

For Mumbaikars, there is nothing like lip-smacking sea food. The Prawns Biryani (Rs 290) made in the Konkan style, replete with spices, is a delight for the palate.

The prawns generously thrown in are soft and luscious. This biryani is undoubtedly one of the best in the city and my all-time weakness. If you have this on a Sunday for lunch, you’ll attain nirvana thereafter.

Where: Dr. Ambedkar Road, Pali Naka, Pali Hill, Bandra West, Mumbai

Hangla’s

Photograph: siddhu2020/Creative Commons

If the Awadhi style biryani from Bengal, is your calling, don’t miss the Chicken Biryani (Rs 190) here.

The roasted piece of chicken, boiled egg, potato and the fragrant biryani rice, makes for a comforting and filling meal which is value for money. The Bong in me can never say no to this biryani.

Where: With several outlets across Mumbai, you can opt for the one closest to you.

Ammi’s Biryani

Photograph: Courtesy Ammi's Biryani

It is the longing for a Hyderabadi biryani replete with well-marinated chicken, spices, less oil, that leads me to this eatery.

My favourite is the Hyderabadi Murg Biryani (Rs 225) because of the spice levels, which leave me craving for more. Well-presented, it is appealing both, to the eyes and the taste buds.

Where: Innumerable QSRs, all over Mumbai. Website: http://www.ammisbiryani.com/

Hotel Fountain Plaza

Photograph: Miansari66/Wikimedia Commons

It is tricky to prepare a Fish Biryani (Rs 150), but this place does a mouth-watering one. The fish is flaky, and the rice, aromatic. And yes, fiery too. Go for it if you can handle the spice quotient. I love it.

Where: Standard Plaza Chamber, near Handloom House Police Chowki, Fort, Mumbai.

Olympia Coffee House

Photograph: Courtesy Rajinder Singh

Yes, indeed, sounds strange, but one of the best Mutton Biryani (Rs 140) can be relished at this eatery. The mutton is marinated and cooked to perfection and the rice meshes well with it, perking your taste buds with every spoonful.

Where: Rahim Mansion, S.B. Road, Colaba, Mumbai

Borivali Biryani Centre

Photograph: Sartak Mane @ Borivli Biryani Centre

I can never decide which one I love more. The Mutton Keema Biryani (Rs 210) or the Egg Biryani (Rs 140)? Both are equally delectable,well-made and satiating.

Always packed, this place maybe modest in its appearance, but the biryanis are the star.

Where: 25-28, Aditya Apartment, Shimpoli, Chikuwadi, Borivali West, Mumbai

Times of Biryani

Lahori Sheekh Biryani, Times of Biryani

Photograph: Courtesy Times of Biryani

Last but definitely not the least, a newly opened take away and home delivery joint, which has taken my taste buds by storm.

The Murgh Mussallam Biryani (Rs 225) has layers of chicken kheema and tandoori chicken ensconced between flavourful biryani rice. The biryani is not very spicy and yet, palate-tickling. That’s what got my vote.

Another must-try here is the Murgh Lahori Sheekh Biryani (Rs 245) with Hot, Spicy Lahori Sheekh! Quite unusual I thought. This biryani is available in chicken and lamb too. With generous portions and finest quality ingredients, this one is set to rock Mumbai.

Where: Shop 1/A, Gurunagar, Four Bungalows signal junction, Andheri West Mumbai

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