Biryani is indeed a revered dish in a nation like India. Particularly, when it comes to Kolkata, the people out here have a penchant for Aloo Biryani (Biryani with potato in it). Since Bengalis are already voracious foodies, they find Biryani one of the tastiest delicacies so far.
In fact, you will find a Biryani shop at every hop, skip and jump while wandering about the city of joy. Try them out. And it will become really tricky for you to say which is ” The Best Biryani in Kolkata”, and that’s for sure.
Grapevine has it that Wajid Ali Shah, the last emperor of the Awadh region, replaced meat in Biryani with eggs and potatoes simply to curtail costs. Since he had to continue feeding a lot of people even after his lands were confiscated by the British, he found it a bit difficult to afford meat at that time.
On the flip side, it is also believed that in the past only the well-heeled society could buy with-meat Biryanis unlike the downtrodden classes. Hence, to make Biryani accessible to them as well, eggs and potatoes were added later on to the amazing Kolkata Biryani.
Well, whatever the historical sagas are related to the Kolkata Biryani, don’t miss out on visiting these trending Biryani places in Kolkata, the next time you are in this grand metropolis.
Best places to enjoy the famous Kolkata Biryani
For kolkatans, Biryani is not just a food, its an emotion. In fact, there are many small eateries that serves Biryani and therefore you can consider it as a street food in Kolkata. However when it comes to serving the best Biryani in Kolkata, these are the trending places and restaurants that you may like to consider.
Aminia
Teaming up Chap with Biryani is so far the best combination one can ever gorge onto. In case you are also someone like that, then, come to Aminia and that too without failure. Established in 1929, this eatery prepares lip-smacking mutton Pasinda Kebab and that’s where they are different.
You can try that out with their flavorsome Biryani and the taste that you will get in return will simply be out of this world. In fact, revered gourmets across the city have admitted that the quality of meat and rice they comply with is superb.
Once you nosh the Biryani out here, you will find that it’s mildly spiced and the mutton is cooked really well. It is for this reason that many people consider Aminia to serve ”The Best Biryani in Kolkata”, yep, the taste is truly awesome.
Dada Boudi Biryani, Barrackpore
Dada Boudi Biryani embarked on their journey either in 2001 or 2002 with a zeal to serve only the finest Biryani in Barrackpore, a well-known suburb of Kolkata. Within a short time, their popularity reached its pinnacle, as they generally fill their customers’ platter with gigantic pieces of meat like nowhere else.
In fact, each of the mutton or chicken pieces weighs between 180-200 gm, that’s pretty big, right? Besides, give a bite to the potatoes that come with them and they’ll instantly melt in your mouth. And you know the best part?
All the flavors of spices and meat get incorporated into these potatoes, hence, making them exceptionally toothsome like this. So, this time I tasted a really unique Biryani at the Dada Boudi Biryani shop.
Arsalan
Situated in the Park Circus area, Arsalan is yet another Biryani joint, serving delicious versions of Biryani to their customers. Once you turn up here, you will see that a hell lot of people are overcrowding the eatery, awaiting their turn to have the Kolkata Biryani.
Coming to their Menu, it is as versatile as their flair to experiment with Biryanis with each passing day. Starting from mutton Biryani, Chicken Biryani, Egg Biryani to that of Vegetarian variants, you will literally come across a diverse range of Biryani options to dig into.
Particularly, the meat out here is very soft and succulent served along with flavorsome rice. And, this one combo will compel you to come back to Arsalan time and again.
That apart, they also serve an array of vegetarian and non-vegetarian gravies, luscious kebabs as well as mouth-watering gravies to satisfy your tummy to the full. A cherry on the top would be the palatable rolls that they offer. And it’s definitely the pivotal point of attraction for which so many people come to this restaurant every day.
What’s more, as an eatery, Arsalan is also quite big and has two individual spacious floors. So, if you are planning a full-course dine-out session with your friends or family, then, Arsalan, Beniapukur or Park Circus is where you should be heading towards this time.
Oudh 1590
Want to have Biryani somewhere that seems outright regal and opulent? Then, come to Oudh 1590, either solo or in the companion of your besties, kids or parents. The moment you enter, you will feel like going back to the bygone times, when Nawabs and their chefs would indulge in a gastronomic extravaganza every single day.
The entire space has been embellished from the heart and soul, hence, exudes an aesthetic appeal all around. In fact, you will get to taste here some of the choicest Awadhi cuisines ever that you probably haven’t tasted before.
Aside from serving mouth-watering Biryani to their customers, the one specialty that sets Oudh 1590 apart from other trending biryani places in Kolkata is their succulent Kebabs. Pair it up with Biryani and you will get that heavenly taste inside your mouth.
India Restaurant
India Restaurant is undoubtedly one of the most prominent Biryani shops in Kolkata. It is particularly located in Khidirpur and serves delicately spiced Biryani to all their customers.
Apart from that, you will get many other delectable dishes out here, but Biryani has what made them predominantly famous. More so, Mutton Boti Kebab, Chicken Tandoori Masala and Shahi Tudka are some of other delicacies that you must try, when dining at India Restaurant.
However, there is one distinguished foodstuff that everyone craves for in this restaurant right after their Biryani. And it is the mouth-watering Haleem, boiled chana dal and meat cooked with flavorsome spices.
On top of everything, Kolkatans love the Kacchi Biryani that India Restaurant offers and it’s definitely worth giving a try. It is an exclusive version of Biryani garnished with eggs and dry fruits and it gives off a smoky flavor all the time.
All in all, you will come out with a satisfied tummy and heart every time you fine-dine at India Restaurant.
Nizam
Although, Nizam’s pivotal point of attraction has always been their kebabs and kathi rolls. But, of late this eatery is also serving scrumptious Biryani to their customers.
Besides, it is pertinent to mention that the space over there is quite small. Hence, sitting and enjoying your Biryani at Nizam would be a bit of a hassle.
Hence, it’s always better to go for a takeaway meal and nosh that with your family or friends. Particularly, chicken Biryani lovers would fall in love with this place as they serve the best version of this Biryani unlike others.
Combine that with their Chicken Reshmi Kebabs to get the best dining experience ever.
Shiraz
Came into being in 1970, Shiraz has been serving mind-blowing Biryani to consumers for generations to come. In fact, it is the delicious Lucknowi Biryani they serve for which Shiraz has become so reputable in due course.
If you want you can also team up Mutton-Chicken Chap with this amazing version of Biryani. And that’s enough to tantalize your taste buds. Right now, this restaurant has six different wings spread all over the city.
However, the one that is located in Park Street is undoubtedly the most well-known, attracting an influx of customers every single day.
Time to order Kolkata Biryani from the place of your choice
Whether you are famished in the middle of the noon just before lunch or feeling like treating yourself with something really delicious, when you are out here, you must try out the famous Kolkata Biryani. Check out these seven revered Biryani shops in Kolkata mentioned above. And visit them whenever you feel like indulging in a satiating Biryani feast.