What is Biryani?

Biryani is a mixed rice dish originating among the Muslims of the Indian subcontinent. It is made with Indian spices, rice, and usually some type of meat (chicken, beef, goat, lamb, prawn, and fish), or in some cases without any meat, and sometimes, in addition, eggs and potatoes.

Biryani is one of the most popular dishes in South Asia, as well as among the diaspora from the region. Similar dishes are also prepared in other parts of the world such as in Iraq, Myanmar, Thailand, and Malaysia. Biryani is the single most-ordered dish on Indian online food ordering and delivery services and has been labeled as the most popular dish overall in India.

The term biryani comes from the Farsi phrase birinj biriyan, “fried rice.” Rice is fried separately until about half-cooked, usually in oil or ghee, and then placed in a pot along with marinated meat or vegetables and spices. Biryani was first recorded in India in the Deccan region of the south, suggesting that it was brought there by merchants via a sea route. Biryani has since spread to all parts of the Indian subcontinent, with numerous local and regional variations. Varieties of biryani are also found in Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Thailand, and Oman.