5 restaurants to eat the best Biryani in Dubai.

Biryani is a pot of celebrations. It is truly a dish to deal with everything in life! Dubai is home to the cream of all the cuisines. Among the rich delicacies offered in this city, Biryani is the king! The best part of this dish is its multiple renditions and variations as per region. This makes Biryani a never-ending exploration of flavors. Locals and tourists alike look for the best biryani in Dubai. The search is arduous if you do not know where to look. This blog solves your top Biryani-hunting in Dubai! 

Dubai Local knows everything about Dubai, and now that you have found us, so do you. If you are here, wondering, “Where do I get the best biryani near me?” Scroll and choose from the best restaurants we have curated for you. 

The flavourful history of one-pot-dish—Biryani.

The crowd’s favorite rice and meat-laden dish, Biryani, has a history as rich as its flavors. There is debate on who invented biryani, but most sources point to the Persian influence on the Mughals and their reign in the Indian subcontinent during the 16th century. Other stories include Arab traders on the Malabar coast, and some say that Mumtaz invented the dish for Mughal soldiers. We say, whoever did, a big thanks to them! 

The word ‘Birian,’ Persian in origin, is the mother of the word ‘Biryani’. Going with the story with the most credibility that the Mughals did bring Biryani to India, it is said that they combined Pilaf with Indian spices, and the result was an earlier version of Biryani. Mughals were known for throwing lavish gatherings. It was here that Biryani was introduced as a royal dish. Ever since then, the dish has traveled throughout the continent. It reached Dubai in the 20th century through Indians and Pakistanis living in the UAE. Travelers from these countries also play a significant role in making Biryani globally popular. Now, there are several biryani restaurants in Dubai where you can have the authentic royal dish! 

Restaurants to enjoy the best Biryani in Dubai. 

When you crave a dish as flavourful and historic as Biryani, it is vital to have it at the best restaurants. We have curated a fantastic list of places to eat the best biryani in Dubai. Read below and get on with your biryani hunt. 

1. Gharana

‘Gharana’ means a household. It refers to a family living under a roof where professional skills such as music and cooking are passed down through the generations. India, where the restaurant originates, has multiple gharans, such as Jaipur, Lucknow, etc. This place is a must-visit on our list of the best biryani restaurants in Dubai. Dining at Gharana is an experience because of the royalty served here. The restaurant’s interior makes the diners feel they have stepped into a king’s courtroom, a perfect feeling for their royal heritage-themed siting. 

Recommended Biryani: Choosa Keema Biryani– This is Gharana’s signature biryani. It is cooked with spring chicken (choosa) and finely minced mutton (keema) in Lucknowi style. The dish is topped with fried onions and fresh coriander; it is a royal Mughal delicacy you must try.   

Location: Al Barsha 1, Dubai.

Timings: 6:00 PM to 12:00 AM (Sunday to Thursday)

6:00 PM to 1:00 AM (Weekend)

Phone: +9714704 0806

Average price: AED 275 for two people.

2. Jaffer Bhai’s- The Biryani King Of Mumbai

This beautiful biryani place began as a catering center in 1915 in Mumbai by Gulam Mohammed Mansuri. The first restaurant was opened in 1973 by a descendant of the family, Jaffer Gulam Mansuri. In 2014, he established Jaffer Bhai’s in Dubai. It has been voted and is hugely popular as the best biryani in Dubai. The restaurant is also very well-known for the beautiful staff service provided here. This is a win-win; the food is great, and the service is excellent! 

Recommended Biryani: Mutton Biryani—Long grains of basmati rice are cooked with juicy, fresh mutton and soft potatoes. The biryani is infused with mild spices and saffron to enhance its richness. Jaffer Bhai’s make this delicacy the dum way! The dish is sealed with hot charcoal, and dum (steam) is produced to lock in the rich, aromatic flavors. The result is smoky, flavorful, and mouth-melting mutton biryani. 

Location: Opposite Karama Civil Defence City, Dubai.

Timings: 11.30 AM to 12.00 AM (Sunday to Thursday)

11.30 AM to 12.30 AM (Weekend)

Phone: +97143426467

Average price: AED 185 for two people.

3. Calicut Paragon

Ranked #11th, the World’s most legendary restaurant, Calicut Paragon is an exquisite culinary experience we recommend every biryani lover have. This restaurant was established in 1939. The use of authentic spices and traditional cooking methods takes the diners of Paragon back to Kerela’s aromatic streets. Multiple awards have been presented to the restaurant for its culinary expertise and continuous awe-inspiring service. It is currently one of the top biryani restaurants in Dubai, under the mentorship of Sumesh Govind, the flavor-magician! 

Recommended Biryani: Special Malabar Prawns Biryani—Thin aromatic rice, ‘Khaima,’ cooked with juicy prawns and saffron milk results in the biryani of dreams! This biryani is cooked in the authentic Malabar style, giving the true coastal flavors a place on the plate. 

Location: Al Nahda 2, Dubai.

Timings: 7:00 AM to 12:00 AM (Everyday) 

Phone: +97142512545

Average price: AED 120 for two people.

4. Art Of Dum

This biryani restaurant uses the original Dum Pukht cooking method. If you want to have biryani the way the Mughals did, this is the place! The restaurant serves one of the best biryani in Al Barsha. The Dum Pukht method involves slow-cooking the rice dish with a heavy flat-button utensil. The utensil is made of clay and covered to keep the steam in for cooking. This method makes dishes like biryani, dals, etc. Dal Makhani is one of the signature dishes of Art of Dum, and it is cooked for over 24 hours! 

Recommended Biryani: Yakhni Dum Gosht Biryani— Basmati rice cooked in the traditional dum pukht way with lamb,  mace, rose, and kewra. This biryani is made in a handi (clay pot). The rim of the handi is covered with flour to trap the steam and cook. This juicy, strong-flavored, and soul-filling Yakhni Dum Gosht biryani is a must-try for everyone visiting Art of Dum. 

Location: Al Barsha, Dubai.

Timings: 11:30 AM to 1:00 AM (Weekdays)

11:30 AM to 2:00 AM (Weekend) 

Phone: +971521342905

Average price: AED 120 for two people.

5. Sthan

This lively family restaurant is home to Hindustan, Pakistan & Afghanistan cuisine. It serves mouth-watering authentic food and is kid-friendly! ‘Sthan’ means a place, and just like its name, this restaurant is the perfect place for experiencing food beyond borders. It is one of the top places to enjoy the best biryani in Karama. 

Recommended Biryani: Bombay Anda Biryani— Bombay-style masala biryani with eggs, cooked to perfection. This is the dish for all egg lovers! The biryani is made with basmati rice, onions, tomatoes, and soft potatoes. Desi masaley from Mumbai (Bombay earlier) is used to bring this biryani to life. 

Location: Al Karama, Dubai

Timings: 12:00 PM to 11:30 pm (All of the days)

Phone: +97143997775

Average Price: AED 155 for two people. 

Summing it up!

This city offers multiple options for biryani lovers. With numerous top biryani restaurants from Meena Bazaar to Dubai Mall and Jumeirah, the city keeps providing you with places to have the best biryani in Dubai. Visit the places mentioned in our blog, and tell us which one you liked the best. Dubai Local is your partner when you are in Dubai! Check out our website and discover more hidden treasures in the UAE.