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. Pak Liyari

Pak Liyari is the Pakistani biryani restaurant you have been looking for to relish some rice-ladden meat dishes. The major difference between Pakistani and Indian food is spices. If you are a meat lover, go for Pakistani food, and Pak Liyari is the perfect place. The restaurant is immensely popular, and even though they accept walk-ins, reserving a table beforehand would guarantee you a spot here! 

Recommended Biryani: Beef Biryani: If you eat beef and are a meat lover, you must try this biryani. The beef is cooked with Pakistani spices and green chillies, making the meat reach its potential. The biryani is savoury and has fragrant rice, garnished with fried onions, ghee, and herbs. It is served with pickled onions and raita. 

Location: Multiple locations, including Al Fahidi, Al Nahda, etc. 

Timings: 11:00 AM to 1:00 AM (Ful week)

Phone: +97142216970

Average price: AED 45 for two people.

3. Deccan Biryani

Deccan Biryani opened in 2015, but the story behind this restaurant is one of inspiration and love. This biryani restaurant is inspired by the founder’s grandfather’s restaurant, named Jubilee. Jubilee operated in 1980 and was shut down a year later. Years of research, effort and love have established Deccan Biryani in Dubai. The restaurant serves authentic dum and Hyderadi biryani and pays tribute to Jubliee. It is a treat to eat at this restaurant.

Recommended Biryani: Talawa Mutton Biryani: This mouth-watering biryani has slow-cooked mutton, authentic Gulf aromatics, and fragrant basmati rice covering the juicy mutton. Each bite is perfectly spiced and served with onion raita (optional). The biryani has a coriander garnish for freshness and a herby tint. 

Location: Hor Al Anz and Al Nahda.

Timings: 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM (Monday to Thursday)

12:00 PM to 11:30 PM (Friday to Sunday)

Phone: +97142507473

Average price: AED 130 for two people.

4. Behrouz Biryani

Welcome to the land of Indo-Pak cuisine! Behrouz Biryani is a well-known name globally and having it in Dubai makes sense since Dubai is the hub of culinary gems. If you are looking for delicious classics or mind-blowing creative biryanis, this restaurant is among the best to offer biryani in Dubai. The restaurant provides delivery options as well. Having a party with some locals? Show off your authentic biryani likeness and be the light of that party! 

Recommended Biryani: Gosht Roganjosh Biryani (newly launched): When we say we love creative food that does not eradicate the traditional roots but grows with authenticity, we mean this biryani dish! This biryani features soft mutton (bone-in) cooked in conventional roganjosh curry. Once done, the meat is covered with beautiful basmati rice and given dum, making it smoky and perfect to feast on. The dish is garnished and served with creamy raita. It comes with gulab jamun for the sweet craving after finishing your biryani. 

Location: Al Karama, Dubai.

Timings: 10:00 AM to 4:00 AM (Full week)

Phone: +97142471111

Average price: AED 100 for two people.

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

This beautiful biryani place began as a catering centre 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. 

6. 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. 

7. 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. 

8. Mister Biryani Restaurant

Mister Biryani is a must-visit for seafood lovers. This biryani restaurant is known for its seafood biryanis, and the combination of salty, soft fish meat with fragrant biryani rice is just the kind of comfort you need! It is one of Dubai’s most reasonably priced restaurants for a good biryani. Mister Biryani is a local’s favourite and if you are on a vacation in Dubai, ordering from here is the perfect plan for a night-in. 

Recommended Biryani: Fish Dum Biryani: Tender and succulent fish fillets are marinated and slow-cooked for this biryani. The rice used is premium basmati rice. Cooked with authentic aromatics, the biryani is sealed and given dum. It is garnished with fried onions, coriander, and mint for the finish. 

Location: Deira, Dubai.

Timings: 8:00 AM to 12:00 AM (Whole week) 

Phone: +971521551445

Average price: AED 40 for two people.

9. 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. 

10. Gazebo

If you want to feast on authentic Mughal flavours from India, Gazebo is the restaurant to visit. This restaurant aims to bring forward the true Indian flavours of the Mughal age when biryani became what it is today. The restaurant is famous for its elongated menu and royal serving. Just like its serving, the biryani options are royal, too. You can find biryanis flavoured with kesar (saffron) and other such gems of spices. It is a must-visit for all who love food and like exploring different cuisines. 

Recommended Biryani:  Murgh Reshmi Kebab Biryani: This biryani features the most mouth-melting reshmi kebabs, which are chargrilled to be smoky and savoury. These juicy kebabs are layered with a signature sauce and cooked in an earthen pot by giving dum. The result is a biryani whose bite every is flavorful with soft kebabs and spicy rice. It is served with raita and salad. 

Location: Multiple locations, including Business Bay, Deira, etc. 

Timings: 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM (Full week) 

Phone: +97143444088

Average price: AED 160 for two people.

11. Biryani Adda Restaurant

This biryani place in Dubai is filled with options from which you will have difficulty choosing. Biryani Adda has quick service, friendly staff and delicious food! This restaurant is perfect for large groups, so gather all your friends and head to have the best biryani in Dubai. 

Recommended Biryani: Chicken Tikka Biryani: Besides its immense comfort, the best part of biryani is how it can have multiple elements and blend in harmony. This biryani features comforting, fragrant rice and grilled chicken tikka. Juicy chicken pieces are grilled until golden brown and then cooked with aromatics and rice. The result is the beautiful chicken tikka biryani, whose each piece is savoury and tangy. It is served with raita and fresh onions. 

Location: Al Karama, Dubai. 

Timings: 11:00 AM to 11:59 PM (Full week)

Phone: +97143968305

Average price: AED 95 for two people.

12. Salkara Restaurant

Salkara restaurant is part of the Paragon group from Calicut, India. The group features multiple restaurants and aims to keep authentic flavours like Malabar, Hyderabadi, etc., alive. This restaurant features the finest of Malabar cuisine. It brings the culture and recipes from the 1970s and 80s, giving them a contemporary twist and keeping the cuisine relevant and popular. The restaurant has been doing this in 1999 and is among the best biryani restaurants in Dubai. 

Recommended Biryani: Hamour Biriyani: This biryani features tender and juicy hamour fish. This fish is popular globally among fish lovers. The hamour fish is marinated and cooked until soft and flavorful with fresh basmati rice. The biryani is oceanic and savoury in its flavours. 

Location: Multiple locations, including Al Warqa, Media City, etc. 

Timings: 8:00  AM to 12:00  AM (Week days) 

8:00 AM to 12:30 AM (Friday and Saturday)

Phone: +97148747150

Average price: AED 75 for two people.

13. That Place 

That place is THE place you need to eat at! This restaurant is super Instagrammable, and the food is delicious. The restaurant infuses Indian cuisine with other flavours and creates dishes based on authenticity, fusion, and creativity. That Place not only has a quirky name but is also one of the most fun-looking places in Dubai. 

Recommended Biryani: Murgh Dum Pukht Biryani: The classic chicken biryani made dum way is a hit on the menu! If you are a chicken lover, you need to have this! Soft, tender chicken pieces are marinated and then slow-cooked for perfection. Once done, they are again cooked with premium-quality rice for biryani in seasoned water with ghee, masalas, and secret ingredients that the restaurant is all about. Biryani is served with onion raita and a side of crunchy salad! 

Location: Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai. 

Timings: 11:00  AM to 11:00 PM (Monday to Wednesday) 

1:00  AM to 10:45 PM (Thursday)

10:00 AM to 12:00 AM (Friday)

10:00 AM to 12:15 AM (Saturday)

10:00 AM to 10:45 PM (Sunday)

Phone: +971524977068

Average price: AED 70 for two people.

14. Saif Restaurant

This biryani restaurant in Dubai is very famous among the locals. Saif restaurant is a perfect choice if you are visiting the city and wish to enjoy the local flavours. It has multiple locations throughout the city, so whatever your plans are, a biryani can be squeezed in between the hectic schedule. The restaurant opens early in the morning until late at night, making it the most feasible eatery to hang out for employees, students, and all locals alike. 

Recommended Biryani: Classic Chicken Biryani: Nobody does a classic chicken biryani like Saif! It has all the local aromatics and beautiful long rice. The chicken is marinated and then cooked before adding rice to it. To finish the dish, golden crispy fried onions, coriander, and mint are added at the top. It is served with chicken curry (without pieces) and raita. 

Location: Multiple locations, including Al Nadha, Deria, etc.

Timings: 5:00 AM to 2:00 AM (Full week)

Phone: +97142662811

Average price: AED 65 for two people.

15. Bhai Kadai Biryani

Another favourite of the locals is to enjoy the best biryani in Dubai. This restaurant is famous of being an all-rounder for vegetarian as well as non-vegetarian biryanis. As the name suggests, Bhai Kadai Biryani makes their biryani in a kadai (a round caved-in utensil used to make food like curries). The plus point about this restaurant is that even vegetarians can enjoy biryani here. There are options like Subz biryani, Mushroom biryani, etc. 

Recommended Biryani: Fresh Malai Paneer Biryani (vegetarian): There is a misconception that vegetarian food does not require the same effort as meat. This particular biryani by Bhai Kadai Biryani proves that vegetarian food is technical and can taste as good as any meat dish! This biryani features small cubes of paneer (cottage cheese) cooked with spices and cream (hence the term malai). These velvety paneer cubes are then cooked with spices and aromatics with rice, resulting in the delicious, finger-licking Malai Paneer Biryani! 

Location: Al Karama, Dubai.

Timings: 11:00 AM to 11:30 PM (Every day)

Phone: +97145854845

Average price:  AED 95 for two people.

16. Desi Village Restaurant & Cafè

Desi Village Restaurant & Cafè is yet another excellent biryani restaurant in Dubai that serves Indian and Mughali cuisines. This is the perfect family restaurant and has enough space to host large groups of people for special occasions. 

Recommended Biryani: Lucknowi Raan Biryani: This biryani’s meat of choice is baby lamb, which is more tender than grown lambs. Soft, succulent baby lamb is marinated and slow cooked with spices and then with basmati rice. Fresh corriander and mint leaves provide herby undertones. It is served with raita and fried onions. 

Location: Al Garhoud, Dubai.

Timings: Open 24*7.

Phone: 052 100 1986

Average price: AED 120 for two people.

17. Memsaab Curry & Tandoor

Looking to enjoy some authentic South Asian cuisine? Memsaan Curry & Tandoor has chefs and recipes passed down from generations who are well-versed and experts in cooking South Asian cuisine! This biryani restaurant in Dubai will surely blow your mind off with the deliciousness of its delicacies. The staff and ambience of this restaurant are super inviting. It’s a perfect place to sit down for a heavy royal lunch with family and friends!

Recommended Biryani: Prawn Biryani: The OG seafood biryani! This dish is for all seafood lovers. Fragrant, long rice cooked with marinated and grilled prawns is a heaven on Earth. Each bite of this dish has juicy, tender prawns with warm rice, served with marinated onions and masala salad on the side.

Location: Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai.

Timings: 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM (Full week)

Phone:+97144429816

Average price: AED 145 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 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.