10 Best Biryani Houses in Kolkata, India

kolkata and Biryani are intertwined with each other since 1856. It is believed that Nawab Wajid Ali Shah, the tenth and last ruler of Oudh, had brought biryani to Kolkata all the way from Lucknow. The biryani from Lucknow is popularly known as Awadhi which follows a slow and even cooking of the meat, rice, and vegetables. It is then served in a sealed handi and thus the name Handi Biryani or Dumpukt Biryani. The best biryani houses in Kolkata serve different varieties of the dish, to be relished for savoring the taste buds of the foodies.

I wanted to share the article long before especially during Eid, but due to several other professional and personal liabilities had to defer my plan. Without further ado, let's embark on the virtual food journey. I am sure you will love the culinary travel. And if you happen to visit the city, do not miss out hoping on these biryani houses in Kolkata. Before we do, here is a small glimpse of the recipe.

Kolkata Biryani Recipe

The Kolkata biryani is prepared in a traditional method. The meat and the potatoes are cooked slowly and in low heat in clarified butter. Uncooked rice along with the meat and the potatoes are layered on handi (a huge pot with a big base). Spices such as cardamom, mace, saffron, cloves, and sweet ittar are added to the layers. The handi is then properly sealed and cooked again in the same method, slow and on low heat. Sometimes boiled eggs are also added along with meat and potatoes.

1. Arsalan

Address: Marina Garden Court, No. 191, 7 Point, Park St, Beniapukur
Price: INR 700 for two people

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Arsalan is one of the oldest biryani houses in Kolkata. Now they have come up with multiple branches in the city. It serves different types of biryani. You must surely try out the Hyderabadi biryani. On weekdays and holidays, you will find long queues in front of the restaurants, either for take-away or for dining in.

2. Aminia

Address: 6A, SN Banerjee Road, New Market Area, Dharmatala, Taltala91, 7 Point, Park St, Beniapukur
Price: INR 700 for two people

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One of the biggest biryani houses in Kolkata. Its heritage and sentiment are attached to the players of Mohanbagan, a football club giant in Kolkata. People say the players used to visit the restaurant after their game for savoring the delicious biryani. For the foodies in Kolkata, Aminia is a favorite still and will continue for a long.

3. Rahmania

Address: 56, Park St, Mullick Bazar, Park Street area
Price: INR 750 for two people

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Rahmania is one of the famous biryani houses in Kolkata. You must try out its mutton biryani which is a specialty and a delicacy. Besides, spice it up more with its mutton chaap or other mutton dishes. The aroma is truly enticing and alluring.

4. Zeeshan

Address: No 17 Near Park Circus Tram Depot, Sayed Amir Ali Avenue
Price: INR 600 for two people

One of the most affordable biryani houses in Kolkata. The taste of its biryani is a bit spicy compared to the traditional Kolkata biryani. The richness of its flavor is quite unique too, tends to be heavy sometimes.

5. Oudh 1590

Address: Deshapriya Park. 23/B, Deshapriya Park (Opposite Carmel School)  OR Salt Lake City Sector 1
Price: INR 1200 for two people

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One of the upcoming biryani houses in Kolkata; is a bit expensive though. Still, you can find long queues in front of the restaurants during the weekends. You must definitely try out its Raan biryani. The biryani of Oudh is delectable and mouth-watering.

6. Dhaka Biryani House

Address:144 BT Road Near Baranagar, Dunlop
Price: INR 510 for two people

Not a huge outlet, yet its biryani carries a superb taste if you love to try out something different and authentic. The biryani is cooked with more oil and spices as compared to the traditional Kolkata biryani.

7. Only Alibaba

Address:144 BT Road Near Baranagar, Dunlop
Price: INR 510 for two people

Only Alibaba is one of the prominent biryani houses in Kolkata. You can find plenty of outlets in the city, on many office campuses too. The taste of its biryani is lips-smacking with the use of less spices.

8. Haan ‘D' Biryani

Address: 55, Ripon St, near Ripon Nursing Home, Dharamtalla, Taltala
Price: INR 350 for two people

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Not one of the grandest biryani houses in Kolkata in terms of decor and outlet. But truly it serves delicious chicken and mutton biryanis. The best part is their recipe has low-fat content which many prefer nowadays.

9. Kareem's

Address: PS Srijan Corporate Park, Retail Unit – 2, Tower – I Plot G-2, Street Number 25, GP Block, Sector V, Bidhannagar
Price: INR 1000 for two people

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One of the best biryani houses in Kolkata for the Awadhi style. The Gosht Dum Biryani and the Murgh Tikka Dum Biryani are its signature dishes. You will truly appreciate its fragrance-filled aromatic biryanis.

10. India Restaurant

Address: 34 Karl Marx Sarani Kidderpore
Price: INR 800 for two people

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The biryani served in the restaurant is medium spicy and topped up with aromatic flavor. Believed to be one of the royal biryani houses in Kolkata.

If you have visited any of the above, please share your experiences.