World Biryani Day Is Here — Are You Ready to Feast?

World Biryani Day was started in 2022 by Daawat to celebrate the global love for biryani. This day is all about honouring the rich flavours and deep cultural importance of biryani. It is one of those rare dishes that brings people together, no matter where they come from in India. Rich, flavorful, and deeply satisfying, it’s more than just a meal it’s an experience. While India is home to countless regional dishes, biryani holds a special place in the hearts (and plates) of millions.

History Of Biryani

Although many people believe biryani originated in India, the truth is a little more complex. The word biryani actually comes from the Persian words Birian (which means “fried before cooking”) and Birinj (which means “rice”). This points to its roots in West Asia, from where it slowly made its way into Indian kitchens.

There are many stories about how biryani came to India, each with its charm and possibilities. Let’s explore a few popular ones:

Arab Traders and the Malabar Coast:

One theory suggests that biryani was introduced to South India by Arab traders who regularly visited the Malabar coast for trade and cultural exchange. Interestingly, references to a similar rice dish can be found in ancient Tamil literature dating back to 2 A.D. Known as Oon Soru, it was made with rice, ghee, meat, turmeric, pepper, and bay leaves—prepared as a wholesome meal for warriors, much like modern-day biryani.

Timur the Conqueror’s Army Meal:

One widely accepted tale credits Timur, the Turk-Mongol conqueror, with bringing an early version of biryani to India in 1398. His soldiers are believed to have eaten a simple but hearty dish made by layering rice, spices, and meat in an earthen pot. The pot was buried in a hot pit to cook, and later dug up and served—an early form of what we now call dum biryani.

The Mughal Touch

Another popular legend takes us back to the Mughal era. It is said that Mumtaz Mahal, the beloved wife of Emperor Shah Jahan, once visited the army barracks and found the soldiers looking frail and undernourished. Wanting to ensure they had a hearty and nourishing meal, she asked the royal chef to prepare something wholesome using rice and meat. Rising to the challenge, the chef crafted a dish where rice was lightly fried in ghee (without rinsing, to retain a nutty aroma), then layered with meat, saffron, and aromatic spices. It was then slow-cooked over a wood fire — a rich, flavour-packed preparation that many believe gave birth to the modern biryani we know and love today.

The Rise of Biryani

Over time, Indian royalty took biryani to new heights. The Nizams of Hyderabad and the Nawabs of Lucknow played a big role in shaping the biryani as we know it today. Their royal chefs developed signature versions of the dish, using unique blends of spices and techniques. Thanks to them, we now have a wide variety of biryanis.

Popular Regional Biryani Varieties:

Hyderabadi Biryani: Famous for its strong spices and the ‘kacchi‘ method where raw meat is slow-cooked with rice.
Lucknowi (Awadhi) Biryani: More delicate, uses the ‘pakki‘ method with fragrant rice and marinated meat cooked separately.
Kolkata Biryani: Influenced by Awadhi style but includes potatoes and a lighter use of spices.
Malabar Biryani: A South Indian version made with short-grain rice, ghee, and fried onions, often with fish or chicken.
Ambur and Dindigul Biryani (Tamil Nadu): Known for their use of local ingredients, seeraga samba rice, and unique spice profiles.

Happy World Biryani Day! As a dietitian, I believe food is not just fuel it’s emotion, tradition, and joy. Biryani is a beautiful celebration of all that is in one delicious dish! You don’t have to skip your favourite biryani to stay healthy just make mindful choices: Opt for brown rice or cauliflower rice for a lighter twist Add more veggies and lean protein like tofu, chicken breast, or paneer Cook in heart-friendly oils like olive or mustard oil And yes portion control is your best friend So today, let’s celebrate flavour and fitness together. Because a healthy lifestyle includes your favourite foods just balanced wisely. Enjoy your biryani with love, not guilt.

Dt Mahima Raniwal Soni,Dietitian and diabetes Educator

Biryani Beyond Borders

Today, biryani is a global sensation, especially in the UK, UAE, USA, and Southeast Asia. Indian restaurants across the world proudly feature multiple types of biryani on their menus, adapting them to local tastes.

Here’s a quick and less spicy homemade chicken biryani recipe from me.

Ingredients

For Marination:

1 kg chicken (with bone)
1 cup thick yoghurt (dahi)
2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
2 tbsp green chilli paste
1 tsp turmeric (haldi)
1 tbsp red chilli powder
1 tbsp garam masala
Juice of 1 lemon
Salt to taste

For Rice:

2 cups basmati rice
4 cups water
3–4 green cardamom pods (elaichi)
1 stick cinnamon (dalchini)
2 bay leaves (tej patta)
Salt to taste

For Barista (Fried Onions):

2 large onions, thinly sliced
Oil for frying

Method

Mix chicken with curd, ground spices, lemon juice, and salt. Let it rest in the fridge for 8 hours to absorb flavours.
Shallow fry thin onion slices on medium heat till they turn crunchy and brown. Keep them aside.
Warm mustard oil in a deep pan. Add marinated chicken and cook until it’s tender and the oil floats to the top.
Soak rice for 30 minutes. Boil water with whole spices and salt. Add the soaked rice and cook till it’s almost done but still firm. Drain.
In a large cooking pot, layer chicken at the bottom, followed by rice, and sprinkle fried onions. Repeat once more.
Pour a bit of ghee or oil on top. Seal the pot and cook on low heat for 15 minutes. Let it rest before opening.
Lightly mix and serve hot with curd, salad, or boiled eggs.

Celebrating World Biryani Day

So, whether you’re a die-hard fan of spicy Hyderabadi biryani or prefer the subtle richness of Lucknowi style, World Biryani Day is the perfect excuse to indulge. Cook it from scratch, order it in, or share your favourite biryani memories online just celebrate it your way. Because no matter the style or spice level, biryani brings joy, comfort, and a sense of togetherness with every fragrant, flavourful bite. Wishing everyone a flavourful and joyful World Biryani Day — may your hearts and plates be full!

Biryani Fun Facts:

Biryani was once served to royalty on silver platters.
Some Indian prisons serve biryani as a “special treat” on festive occasions.
Hyderabad reportedly consumes over 2 million biryani orders per month.

Source: Inputs from various media Sources

I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.