Biryani has a special place in every foodie's heart. Packed with a burst of flavours, this dish can touch your soul. Be it Hyderabadi, Thalassery, Memoni, or Awadhi biryani, each of them is a delicious blend of meat, spices, and aromatic rice. Speaking particularly about Kolkata biryani, this is very different from the other varieties. Unlike other biryanis, it does not require any accompaniment, as this delight is a complete meal in itself.
Kolkata biryani is said to have been invented in the year 1856, when Wajid Ali Shah, the Nawab of Awadh, was exiled from Lucknow. He brought his chef and the royal recipes to Metiaburuz, Kolkata, and since then they have ruled our palate. Besides the soft rice, tender meat, and flavourful masalas, it is the addition of eggs and potatoes that sets it apart from other biryanis. Along with being delicious, Kolkata biryani is light and pleasant to the stomach as compared to the other ones.
So, if you are planning to visit Kolkata anytime, here are the top ten places to enjoy Kolkata biryani in the city, as recommended by city foodies:
Arsalan Restaurant & Caterer
Recommended by
Sayan @bong_cyclist_sayan_
Sayantan and Ranita, @kolkatapetuk
This restaurant started in 2002, and since then, Arsalan has been ruling the hearts of biryani lovers in Kolkata. While talking to Slurrp, Sayan says that besides their top-notch quality biryani, the ambiance of Arsalan is very cozy and enjoyable. It is also the favourite spot for team @kolkatapetuk to relish some delicious mutton biryani. “This place has always been our favourite because of the ambience and the food, especially the flavourful rice and soft, succulent, and juicy mutton with extra soft aloo, which makes it the perfect balance for the Kolkata Biryani”, they said.
Price for two: ₹850 (approx.)
Address: 119A, Muzaffar Ahmed St., Esplanade, Taltala, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700016
Timing: 11 AM to 11 PM
Oudh 1590
Recommended by
Tushar @petuk_kotha
Priyanka @bongo_calcutta
This restaurant is very popular in the city for serving Awadhi cuisine. Tushar says, “I recommend the readers try their Kolkata-style biryani once; it is surely one of the most premium-quality biryanis in the city. Both the rice and the mutton, along with the potatoes, are perfectly balanced in terms of taste and aroma.” While Priyanka says, “Their biryani is pretty unique from the other restaurants in Kolkata, and that's why I like visiting that place.”
Price for two: ₹1,400 (approx.)
Address: Singhs, Deshapriya Park W, near Carmel Primary School, Manoharpukur, Kalighat, Kolkata, West Bengal 700026
Timing: 12 PM to 10:30 PM
Dada Boudi Biryani
Recommended by
Raktim @calcuttafoodography
Tushar @petuk_kotha
This is the go-to spot in Raktim for delicious Kolkata biryani. “Dada Boudi Biryani is a place that doesn't need any introduction. Their biryani is flavourful with mild spices, and this is why people love to have this dish from here,” he said. Tushar is also fond of their biryani; he says, “There are two things that make Dada Boudi stand out from the rest: first is the price, and second is the taste and the portion.”
Price for two: ₹650 (approx.)
Address: 88, Rai Mohon Banerjee Rd., Subhas Pally Park, Bonhooghly Government Colony, Kolkata, Baranagar, West Bengal 700108
Timing: 9 AM to 9 PM
Manzilat’s
Recommended by
Moumita @aahar_bilashi2694
Abhi and Soham, @foodemen
Manzilat’s has been a part of Moumita’s blogs several times. She says, “For me, the ultimate Kolkata biriyani destination is Manzilat's. Manzilat Fatima is the great-granddaughter of the biriyani inventor in Kolkata, Nawab Wajed Ali Shah.” This place is also a favourite of @foodemen, and they consider it to be one of the best restaurants in the city for Kolkata biryani.
Price for two: ₹1000 (approx.)
Address: Rubi Enterprise, Plot-1 Phase-3, Kasba Industrial Estate, Anandapur, East Kolkata Township, near Bank of Maharashtra, Kolkata, West Bengal 700107
Timing: 12:30 AM to 9 PM
Aminia
Recommended by
Saurav @kolkatasutrafood
Sayantan and Ranita, @kolkatapetuk
Established in 1929, this is the oldest biryani place in Kolkata. @kolkatasutrafood says, “I really love their biryani because of the soft meat pieces along with a delectable soft potato.” For Sayantan and Ranita, this is the best place in the city for biryani because Aminia has maintained its quality and flavour over the years.
Price for two: ₹850 (approx.)
Address: 6A, SN Banerjee Road, New Market Area, Dharmatala, Taltala, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700087
Timing: 11 AM to 11 PM
Haan D Biryani
Recommended by
Koninika De @konizfoodwheels
Koninika is fond of this place; she says, “Haan D’s Kolkata biryani is one of the best biryanis I have ever had! The mutton is tender and well spiced in the rice. It's so light on the stomach, and the meat just melts in your mouth.” “The best part is the potato and the tenderness of the meat, which is evenly cooked and spicy. The taste lingers on for a long time, and I highly recommend you visit this place once”, she added.
Price for two: ₹550 (approx.)
Address: 55, Ripon St., near Ripon Nursing Home, Dharamtalla, Taltala, Kolkata, West Bengal 700016
Timing: 12:30 PM to 10:30 PM
India Restaurant
Recommended by
Abhi and Soham, @foodemen
Moumita @aahar_bilashi2694
While talking to Slurrp, team @foodemen says, “The best thing about having Kolkata biryani at India Restaurant is that their dish is not too oily and yet flavourful.” “Also, you can try different varieties of biryani here, like kacchi, Awadhi, Dariyabadi etc.,” they added. Moumita also highly recommends this restaurant to enjoy some delectable biryanis.
Price for two: ₹950 (approx.)
Address: 34, Karl Marx Sarani Rd., Khidirpur, Kolkata, West Bengal 700023
Timing: 10 AM to 12 AM
Shiraz Golden Restaurant
Recommended by
Onkar @imbekarbanda
This legendary restaurant in Kolkata has been serving authentic Mughlai cuisine since 1941. Talking about Shiraz, Onkar says, “It is renowned for its Kolkata-style biryani, which is made with the finest ingredients and cooked to perfection. The restaurant also offers a wide range of other Mughlai dishes, such as kebabs, curries, and desserts.” “Shiraz Golden Restaurant is a popular spot for both locals and tourists for its excellent food, reasonable prices, and friendly service”, he added.
Price for two: ₹700 (approx.)
Address: 135, Mother Teresa Sarani, behind Neuro Science Hospital, Park Circus, Beniapukur, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700017
Timing: 12 PM to 11:30 PM
Shimla Biryani Restaurant
Recommended by
Priyanka @bongo_calcutta
Besides biryani, this restaurant is also famous among the locals for their other non-vegetarian dishes like chicken tikka, chicken chaap, and mutton pasanda. Priyanka highly recommends Shimla Biryani to our readers; she says, “This place serves delicious Kolkata biryani, and it is one of my go-to places in the city.”
Price for two: ₹1000 (approx.)
Address: 415, Bangaon - Kulpi Rd., Hastings, Hastings Colony, VIP Nagar, Kolkata, West Bengal 700100
Timing: 11:15 AM to 11:45 PM
D Bapi Biriyani
Recommended by
Onkar @imbekarbanda
They have two outlets in the city, one in Barrackpore and the other in Madhyamgram. Onkar says, “The people of West Bengal love to eat biryani at this place because their quantity is unbelievable, and the taste of the rice is on the spicier side. When it comes to mutton, they serve 300 g on a single serving.” He recommends all biryani lovers visit this place at least once.
Price for two: ₹350 (approx.)
Address: Opposite CMDA Nagar Main Gate, Mohan Pur, Barrackpore, West Bengal, 700121
Timing: 12 PM to 11 PM