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The origin of Biriyani has different tales and versions. Its creator and exact period are also debatable. But what remains undebated is its popularity. Biryani might have originated as mutton-based culinary fare, but over time chicken outranked it. Significantly, among all, chicken biryani has been the most popular choice. In December 2022, a survey found that Indians used a leading food delivery platform to order 2.28 chicken biryani every second. It suggests that around 140 orders of chicken biryani were placed every minute. For the seventh year in a row, it was a record. This is just one of the instances to demonstrate the popularity of this dish. It is to be mentioned here that there are different types of chicken biryani in India. So, if you are bored with one, here are 5 types of chicken biryani to try.
Kolkata Chicken Biryani
When Wajid Ali Shah, the Nawab of Awadh, was sent away from Lucknow in 1856, he brought Biryani with him. The Nawab took his chef and princely biryani recipes with him to the suburbs of Metiabruz, now a part of Kolkata. Due to the fact that the populace was underprivileged and unable to afford the rising cost of meat, the addition of boiled eggs and potatoes became the dish's distinguishing feature. Calcutta or Kolkata chicken biryani is a less complex form of biryani that uses fewer spices. The marinade's unique spices give the biryani a distinct flavour. Kewra water and saffron are added to give it more hue and taste.
Kolkata chicken biryani, Image Source: experiencesofagastronomad.com
Ambur Chicken Biryani
Many Muslims live in the northern part of Tamil Nadu, where this dish is most pervasive. Vaniyambadi Biryani is another name for it. This name comes from the fact that it is a part of the food of the Vellore district cities of Ambur and Vaniyambadi, which are adjacent. This style of Biryani was first created by the Nawabs of Arcot, who were rulers in the past. If a tangy eggplant curry and raita aren't served alongside, this chicken biryani isn't complete. In terms of quantity, meat is more important than rice.
Beary Chicken Biryani
South Karnataka is home to beary, one of the mildest biryanis in India. There is also a spicier variation of it that is common in the areas near Mangalore. This chicken biryani has its USP. The ghee and spice mixture that is blended with the rice and allowed to rest overnight is what lends the dish its signature flavour. Because of this, the flavours seem to be able to penetrate deeper. Nevertheless, prawns, mutton and beef are also popular alternatives to chicken.
Malabar Chicken Biryani
Malabar chicken biryani, Image Source: indidiet.com
An aromatic and herbaceous chicken masala is layered with fluffy rice, birista or crispy fried onions, nuts, dried fruits, and ghee to create the world-famous Malabar Chicken Biryani. This is then enclosed and cooked gradually in steam (the dum method). Cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and nutmeg, to name a few, are among the aromatic spices used to impart flavour and richness to decadent Malabar biryani. This biryani isn't so "fiery" that it hurts your mouth. Instead, it's spicy in a good way. It doesn't have either whole red chillies or red chilli powder. The Malabar biryani differs from the others because it doesn't follow a "typical" Indian recipe.
Assamese Kampuri Biryani
It was first made in a Muslim town in Assam but quickly became a favourite in most places. To put it simply, Assamese Kampuri type of chicken biryani is visually appealing and flavoursome. Most of the time, the chicken is cooked with vegetables like peas, carrots, potatoes, bell peppers, and beans. Then it is combined with rice. A few spices enhance the flavours.
Out of these 5 types of chicken biryani in India, which one are you going to try?
