Iconic Food Joints For Biryani In Old Delhi

By Ipshita Maitra

From the crowded streets near Jama Masjid to the quieter corners of Ballimaran, Old Delhi's alleys contribute a unique flavour profile to the city's biryani mosaic. The biryani joints here aren't just eateries; they're time capsules, encapsulating the essence of a bygone era. Here are the best biryani places in Old Delhi that will satisfy your biryani craving with their authentic flavours.

*Some restaurants listed in this trail serve non-vegetarian food, but have been added because they have good vegetarian options on their menu as well.

  • Dil Pasand Biryani Point

    Dil Pasand Biryani Point stands as a popular icon among the city's biryani havens. With a legacy spanning decades, this eatery has mastered the art of crafting biryani and bеckons for food enthusiasts with its aromatic blend of spices, fragrant rice, and succulеnt meats. While their chicken, mutton, and buffalo biryanis are popular, they also serve delectable kebabs, chicken korma, and nihari with rumali and tandoori roti. Kheer Benazir and Shahi Tukda are a must-try for dessert.
  • Nasir Iqbal Restaurant

    Nasir Iqbal Biryani, nestled in Delhi's Nizamuddin area, exudes age-old charm with its traditional steel brass pots and a pocket-friendly feast. Renowned for serving the best mutton biryani in town, this humble eatery offers a spicy Moradabadi biryani with flavourful meat and aromatic rice, creating an irresistible aroma. While the ambiance may lack sophistication, Nasir Iqbal compensates with its mouthwatering dishes, including spicy green chutney and raw onions. Nasir Iqbal is a must-visit for biryani enthusiasts seeking an authentic, budget-friendly culinary experience. Don't forget to indulge in their delightful sweets!
  • Karim's

    Karim's, an iconic establishment since 1913, stands near Jama Masjid in Old Delhi, offering a culinary journey back to the Mughal Era. With origins rooted in the kitchens of Bahadur Shah Zafar, the restaurant has been passed down through generations, maintaining its legacy. The bustling eatery serves Mughal delicacies, including mutton korma, chicken stew, and the famous seekh kebab. Despite the modest setting, Karim's exudes cleanliness and efficient service. The menu features large hot khamiri rotis, and patrons often share seats, creating a communal atmosphere. This historic gem attracts locals and foreign travellers alike, providing an authentic, budget-friendly dining experience.
  • Al Jawahar

    Al Jawahar, a legendary restaurant near Jama Masjid in Old Delhi, has been the epitome of Mughlai cuisine for over 70 years. Named after India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, who inaugurated it in 1948, the restaurant is open all night and caters to late-night cravings with traditional dishes like changezi chicken, chicken tandoori, mutton curries, and vegetarian options. Despite its humble setting, Al Jawahar attracts crowds for its authentic recipes and iconic dishes like burra kebab, chicken changezi, khamiri roti, and mutton nihari. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the rich gastronomic landscape of Old Delhi.
  • Pеhalwaan Biryani

    Pehalwaan's, one of the oldest biryani carts in the narrow lanes of Old Delhi, is celebrated for its chicken and buff biryani, prepared using preserved Mughlai culinary techniques. Cooked in large copper handis with rich Indian spices and slow-cooked overnight, the biryani boasts tenderly cooked chicken or buff pieces and aromatic Basmati rice from Uttar Pradesh. Pehelwan Biryaniwale, run by Haji Mohd. Anwar, is a night-time delight, serving biryani until 2 AM, with the captivating aroma rendering additional accompaniments.
  • Al Yamin

    Al Yamin, situated in the heart of Old Delhi, has solidified its reputation as the quintessential biryani joint. Despite its recent online recognition, Al Yamin maintains its commitment to traditional flavours and techniques. The secret lies in their time-honoured recipes, expertly combining aromatic spices, succulent meat, and fragrant basmati rice to create a symphony of flavours. Boasting a diverse menu with over 50 dishes, including chicken burra, malai tangri, fish tikka, and double-decker burgers, Al Yamin remains an undisputed gem in Old Delhi's culinary scene.
  • Halееm Biryani

    Halееm Biryani was onе of thе bеst biryani shops in thе Old Dеlhi rеgion. Even though it is not so popular on thе intеrnеt, oncе you visit thе placе you'll gеt to sее thе rush this biryani joint handlеs еvеryday. This joint is popular in thе namе of Alam Bhai's biryani too. Hеncе, this shop should bе in your chеcklist if you want to еxpеriеncе the authentic flavours of Dеlhi's biryani. From chickеn korma to biriyani everything is dеlicious and arе absolutеly worth trying.
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