New Yorkers can now dig into the flavors of South Asia, as 12 distinct biryani options have made their way to the Big Apple.
For a taste of Lucknow, head over to Kabab King in Western Queens. The Pakistani eatery serves up two types of biryani - chicken and goat - that are bursting with flavor, featuring whole cloves, cardamom, and dried apricots. This version is cooked 'dum pukht,' or sealed, concentrating the flavors and adding a sweet touch.
In contrast, Halal Diner's chicken biryani is spicier and features a generous amount of meat, spices, nuts, and caramelized onions. While it may not be as layered as its Lucknow counterpart, this diner-style version packs plenty of punch.
Another contender is Kuttanadan, which brings the flavors of Kerala to NYC. Beef biryani is on the menu here, with a rich flavor profile that owes much to the state's love of spices like black pepper and cardamom.
In Bushwick, Indika House serves up nine types of biryani, including a vegetarian variety featuring jackfruit and potatoes. The standout, however, is its hard-boiled egg biryani, where eggs are deshelled and dyed bright yellow before being hidden among the rice grains. A raita with mango pickle adds a tangy flavor to this dish.
For those looking for something spicy, Masala Times has just the thing - its vegetable biryani is dominated by onions and cardamom, served in a heaping pile that's perfect for dainty eaters who can't handle too much spice. A side of thick, vegetable-shot raita helps cool down the palate.
In Union Square, Kebabwala offers a recreation of Adda's original crust-topped Lucknowi biryani. This limited supply is available each day, so be sure to get there early and dig in before it's gone.
Another unique option is Kanyakumari, which brings the flavors of Bengaluru to NYC. The baby goat donne biryani here features tender morsels cooked in a banana leaf, resulting in an earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with yogurt and peanut salan.
For those who prefer a more traditional Hyderabadi style, Hyderabadi Zaiqa is the place to go. With 15 different types of biryani on offer, including this gongura chicken biryani, there's something for everyone here. The pickled sorrel adds a distinctive green color and sour taste that sets it apart.
Spice Up, meanwhile, has a beef tehari dish that's essentially a casserole of short-grained rice dotted with morsels of beef, chiles, and mustard oil. This Bangladeshi staple is often served at steam-table establishments like this one, where freshwater fish is also on the menu.
Last but not least, Hyderabad House offers a chef's special chicken biryani that features poultry hidden under the rice, cooked 'dum pukht' and accompanied by fried and glazed chicken 65. Boiled eggs provide decoration, while two sauces - raita and peanut-based salan - add to the richness of this dish.
These are just a few of the many options available in NYC's vibrant biryani scene. Whether you're in the mood for something spicy, traditional, or unique, there's sure to be a type of biryani out there that'll satisfy your cravings.
For a taste of Lucknow, head over to Kabab King in Western Queens. The Pakistani eatery serves up two types of biryani - chicken and goat - that are bursting with flavor, featuring whole cloves, cardamom, and dried apricots. This version is cooked 'dum pukht,' or sealed, concentrating the flavors and adding a sweet touch.
In contrast, Halal Diner's chicken biryani is spicier and features a generous amount of meat, spices, nuts, and caramelized onions. While it may not be as layered as its Lucknow counterpart, this diner-style version packs plenty of punch.
Another contender is Kuttanadan, which brings the flavors of Kerala to NYC. Beef biryani is on the menu here, with a rich flavor profile that owes much to the state's love of spices like black pepper and cardamom.
In Bushwick, Indika House serves up nine types of biryani, including a vegetarian variety featuring jackfruit and potatoes. The standout, however, is its hard-boiled egg biryani, where eggs are deshelled and dyed bright yellow before being hidden among the rice grains. A raita with mango pickle adds a tangy flavor to this dish.
For those looking for something spicy, Masala Times has just the thing - its vegetable biryani is dominated by onions and cardamom, served in a heaping pile that's perfect for dainty eaters who can't handle too much spice. A side of thick, vegetable-shot raita helps cool down the palate.
In Union Square, Kebabwala offers a recreation of Adda's original crust-topped Lucknowi biryani. This limited supply is available each day, so be sure to get there early and dig in before it's gone.
Another unique option is Kanyakumari, which brings the flavors of Bengaluru to NYC. The baby goat donne biryani here features tender morsels cooked in a banana leaf, resulting in an earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with yogurt and peanut salan.
For those who prefer a more traditional Hyderabadi style, Hyderabadi Zaiqa is the place to go. With 15 different types of biryani on offer, including this gongura chicken biryani, there's something for everyone here. The pickled sorrel adds a distinctive green color and sour taste that sets it apart.
Spice Up, meanwhile, has a beef tehari dish that's essentially a casserole of short-grained rice dotted with morsels of beef, chiles, and mustard oil. This Bangladeshi staple is often served at steam-table establishments like this one, where freshwater fish is also on the menu.
Last but not least, Hyderabad House offers a chef's special chicken biryani that features poultry hidden under the rice, cooked 'dum pukht' and accompanied by fried and glazed chicken 65. Boiled eggs provide decoration, while two sauces - raita and peanut-based salan - add to the richness of this dish.
These are just a few of the many options available in NYC's vibrant biryani scene. Whether you're in the mood for something spicy, traditional, or unique, there's sure to be a type of biryani out there that'll satisfy your cravings.