What is the Nicest Indian Dish?

Introduction: A Land of Flavors

India’s cuisine is an extraordinary tapestry woven from centuries of culture, trade, spices, and tradition. From the creamy curries of the North to the fiery flavors of the South, Indian food is beloved worldwide. With such variety, one may wonder: What is the nicest Indian dish of all? What is the nicest Indian dish?

While opinions vary by region and palate, Biryani stands tall as a contender for the crown. It is more than just food—it is an experience. Revered across generations, cities, and cultures, biryani is a celebration in every bite.

This 2000-word essay takes a deep dive into why biryani is often considered the nicest Indian dish, tracing its origins, styles, ingredients, cultural impact, and why it continues to capture hearts and tastebuds across the globe.

1. What Is Biryani?

Biryani is a flavorful mixed rice dish made by layering aromatic basmati rice with marinated meat (or vegetables), herbs, and spices, then cooking it through a method called “dum”—a slow-sealing process in which steam helps all ingredients marry into a single, heavenly unit.

Biryani isn’t just about rice and meat—it’s about the layers of flavor, texture, and aroma that make it distinct from other rice-based dishes. It’s rich, colorful, and cooked with love.

2. Origins: A Royal Beginning

The roots of biryani go back to ancient Persia. The word “biryani” comes from the Persian words “birian” (fried before cooking) and “birinj” (rice). It was introduced to India by Persian travelers and Mughal rulers around the 16th century.

However, it was in India that biryani truly evolved, taking on local flavors, ingredients, and methods. The Mughal emperors patronized biryani, making it a dish of royalty. With time, it spread across the Indian subcontinent, developing distinct regional avatars.

3. The Many Regional Variations

What makes biryani special is that every region in India has its own unique take on it—each one fiercely loved by its locals.

a. Hyderabadi Biryani

Possibly the most iconic variety
Uses raw marinated meat layered with rice
Rich in spices, especially saffron and mint
Cooked in sealed pots (dum pukht method)
Known for: Deep flavors, long-grain rice, and tender meat

b. Lucknowi (Awadhi) Biryani

Cooked using the ‘pakki’ biryani method (meat and rice are cooked separately, then layered)
Delicate and aromatic with mild flavors
Uses rose water and kewra for fragrance

c. Kolkata Biryani

A lighter, sweeter version
Influenced by the Lucknowi style
Unique because it includes boiled eggs and potatoes

d. Malabar Biryani (Kerala)

Made with short-grain rice (jeerakasala or kaima)
Contains curry leaves, ghee, coconut, and fried onions
Known for its subtle sweetness and rich aroma

e. Ambur Biryani (Tamil Nadu)

Tamil-Muslim origin
Less spicy, with a balance of red chilies and yogurt
Often accompanied with brinjal curry and onion raita

f. Dindigul Biryani

Uses small-grained seeraga samba rice
Tangy and spicy due to the use of lemon juice and curd
Very popular in Tamil Nadu

g. Sindhi Biryani

A fusion of Pakistani and Indian flavors
Highly spiced with cardamom, cloves, cinnamon
Includes tomatoes and green chilies

4. Why Is Biryani the Nicest Indian Dish?

i. Aromatic Symphony of Spices

Biryani isn’t just cooked—it’s composed. A traditional biryani includes:

Whole spices: cardamom, cinnamon, bay leaf, star anise, clove
Ground spices: turmeric, chili powder, garam masala
Fresh herbs: mint, coriander
Aromatics: ginger, garlic, saffron, rose water

Each spice plays a unique role in flavor and fragrance.

ii. Layered Texture and Taste

The magic of biryani lies in its layering technique—grains of rice, juicy marinated meat, caramelized onions, and fresh herbs come together but retain their identity. It’s not mushy or blended—it’s textured, distinct, yet united.

iii. Meat and Vegetarian Inclusivity

Though traditionally a meat dish, biryani has excellent vegetarian versions:

Vegetable biryani: Carrots, beans, potatoes, peas
Paneer biryani: Indian cottage cheese marinated and layered
Mushroom biryani: Earthy, umami flavors

Biryani is loved by both vegetarians and meat lovers alike.

iv. Universal Appeal

From roadside stalls to royal banquets, biryani transcends class, caste, and region. It is as comfortable in a wedding buffet as it is in a tiffin box. It’s beloved by kids, adults, vegetarians, non-vegetarians, and even the global diaspora.

5. Biryani vs. Other Famous Indian Dishes

Let’s compare biryani with some of India’s other celebrated dishes:

Dish	Characteristics	Why Biryani Wins
Butter Chicken	Creamy, rich North Indian curry with naan or rice	Tastes amazing but lacks texture contrast
Paneer Tikka	Chargrilled cottage cheese, great appetizer	No rice, lacks complexity
Masala Dosa	South Indian favorite, crisp crepe with filling	Mostly breakfast, not as filling
Chole Bhature	Heavy chickpeas with fried bread	Rich but greasy; regional
Rogan Josh	Kashmiri lamb curry	Requires pairing; less standalone
Biryani	Complete meal with rice, protein, and aroma	Balanced, rich, festive, and filling

Biryani wins due to its versatility, completeness, and flavor depth.

6. Biryani Around the World

Indian biryani has traveled far and wide:

Middle East: Variants like Mandi and Kabsah have similarities
UK and USA: Indian restaurants serve Hyderabadi or Chicken Biryani as top sellers
Malaysia and Singapore: “Nasi Biryani” is a staple among Tamil-Muslim communities
Pakistan: Karachi biryani is spicy and layered with intense flavors

This global popularity makes biryani an ambassador of Indian cuisine.

7. Cultural Significance of Biryani

Festivals and Weddings: No Indian wedding is complete without a biryani feast
Friday Prayers and Eid: Served as a celebration meal in many Muslim homes
Special Days: A go-to dish for birthdays, promotions, or even comfort eating

Biryani brings people together—it symbolizes generosity, abundance, and celebration.

8. Biryani in Modern India: Delivery and Brands

Today, biryani is booming:

Popular delivery brands: Biryani By Kilo, Behrouz Biryani, Paradise Biryani
Ready-to-eat options: Packaged biryanis for quick prep
YouTube & Instagram: Thousands of biryani cooking channels and influencers

Food aggregators report biryani as the most-ordered dish on Swiggy and Zomato, year after year.

9. Making the Perfect Biryani at Home: Key Steps

Marinate the Meat or Vegetables
- Use yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, red chili, turmeric, garam masala
Cook the Rice Separately
- Parboil with whole spices and salt
Prepare the Biryani Base
- Fry onions, add marinated protein, cook halfway
Layering
- Alternate rice and meat layers
- Top with fried onions, mint, coriander, saffron-milk
Dum Cooking
- Seal pot and cook on low flame for 30–40 minutes
Serve Hot
- Accompanied by raita (yogurt dip), salan (gravy), or boiled eggs

Conclusion: Why Biryani Reigns Supreme

Biryani is not just food—it’s a culinary legend, an emotion, a unifier. Whether it’s served on a street corner in Hyderabad, a royal Awadhi banquet, or at a Diwali party in New York, biryani delights and satisfies every time.

Its complex flavors, historical richness, regional diversity, and global fanbase make it arguably the nicest Indian dish ever created.

So, the next time someone asks, “What’s the best Indian dish?”—you know the answer.

It’s Biryani. Always Biryani.