If Chennai is a city and Madras is an emotion, there are so many facets that have contributed in this 379+ year old journey of Namma Chennai. Be it the December floods or the Marina protests, the Chennai super kings or the Chennayin FC, the Chennai people have always stood by each other at all times.
One such emotion which unites the city ALL TIME is Chennai’s love for Biryani – That which brings happy tears and happiness with all of us amidst sad or good or what-so-ever comes by.
From the Thalapakattis to Hyderabadi to Malabar, Seeraga samba to Basmati, expensive to pocket-friendly, Chennai is a bliss for biryani enthusiasts. If you are new to Chennai, or a resident who is on the hunt for best biryani restaurants, this article would be perfect for you to jot and eat the best biryanis of Chennai.
The Biryani Blogger presents you the crowd favourites, the
Top Biryanis of Chennai
(in no particular order). Unleash the Taste Buds to Relish your Royalty – The Biryani.
1Dindugul Thalapakatti Biryani
The lip smacking Dindugul style Thalapakatti biryani is a well-known destination for Chennai Biryani lovers. What started as a betel nut shop and a 4 Seater hotel has now expanded to become one of the largest chains of restaurants – Shouldering strong, the Biryani and Thalapakatti Legacy for more than 60 years. Mutton Biryani is best here – Together with the seeraga samba rice and the Chettinad delicacies, one would immerse for a whole some biryani eating experience at Dindugul Thalapakatti Biryani.
2Rawther Thalapakattu Biryani
A closer resemblance to the name – but a distinct difference in taste with the Thalapakatti, Rawther Thalapakattu Biryani is known for the long basmati strands of rice and the economical price yet solid taste compared to many other biryanis in the same league.
3Ambur Star Biryani
Name a place where Biryani is followed as a daily routine – the unanimous answer will be Ambur – A city where you get biryanis even during early morning. When a legendary restaurant (since 1890) at Ambur spreads its flavours in Chennai, there is no exception it is a natural hunt for all biryani lovers. Known for the unique taste, the tender mutton and chicken chunks, Ambur Star biryani is sure to leave a lasting impression with you to come back for more!
4Junior Kuppanna Biryani
A stand-out flavor and taste from rest – one that bears testimony to the Kuppanna brand – who have been passionate in the restaurant service for more than 58 years, Biryani at Junior Kuppanna is a must try. Seeraga samba rice complements the taste perfectly. The best combination here would be Mutton Biryani and their signature dish, Chicken Pallipalayam (oil free and Boneless)
5Aasife and Brothers
As Chennai has grown, so has Aasife. A single man’s transformation from biryani selling in a push-cart to huge kilos of biryani served across several Aasife brand restaurants coupled with fine ambience evokes certainly an inspiration. Together with many other dishes on the palate to complement, Aasife Biryani restaurant is a Biryani destination favourite for many Chennaites.
6Sukkubhai Beef Biryani at Alandur
One of the finest destinations in Chennai for all the Beef Biryani Lovers. The beef pieces melt in mouth literally. Top it up with their variety of beef side dishes – the cutlets, fry (Sure Recommend), Kheema, brain, liver for the fullest Sukkubhai experience.
7Arabian Kebab Centre at Kodambakkam
Not many Chennaites know this hidden gem for biryani extravaganza. Easily one of the yummiest biryanis in Chennai, where you just can have the Kushka without the piece – And it still tastes delicious. This place is also famous for the Shawarmas and Grill Chicken. It is a stand and eat restaurant – So make sure, you are ready for it – else parcel it away and enjoy at your luxury. (Tip – Easily crowded during weekends. The earlier you reach, the better)
8Ya Mohideen Biryani, Pallavaram
Talking about crowded stunts around a restaurant, the immediate recall for most Chennai biryani lovers would be Ya Mohideen. Thronged with super heavy queue, the best thing-to-do would be a parcel here. The quantity is huge and easily serves a person’s tummy-full. (Be prepared for the high Cost for the benefit of quality and brand :P) If you would like to have a calm ambience, there is a second branch open on the Pallavaram-Tambaram main road although, nothing beats the biryani awaiting experience amidst the queue in the small shop which was first started.
9Nayeem Biryani, Periayamet
Claimed as one of the must check in places, if you are a Biryani Lover at Chennai! Nayeem Biryani at Periyamet is well known for the soft tender chunks and the well-balanced spiciness of the biryani. Prefer to commute in a two wheeler to reach, because the route is quite congested.
10SS Hyderabadi Biryani, Arcot Road and Nungambakkam Outlets
These are the fore runners for introduction of the bucket biryani. The best thing about SS hyderabadi is the quantity which is good enough for more than one person. Cost is also reasonable comparatively. The huge biryani serving andas at the entrance provide a visual treat to ‘get ready to conquer the biryani mode‘ as you step in.
11Salem RR Biryani, Velachery & Other outlets
A typical Tamilnadu Style Biryani (Even started by one named Mr.Tamil Selvan from Salem) with spiciness and tanginess in the right proportion for a great “Namma Ooru” biryani treat. Try out their Chicken 65 biryani, which is one of the crowd favourites.
12Thanjavur Military Hotel (a) Kattayan Mess at Park Town
Mutton biryani at Thanjavur military hotel (mutton pulav as they say) is a must try. This hotel has a tradition of serving food for more than 100 years. Located adjacent to the Chennai Central Station, all roads will(and should;)) lead to this mess if you are getting down near to Central for a biryani hunt. Try out their famous Kari Dosa too.
13Hotel Kalyan Bhavan, Egmore
If Kattayan Mess is for Central, Hotel Kalyan Bhavan is for Egmore. Equivalent to the name of the Hotel, Kalyan Bhavan fans claim the biryani as a marriage feast experience. Served in a banana leaf with a complimentary sweet, Kalyan Bhavan best satiates the biryani craving of the Chennai folks.
14Paradise Biryani at OMR
If hyderabadi biriyani is what you love, Paradise restaurant is certainly one of the best places to be! The Ambience, and the lip smacking kebabs, starters make it up for a wholesome and authentic hyderabadi dum biryani relishing experience.
15Behrouz Biryani, Order Online
One of the recent additions to the best biryanis at Chennai, Behrouz biryani claims a royal indulging experience for all the biryani lovers. A Variety of Hyderabadi Biryani Cuisines coupled with an awesome packaging makes anyone easily fall in love and awe with Behrouz. Check out their website which is equally striking in appearance !! https://www.behrouzbiryani.com/
16Hotel Copper Chimney (Gopalapuram and Taramani)
For a change, if you are in the hunt for a North Indian Styled Biryani, Copper Chimney is one of the perfect destinations to satiate the hunger of a keen connoisseur. The looks are striking and Resto-Ambience, Service perfectly befits the royal treat.
17Thalassery Style Biryani at Ente Keralam
Authentic Kerala Cuisine, the traditional Thalassery(Moplah) biryani of Northern Kerala is best served at Ente Keralam – A solid Treat for Kerala style biryani lovers. Try out their Strong spice flavoured Kappa Biryani too.
18Hotel Ponnusamy
Chettinad style is at its best at Ponnusamy Hotel. This legendary restaurant is in the business of serving Chettinad cuisine passionately for decades. One of the spotlight foods of Ponnusamy is their Biryani, which is spicy and offers a rich royal dine along with the other dishes.
19That Biryani Place, Anna Nagar
A New Comer to the Top Biryanis of Chennai List – Certainly a promising one ! The packaging is great, so is the Taste ! 🙂
20Koorai Kadai Biryani, Sholinganallur
Pocket Friendly and cool setting !! Koorai Kadai biryani and side dishes has many fans in the Sholinganallur – ECR Stretch.
21Hotel Anjappar
One can’t miss out another legendary restaurant in the food business in Top Biryanis of Chennai List. Anjappar Chettinad Biryani has some serious fans out there at Chennai and rest of Tamilnadu – so much so that the late icon, MGR loved the taste of Anjappar that he helped him build and scale this restaurant business sky high.
22Thambi Vilas Mutton Biryani
With aesthetically designed interiors to compliment, Get ready to dig into Thambi Vilas’ Mutton Biryani, which is made from seeraga samba rice and you’re sure to get a warm comforting feel of Namma Chennai. Have their famous Rose Milk as well to balance the taste for a different yet authentic experience.
23Bayleaf, Gopalapuram
A celebration of Bengali Cuisines and the Lucknowi Biryani happens beautifully at Bayleaf. A must try for the Variety and ambience they offer + they are also famous for hosting an array of food festivals throughout the year.
24Naidu Military Hotel (a) Dhonne Biryani at Perungudi
A unique styled Biryani served in Dhonne, together with their mouth-watering side dishes provide a great bliss for a biryani lover at Chennai. Their Fish Fry is a sure recommend alongside.
25Hotel Buhari
The pioneers of Chicken 65 in the whole world!! Relish their biryani at the original Chicken 65 discovered place – Strongly for the lovers of Chicken 65 and biryani!
Besides the above list, there is a whole lot of unique styled and scrumptious tasty biryanis spread throughout Chennai – Some more on the list are below:
Bombay Brasserie Restaurant for authentic North Indian Style, Rasavid at OMR and Ramaas at Saligramam for appetizing Hyderabadi Style Biryani, Thalassery Thattu Kada at Velachery and Oru Kizhakkan Thattukada for distinct Malabar Biryani, Aneef Biryani at Kodambakkam (New promising Addition to best biryanis of Chennai serving Variety of yummy biryani dishes), and there is some more of the local favourites – Nizam biryani at Royapuram, Bismi Biryani at Nungambakkam, Arcot Biryani at Porur, Akbar Mess at Vepery, Dindugul Venu Biryani, Charminar Biryani at Triplicane and Ajmal Biryani at Mylapore.
The above Top Biryanis of Chennai list is exhaustive and made after a big fat biryani craving hunt and I am sure you will find it useful for your next best biryani stop at Chennai.
Feel free to share your comments and if there is anything I have missed out (I am sure have only done the surface) please let me know, so we can spice this list up with more of such mouth-watering biryani restaurants and biryanify ourselves merrily together.
With Love,
Your Biryani Blogger.
Leave a Reply