Biryani, the comfort food of many in Chennai, serves as a go-to hub whether we are happy or sad. The perfect biryani is one made with the right amount of spices and meat pieces that enchant us with its aroma. In Chennai, there are three distinct types of biryani places: those that are famous, those that are very famous but only well-known to locals, and those that have recently become famous for serving biryani at midnight. In this blog, we will explore the top 10 famous biryani in Chennai. In the upcoming weeks, we will delve into the other types one by one. Now, get ready to dive into the heart and soul of the top 10 biryani shops in Chennai.
Glimpse into the history of biryani
Biryani, with its roots possibly stretching back to ancient Persia, underwent a remarkable journey before becoming a staple in Chennai, India. Historians suggest that biryani might have been brought to the Indian subcontinent by the Mughals, who were instrumental in introducing Persian cuisine and culture. As biryani traveled through the Indian subcontinent, it embraced the local flavors and ingredients, leading to the birth of numerous regional variations.
List of top 10 best biryani spots in Chennai
1. Bai Veetu Kalyanam Biryani, Navalur
Bai Veetu Kalyanam (BVK) Biryani was founded by visionary Mr. Faheem S and has quickly risen to fame due to their authentic taste, fresh ingredients, and unique experience they offer. Remarkably, BVK Biryani is also known for being India’s first manless takeaway, a pioneering concept that highlights the brand’s innovative approach to serving its customers.
Website: https://thebvkbiryani.com/
Timing: 7 am – 3 am
Phone: 094449 00433
Location: 1, 187, Thalambur Rd, Navalur, Tamil Nadu 603103
Price range: ₹250 for one order
Rating: Google:4.5 of 8065 reviews
Zomato: 3.6 of 6598 votes
Swiggy: 4 of 5000 votes
2. SS Hyderabad, Kodambakkam
SS Hyderabad Biryani Pvt Ltd, started by S. Abdul Samad from a roadside stall in Broadway, Chennai, has grown into a beloved brand among biryani lovers. The secret behind their delicious biryani is a cherished family recipe from Samad’s mother. The first official eatery opened in 1998 in Perambur, Chennai, with just 8 seats, quickly becoming a hit and leading to multiple branches across the city.
Website: https://sshyderabadbiryani.com/
Timing: 11 am – 11 pm
Phone: 044 4010 4010
Location: No:108, No.108, Arcot Rd, Trustpuram, Kodambakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600024
Price range: ₹500 for two
Rating: Google:4.2 of 7296 reviews
Zomato: 4.2 of 1391 votes
Swiggy: 4.5 of 10,000 votes
3. Dindigul Thalapkkati, Velachery
Dindigul Thalappakatti Restaurant, founded by Mr. Nagasamy Naidu in 1957 as Anandha Vilas Biriyani Hotel in Dindigul, is renowned for its unique biryani made with a special blend of spices and Seeraga Samba rice. The name “Thalappakatti,” meaning turban, became synonymous with Naidu’s brand due to the distinctive headgear he wore. This restaurant is celebrated for maintaining the original taste and quality of its biryani
Website: https://thalappakatti.com/
Timing: 11 am – 11 pm
Phone: 044 4282 4113
Location: 38, 1, Velachery Bypass Rd, Velachery, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600042
Price range: ₹700 for two
Rating: Google: 4.1 of 9014 reviews
Zomato: 3.8 of 1315votes
Swiggy: 4.3 of 10,000 votes
4. Sukkubhai , Alandur
Sukkubhai Biryani’s story began in 1955 when Mr. Abdul Khadar moved to Chennai from Nagapattinam, establishing a small eatery that became famous for its unique offerings, including the now-renowned Sukkubhai Biryani introduced in 1977. This dish, particularly its beef variety, drew customers from all walks of life thanks to its affordability and quality service. After Mr. Khadar’s passing in 1994, his legacy was continued by his family, with his son, Mr. Abdul Khader Ali, taking the helm and leading the restaurant to its current success.
Website: https://sukkubhaibiryani.com/our-story/
Timing: 11 am – 11 pm
Phone: 044 4004 4004
Location: 14, Railway Sta Rd, near Saint Anthony’s Church, Ramapuram, Alandur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600016
Price range: ₹1000 for two
Rating: Google: 4.0 of 21k reviews
Zomato: 4.2 of 2643 votes
Swiggy: 4.3 of 10,000 votes
5. Khallids Biryani, Ambattur
Khalids Biriyani, founded in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic by a trio – Abdul Rahman, Karthik Jayakumar, and Karthik Ganesan, is celebrated for bringing Chennai’s authentic Muslim-style biriyani to the forefront. They specialize in basmati rice dum biriyanis, through traditional firewood cooking. With over 15 outlets across Tamil Nadu and an outlet in the Maldives, they’ve made a mark with their commitment to quality,
Website: https://khalidsbiriyani.com/
Timing: 11 am – 11 pm
Phone: 088881 84828
Location: OT 125, Madras Thiruvallur High Rd, Vivek Nagar, West Krishnapuram, Ambattur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600053
Price range: ₹1000 for two
Rating: Google: 4.0 of 1612 reviews
Zomato: 4.2 of 143 votes
Swiggy: 4.1 of 10,000 votes
6. Yaa Mohaideen , Pallavaram
Yaa Mohaideen Briyani, which started in 1996, has become a landmark in Chennai’s biryani scene. It gained significant recognition when it was awarded Chennai’s No. 1 Biryani in 2018 by the Chennai Food Guide, a testament to its quality and popularity among locals and visitors alike. This accolade highlights the restaurant’s commitment to traditional flavors, quality ingredients, and its role in defining the biryani culture in Chennai.
Website: https://yaamohaideenbriyani.com/
Timing: 9– 10 pm
Phone: 044 4854 1717
Location: Periyar Nagar, Pallavaram, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600043
Price range: ₹700 for two
Rating: Google: 4.0 of16k reviews
Zomato: 4.3 of 3446 votes
Swiggy: 4.3 of 5000 votes
7. Buhari, Mount Road
Buhari Hotel has been blending British service finesse with the flavor of Indian cuisine for over seven decades. Its legacy in introducing innovative dishes alongside classic biryanis has made it a must-visit for food lovers.
Website: https://buhari.in/
Timing: 11.30 am – 2 am
Phone: 044 2855 1951
Location: 83, Anna Salai, Border Thottam, Anna Salai, Triplicane, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600002
Price range: ₹950 for two
Rating: Google: 3.9 of 13499 reviews
Zomato: 3.6 of 562 votes
Swiggy: 4.2 of 5000 votes
8. Hotel Paramount, Kilpauk
Paramount in Kilpauk, Chennai, is a renowned biriyani spot with a basic ambiance spread across two floors. They offer a variety of biriyani options, including Chicken Biriyani and Mutton Biriyani, which are generously portioned and reasonably priced
Timing: 7.30 am – 11 pm
Phone: 044 4356 0989
Location: 12/5, Ormes Rd, near CSI Bain School, Kilpauk, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600010
Price range: ₹600 for two
Rating: Google: 3.9 of 5821 reviews
Zomato: 4.1 of 974 votes
Swiggy: 4.4 of 10000 votes
9. Ambur Star Biryani, Chrompet
Star Biryani, a 130-year-old biryani heritage, began in 1890 when Hussain Baig created a secret biryani recipe. It rapidly expanded to around 34 outlets in India by 2018. They have 14 outlets in Chennai.
Website: https://www.amburstarbriyani.com/home
Timing: 11 am – 11 pm
Phone: 099234 37373
Location: NO.412, 7, Grand Southern Trunk Rd, Lakshmi Nagar, Chromepet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600044
Price range: ₹700 for two
Rating: Google: 3.7 of 2.8k reviews
Zomato: 3.9 of 210 votes
Swiggy: 4.3 of 5k votes
10. Salem RR Biryani, Velachery
Salem RR Biryani, a Chennai institution, has a rich history that spans over 20 years. Founded by Mr. RR Tamilselvan, it started from humble beginnings but grew into an iconic establishment.
Website: https://salemrrbiryani.com/
Timing: 11 am – 10 pm
Phone: +919380899999
Location: X6Q9+47V bus stop, opposite Vijayanagar, Periyar Nagar, Velachery, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600042
Price range: ₹500 for two
Rating: Google: 3.6 of 2377 reviews
Zomato: 4.0 of 1186 votes
Swiggy: 4 of 10k votes
Conclusion:
Happy eating and may your biryani adventures in Chennai be filled with delicious flavors and joyful moments!