Karachi's top 5 biryani joints

KARACHI: Of all the popular and affordable foods available in the city, biryani has been and continues to be the favourite dish among Karachiites.

It's rare to find someone who doesn't love the delectable blend of meat, rice, spices, and of course raita.

PHOTO: SHUGHAL.COM

But amidst the multitude of eateries offering this dish, the taste is always different at each joint; some focus on spices while others on meat or rice. The question that remains though is, where do you go for that perfect plate of biryani?

To make your life easy, we got our hands on some of the most delicious biryani in Karachi and here are our chosen top five:

5. White Biryani

A new variant to the typically yellow/orange biryani, White Biryani launched in 2014 and is fast gaining loyal customers who swear by the taste and quality. In addition to that, the prices are also affordable and have surprisingly decreased recently.





They serve white chicken biryani throughout the week and beef biryani only on weekends. Because it's home made, all the products used are of the highest quality and hygiene standards are maintained, the manager tells us. "We use green spices, no red or colourful spices that can harm one's health," he explains.

Currently operating in just one branch in DHA Phase 6, the outlet can only manage to fit around 18 to 20 people. Almost 95 per cent of their orders are through delivery. The owners are expanding though, with one more branch likely to open soon.

One customer, Saad Islam Khan, tells us: "It's one of the best biryanis I have tried so far. Wonderful taste and serving size is quite good."

Prices: Rs190 for single, Rs320 for double



4. Biryani of the Seas

Another take on the traditional biryani, Biryani of the Seas started with fish and prawn biryani and later added chicken and BBQ to its menu. Their aim is to provide a "desi touch to sea food," claims the manager, Hasan Raza.



The masala and taste are really unique and the service is great too. In addition to that, the quantity is great for the price and provides real value for money.

The joint has two branches, with family halls for comfortable seating, and receives an average of 250 customers per day.

Customer Barzaan Arbab, said, "Love the location and food, especially in winters. Best hangout."

Another happy customer Hira Zeeshan shared her experience saying, "Had an amazing time today. Yummy food, clean environment, and fast service. 9/10 for prawn biryani, Dhaka fish and shawarma platter -- all were way too perfect!"

Prices: Starting from Rs175



3. Student Biryani

Of course, the pioneer of the 'biryani cafe', Student Biryani makes it to the list. It opened in 1969 as Cafe Student and then later changed its name to Student Biryani.





This popular eatery is the first international chain -- it's now operating in Qatar, Australia, Makkah and Jeddah.

Manager Maqsood, claims that this is because the recipe they use is different from the rest and they make their own masala and raita. "Previously the trend was to have beef biryani, but we brought in the chicken biryani trend. We worked hard to get here. We aren't scared of competition," he said.

One Student Biryani fan, Nawaz, said, "I have been eating Student Biryani since the last 10 years and I don't like any other biryani now. I'm addicted."

Prices: Starting from Rs150



2. Indus Foods

This joint has become so popular for its biryani that people know it as Indus Biryani instead of the actual name Indus Foods!





Manager Noor Muhammad tells us this is because their quality has remained consistent since the beginning, so have their employees. "We also make our own raita and masalas which have remained the same since we opened our outlet," he said.

The taste makes up for the lack of variety in the menu. They only serve chicken biryani, but beef biryani can be made on order. Their parathas and keema are also a favourite among fans.

Noor Muhammad proudly says he doesn't know the number of customers they serve each day because it's difficult to keep count.

One customer, Ali, said he just comes to the outlet because he's hungry. However, another customer, Rameez, claims it's the "best biryani in Pakistan. You're not a Karachiite if you haven't had Indus biryani!"

Prices: Starting from Rs150

1. Biryani Centre

And our top pick is Biryani Centre! Opened in 2001, this joint offers a wide variety of biryani dishes, all while maintaining amazing taste and quality.

Chicken Biryani

Tikka Biryani

Chicken, tikka, fish, batair, mutton, beef -- all kinds of biryani are available at this restaurant that caters to around 1200 people daily. With four branches in the city, it's no wonder that this is the centre for biryani.

Manager Imroz Khan tells us they use original masala and recipe, buy rice themselves, use oil instead of ghee, and make their own spices -- all of which contribute to the unique flavour.

They used to make their own raita before, but now too many companies have opened up who do that job so they have stopped. "Biryani is the core element, not raita," says Imroz.

He also said they rarely increase prices which adds to the affordability of the food. One die-hard fan, Haider Ali, said, "I came all the way from Lahore just to eat this biryani. It's the best!"

Another customer, Mohammad Mohtashim "guarantees" that this is the best biryani in town.

Prices: Starting from Rs140