Best Biryani in Singapore

Biryani in Singapore: a guide for visitors

Biryani in Singapore is long-grain rice cooked with spices and served with chicken, mutton or fish. Locals often call it nasi briyani, as nasi means rice in Malay. It is sold at Indian restaurants and hawker stalls across the island. Many of the best-known places are in Little India and Kampong Glam.

What is in a plate of biryani?

The rice is usually basmati, a long and fragrant grain. It is cooked with spices such as cardamom, cinnamon and cloves. Saffron or turmeric gives parts of the rice a yellow colour. The meat is cooked in a spiced gravy, then served with or under the rice.

A plate often comes with some of these sides:

• Dalcha, a mild lentil curry, sometimes cooked with vegetables.
• Acar, a sweet and sour vegetable pickle.
• Raita, cool yoghurt mixed with cucumber or onion.
• Papadum, a thin, crispy wafer.
• A boiled egg, at some stalls.

Not every place serves every side, so look at the menu or ask.

Which biryani to choose

• Chicken biryani is a safe choice for a first try. It is mild and tender.
• Mutton biryani has a richer, stronger taste. In Singapore, mutton usually means goat or lamb.
• Fish biryani is lighter than the meat versions.
• Vegetable biryani suits vegetarians. Ask the staff whether the sides contain meat or fish.

Most biryani here is fragrant rather than very hot. The heat often comes from the curry or chilli on the side, so you can control it.

Where to eat biryani in Singapore

Little India

Bismillah Biryani is an Indian restaurant in the Little India & Jalan Besar area. As the name suggests, biryani is its speciality. Tekka Centre, a hawker centre in the same area, is a good place to try other local dishes. Leave time to walk the streets of Little India before or after your meal.

Kampong Glam

Islamic Restaurant is an Indian restaurant in the Bugis & Kampong Glam area. This area is also home to Sultan Mosque and the small shops of Kampong Glam & Haji Lane. If you visit the mosque, dress modestly, check the visiting times and avoid prayer times.

Kampong Glam is also known for murtabak, a pan-fried bread stuffed with meat, egg and onion. Try Zam Zam Restaurant or Victory Restaurant, or see our Murtabak page.

Tips for eating biryani

• Go earlier in the day. Some stalls cook biryani in large batches and may sell out later on.
• Use your right hand or cutlery. Some diners eat rice with their right hand. Spoons and forks are usually available.
• Mix in the sides. Spoon a little dalcha or raita over the rice to balance the spices.
• Know the rough cost. A plate usually costs around S$6 to S$20, depending on the meat and portion. Mutton often costs more. Prices change, so check the menu.
• Check for halal certification. If you need halal food, look for the MUIS halal certificate on display. Do not assume every biryani stall is certified. See the Halal Food section of our blog.

Want more Indian food? Browse our Indian restaurants, or try Fish Head Curry and Prata. You can also read Banana Leaf Rice in Little India: How the Meal Works.

FAQs about biryani

Is biryani in Singapore spicy?

It is usually fragrant rather than very hot. The heat often comes from the curry or chilli on the side, so you can add as much as you like.

Is nasi briyani the same as biryani?

Yes. Nasi briyani is the common local name for the dish. Nasi means rice in Malay.

Which area is best for biryani?

Little India and Kampong Glam have many well-known places. Both are close to the city centre and easy to reach by MRT.

Is there vegetarian biryani?

Yes. Many Indian restaurants serve vegetable biryani. Ask the staff if the sides contain meat or fish.

How much does a plate of biryani cost?

Expect around S$6 to S$20 a plate. Chicken is usually the cheapest, and mutton costs more. Prices change over time, so check the menu board.