Best Chicken Biryani in Dilshad Garden: A Food Lover’s Guide
Delhi is a treasure trove of flavors, and when it comes to biryani—one of the most beloved dishes in Indian cuisine—every corner of the city has its own claim to fame. But tucked in the vibrant lanes of East Delhi lies Dilshad Garden, a locality that has slowly been carving out a name for itself among food lovers, especially for its and lip-smacking non-vegetarian fare. If you’re someone who dreams of aromatic rice layered with perfectly cooked chicken, tender spices, and that unmistakable punch of desi flavor, this guide to the best chicken biryani in Dilshad Garden is just for you.
What Makes a Great Chicken Biryani?
Before diving into where to get your biryani fix, let’s talk about what makes a chicken biryani truly stand out. ● Aromatic Basmati Rice: Long-grain basmati is non-negotiable. Each grain should be fluffy and fragrant. ● Juicy Chicken Pieces: The chicken should be marinated well, tender, and packed with flavor. ● Balanced Spices: From the warm notes of cardamom and cinnamon to the subtle heat of green chilies and red chili powder, the spices must sing in harmony. ● Dum Cooking: The magic of biryani lies in the slow-cooked, sealed "dum" method that locks in the flavor. Now that we know the checklist, let’s uncover where you’ll find the best biryani in Dilshad Garden.
1. Brine Foods – The Rising Star Location: Opposite Bikanervala, Main Market, Dilshad Garden Rating: ★★★★★ Price Range: ₹150 – ₹200 Must-Try: Chicken Dum Biryani, Chicken 65 Biryani Brine Foods is a name that’s quickly gaining popularity for all the right reasons. While it might look like a modest setup, the flavors are far from ordinary. Their Chicken Dum Biryani is made in small batches, ensuring quality and freshness. What Makes It Special? ● ● ● ●
Cooked in true dum style with layers of chicken and rice. Chicken is marinated in yogurt and spices overnight. Saffron and rose water add a touch of Mughlai richness. Comes with spicy raita and salan that perfectly complement the biryani.
Locals swear by their Chicken 65 Biryani—a spicy twist with deep-fried chicken chunks tossed into flavorful rice. It’s fiery, bold, and perfect for those who like a little extra heat. Pro Tip: Pair your biryani with their Chicken Shawarma or seekh kebabs for a complete meal.
2. Al Nawaz Biryani Centre Location: Near GTB Enclave Metro Station Rating: ★★★★☆ Price Range: ₹120 – ₹180 Must-Try: Chicken Tikka Biryani A gem for those who like their biryani with a North Indian flair, Al Nawaz offers hearty portions with generous chunks of spiced chicken. The rice is smoky, rich in ghee, and not too oily, making it easy on the stomach. Why You Should Try It: ● Tikka pieces are grilled before being mixed into the biryani. ● Balanced masalas—ideal for both biryani beginners and spice veterans. ● Quick service and a great takeaway option. If you’re short on time but craving big flavor, Al Nawaz is a reliable go-to.
3. Biryani House – The Classic Spot Location: J&K Block Market, Dilshad Garden Rating: ★★★★☆ Price Range: ₹100 – ₹160 Must-Try: Hyderabadi Chicken Biryani A small joint with a loyal customer base, Biryani House sticks to classic recipes and gets it right every time. Their Hyderabadi Chicken Biryani is layered with a vibrant red masala and tender chicken, with the signature boiled egg tucked in for tradition. Best Part: ● Authentic Hyderabadi flavors with a Delhi twist. ● Masala is rich, but not overpowering. ● Economical without cutting corners on quality. The seating might be limited, but the takeaway and delivery options are efficient. Perfect for biryani nights at home.
4. Dilshad Kitchen Location: Pocket J Market, Dilshad Garden Rating: ★★★★☆ Price Range: ₹130 – ₹190 Must-Try: Chicken Afghani Biryani If you like your biryani creamy and indulgent, Dilshad Kitchen’s Chicken Afghani Biryani will blow your mind. It’s a lesser-known version, where the chicken is tossed in a creamy marinade before being layered into the rice. Highlights: ● Less spicy, more flavorful. ● Ideal for kids or those who prefer milder biryani. ● Comes with tangy chutney and raita. Dilshad Kitchen also offers combo meals that include biryani, kebab, and dessert—a great option for a filling meal under ₹250.
5. Biryani Nation Location: Dilshad Garden Extension Rating: ★★★☆☆ Price Range: ₹150 – ₹220 Must-Try: Double Masala Chicken Biryani For those who want their biryani extra spicy and loaded with masala, Biryani Nation delivers on that front. Their Double Masala Chicken Biryani is heavy on spices and oil, perfect for the bold-hearted. What to Expect: ● Extra masala base with fried onions and chili flakes. ● Rice is soft and flavorful, though slightly on the heavier side. ● Chicken is juicy and coated generously in spice. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but if you’re a spice lover, it might just be your new favorite.
Bonus Mention: Street Style Biryani at Dilshad Market Stalls Location: Near Dilshad Garden Metro Gate 1 Rating: ★★★★☆ Price Range: ₹60 – ₹100 Must-Try: Chicken Biryani with Korma Gravy For a truly authentic Delhi street food experience, nothing beats the stalls outside the main market and metro station. These vendors serve up hot plates of biryani straight from massive degs (pots), and the aroma alone is enough to pull you in. Why Try It? ● Incredibly affordable. ● The rice is soft and aromatic with a homestyle flavor. ● Often served with a side of spicy korma gravy. Perfect for students, office-goers, or late-night foodies looking for a quick fix.
What Locals Say To make this guide even more helpful, we spoke to some locals who live and work in Dilshad Garden. Here’s what they had to say:
"Brine Foods is my favorite. The biryani is always fresh and the quantity is perfect for two. I order almost every weekend." – Rohit Sharma, resident of Pocket G. "Street biryani near Metro Gate 1 is unbeatable in taste and price. ₹70 for a plate and it tastes better than many restaurants!" – Farheen, college student.
"Al Nawaz has the best biryani for takeout. Their chicken is always juicy and not dry like other places." – Imran, Zomato delivery partner.
Tips for Biryani Lovers in Dilshad Garden 1. Go Early: Most popular joints sell out by evening, especially on weekends. 2. Ask for Extra Raita: The spicy biryanis taste even better when paired with cool raita. 3. Don’t Skip the Egg: A boiled egg is not just garnish—it adds richness and balances spice. 4. Experiment with Types: From dum to Afghani to tikka-style, try different kinds to find your favorite. 5. Carry Cash: Smaller joints and stalls may not accept digital payments.
Final Verdict: Where Should You Go? If we had to crown the ultimate winner, Brine Foods takes the top spot for its authentic flavors, dum cooking, and consistent quality. It strikes the perfect balance between homestyle and restaurant-style biryani and offers great value for money. But every place listed here brings something special to the table. Whether you’re a spice junkie, a fan of subtle flavors, or just looking for a budget-friendly biryani fix, Dilshad Garden has something for every biryani lover.
Conclusion In the ever-expanding food map of Delhi, Dilshad Garden is an underrated gem. Its biryani scene might not yet be as hyped as Old Delhi or Jama Masjid, but it holds its own with some truly remarkable offerings. The next time you find yourself craving that perfect bite of chicken biryani, skip the mainstream and head to one of these local legends in Dilshad Garden. You won't be disappointed.
