best biryani in mumbai (2026)

tldr: my top 5 from 16 spots - lucky biryani (bandra, best overall, rs 250 chicken), jaffer bhai’s delhi darbar (grant road, best mughlai, rs 300), zam zam (mohammed ali road, best late-night), noor mohammadi (bhendi bazaar, best nihari-biryani combo), and persian darbar (multiple, most consistent chain). full reviews with prices, styles explained, and honest ratings below.

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i haven’t visited all 16 of these spots personally. i’ve eaten biryani in mumbai on multiple trips but not at every place on this list. this guide is based on extensive research - local food blogs, google reviews, youtube food tours, and recommendations from mumbai locals. i’ll be honest about what’s from experience and what’s from research.

mumbai’s biryani scene is fascinating because the city doesn’t have a signature biryani style. hyderabad has hyderabadi. lucknow has lucknowi. kolkata has kolkata-style with the potato. mumbai? mumbai has everything. the city’s cosmopolitan population brought biryani traditions from across india and beyond, and they all exist simultaneously.

you’ve got bohri biryani from the bohri community in south mumbai. irani-influenced biryani from the old irani cafes. hyderabadi-style from migrant communities. lucknowi subtlety from north indian restaurants. and a mumbai-specific street biryani style that’s spicier and more masaledar than any of the originals.

the competition is brutal. there are thousands of biryani options in mumbai. delivery apps list hundreds. the ones that survive and thrive do so because they’re genuinely excellent. here are the 16 best.

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the awards (my picks)

• best overall: lucky biryani, bandra - the name says it all
• best mughlai biryani: jaffer bhai’s delhi darbar, grant road - rich gravy biryani done right
• best late-night: zam zam, mohammed ali road - biryani at midnight hits different
• best bohri style: noor mohammadi, bhendi bazaar - nalli nihari and biryani combo
• best chain: persian darbar, multiple outlets - consistency across locations
• best hyderabadi: biryani by kilo, multiple outlets - handi biryani cooked fresh
• best budget: shalimar, mohammed ali road - solid biryani under rs 200
• best mutton biryani: jaffer bhai’s delhi darbar - the mutton pieces are unreal
• best chicken biryani: lucky biryani, bandra - the chicken is the star
• best ambience: the bombay canteen, lower parel - modern biryani in a modern setting

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the full list

#	restaurant	area	biryani style	chicken biryani	mutton biryani	my rating
1	lucky biryani	bandra west	mumbai street	rs 250	rs 350	9/10
2	jaffer bhai’s delhi darbar	grant road	mughlai	rs 280	rs 380	9/10
3	zam zam	mohammed ali road	mughlai	rs 220	rs 300	8.5/10
4	noor mohammadi	bhendi bazaar	bohri-influenced	rs 250	rs 350	8.5/10
5	persian darbar	multiple	mughlai-hyderabadi	rs 300	rs 400	8.5/10
6	biryani by kilo	multiple	hyderabadi	rs 350	rs 450	8/10
7	shalimar	mohammed ali road	mughlai	rs 180	rs 250	8/10
8	suleman usman	bhendi bazaar	bohri	rs 250	rs 350	8/10
9	sarvi	nagpada	hyderabadi	rs 280	rs 380	8/10
10	hindustan hotel	chowpatty	mutton specialist	-	rs 350	8/10
11	cafe noorani	haji ali	mughlai	rs 250	rs 350	7.5/10
12	kala khatta biryani	bandra	mumbai street	rs 200	rs 280	7.5/10
13	behrouz biryani	delivery only	mughlai-persian	rs 300	rs 380	7/10
14	the bombay canteen	lower parel	modern indian	rs 550	rs 650	8/10
15	seekh & biryani	andheri	hyderabadi	rs 250	rs 350	7.5/10
16	arsalan	multiple	kolkata-style	rs 280	rs 350	7.5/10

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the legends

these restaurants have been doing biryani in mumbai for decades. they’ve survived everything - changing neighborhoods, rising rents, delivery app wars, and the constant pressure of new competition. they’re legends for a reason.

1. lucky biryani

bandra west / chicken: rs 250, mutton: rs 350 / 9/10

lucky biryani in bandra is the biryani that mumbai argues about. is it the best? is it overhyped? does the hype ruin it? here’s my take: the biryani is genuinely excellent. the chicken biryani uses larger pieces than most competitors, the rice is fragrant with saffron and rose water, and the masala has a punch that’s specifically mumbai - spicier than lucknowi, more aromatic than street biryani.

the magic of lucky biryani is the consistency. this place has been serving the same biryani for years and the quality hasn’t dipped despite the fame. the queues are real. weekends and evenings will have you waiting 20-30 minutes. but the biryani justifies the wait. the raita is fresh, the mirchi salan on the side is proper, and the portion fills you up.

the mutton biryani at rs 350 is the premium option and the meat is tender and well-cooked. but the chicken biryani is what made lucky famous, and it’s what you should order first.

the catch: the hype creates expectations that are sometimes hard to meet. if you go expecting the “best biryani in india” (as some influencers claim), you might be disappointed. go expecting excellent biryani at a fair price and you’ll leave happy. the seating is basic. the area gets congested. delivery dulls the experience.

verdict: the most famous biryani in mumbai, and it deserves the fame. the chicken biryani at rs 250 is the sweet spot. go once, eat at the restaurant (not delivery), and form your own opinion.

2. jaffer bhai’s delhi darbar

grant road / chicken: rs 280, mutton: rs 380 / 9/10

jaffer bhai’s is old mumbai biryani royalty. the grant road outlet has been serving mughlai food since the 1970s and the biryani here is rich, aromatic, and deeply satisfying. the mutton biryani is the star. the meat pieces are large, bone-in, and cooked until tender. the gravy that pools at the bottom of the biryani is what separates jaffer bhai’s from everyone else - it’s a concentrated, buttery, spice-heavy sauce that makes you want to scrape the plate.

the chicken biryani is also excellent. the rice is long-grain, properly separated, and the layering is visible. the masala uses whole spices prominently - you’ll find cardamom, cinnamon sticks, and cloves throughout. the overall flavor profile is mughlai: rich, aromatic, not overly spicy.

the restaurant has expanded to multiple outlets but the grant road original is where the magic lives. the kebabs and curries are also worth exploring, especially the seekh kebab and the nihari.

the catch: the prices are slightly higher than mohammed ali road competitors. the grant road area parking is nearly impossible. the restaurant gets packed during dinner and there’s no reservation system. the newer outlets don’t match the original’s quality.

verdict: the best mughlai biryani in mumbai. the mutton biryani with that bottom-of-the-pot gravy is something special. if you’re choosing between lucky and jaffer bhai’s, get the chicken at lucky and the mutton at jaffer bhai’s.

3. zam zam

mohammed ali road / chicken: rs 220, mutton: rs 300 / 8.5/10

zam zam on mohammed ali road is part of mumbai’s most famous food street. this restaurant has been doing biryani and kebabs for decades, and during ramzan, the area transforms into one of india’s greatest food experiences. the biryani here is straightforward mughlai - good rice, well-spiced meat, and an honest portion at a fair price.

the chicken biryani at rs 220 is one of the better value options in mumbai. the rice is fragrant, the chicken is properly marinated, and the masala has depth without being overwhelming. the late-night crowd at zam zam is its own experience - eating biryani at midnight on mohammed ali road, surrounded by the buzz of the food street, is quintessentially mumbai.

the seekh kebabs and the malpua (sweet pancake) are excellent additions. the nalli nihari available on weekends is also outstanding.

the catch: mohammed ali road is not for everyone. it’s crowded, loud, and chaotic. the hygiene standards are street-food level. the seating is cramped. if you’re particular about ambience, this isn’t your spot. the biryani during non-ramzan months is good but during ramzan it’s on another level.

verdict: the best biryani experience in mumbai. not just food, but the whole mohammed ali road atmosphere. come hungry, come late, and bring cash. the biryani is excellent and the area is unforgettable.

4. noor mohammadi

bhendi bazaar / chicken: rs 250, mutton: rs 350 / 8.5/10

noor mohammadi is famous for its nalli nihari (slow-cooked bone marrow stew), but the biryani deserves equal attention. located in bhendi bazaar, this restaurant serves bohri-influenced biryani that’s subtler than the mohammed ali road mughlai style. the rice is more fragrant, the spicing is more delicate, and the saffron presence is stronger.

the move at noor mohammadi is to order both: nihari and biryani. the combination is devastating. the nihari is so rich and gelatinous that eating it with biryani rice instead of naan creates a different and arguably better experience. the mutton biryani pieces here are bone-in and cooked slowly.

bhendi bazaar has been undergoing renovation but noor mohammadi has survived and continued serving. the restaurant is small but the food compensates for the size.

the catch: tiny restaurant, limited seating. the area can be disorienting for first-timers. the biryani is good but the nihari is better, so you might end up ignoring the biryani entirely once the nihari arrives. the wait times during peak hours can be long.

verdict: the best nihari-biryani combination in mumbai. the biryani stands on its own but pairing it with the nihari is the real move. a must-visit for anyone serious about mumbai’s muslim food traditions.

5. persian darbar

multiple outlets (andheri, bandra, mumbai central) / chicken: rs 300, mutton: rs 400 / 8.5/10

persian darbar is mumbai’s most successful biryani chain that isn’t a national brand. multiple outlets across the city, all serving consistent mughlai-hyderabadi biryani. the chicken biryani uses the dum cooking method with proper layering. the mutton biryani is rich and the meat quality is reliable across outlets.

what makes persian darbar special is the consistency. whether you eat at andheri, bandra, or mumbai central, the biryani tastes the same. in a city where chain restaurants often have wildly different quality across outlets, persian darbar has figured out standardization without losing soul.

the kebab menu is extensive and excellent. the chicken tikka, seekh kebab, and tandoori chicken are all worth ordering alongside the biryani. the interiors are clean, well-maintained, and family-friendly.

the catch: it’s a chain, so the biryani is good but not artisanal. you won’t get the character of a single-outlet legend like lucky or jaffer bhai’s. the prices have gone up over the years. at rs 300 for chicken biryani, it’s not the value option anymore.

verdict: the most reliable biryani chain in mumbai. you always know what you’re getting. for everyday biryani ordering, especially delivery, persian darbar is the safe choice. for a special experience, go to lucky or jaffer bhai’s.

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the new generation

6. biryani by kilo

multiple outlets / chicken: rs 350, mutton: rs 450 / 8/10

biryani by kilo’s usp is biryani cooked fresh in individual handis. you order, they cook. the wait is 30-45 minutes, but the biryani arrives in an earthen pot, still bubbling, with layers intact. the hyderabadi-style biryani here is well-executed. the rice is long-grain basmati, the spicing is proper, and the individual cooking means each order is fresh.

the lucknowi option is lighter and worth trying for variety. the mutton handi is the premium experience - the pot, the presentation, and the fresh cooking make it feel special. at rs 450, it’s not cheap, but the experience justifies the premium.

the catch: the wait time is real. not a spontaneous meal option. the cloud kitchen outlets can be inconsistent. the pricing is premium for mumbai. delivery loses the handi presentation.

verdict: the best premium biryani experience in mumbai. the individual handi cooking makes a genuine difference. plan ahead and enjoy it fresh.

7. suleman usman

bhendi bazaar / chicken: rs 250, mutton: rs 350 / 8/10

suleman usman in bhendi bazaar serves bohri-style biryani that’s distinct from the mughlai norm. lighter spicing, more saffron, less chilli, and a delicacy to the rice that mughlai biryani doesn’t aim for. the bohri community’s biryani tradition is about subtlety and aroma, and suleman usman executes it well.

the biryani comes with a distinct sweet-sour chutney that the bohri community serves alongside. it sounds odd but it works. the meat quality is good and the portions are reasonable. the restaurant is small but the food is big.

the catch: the bohri style might feel “bland” if you’re used to spicy mughlai or hyderabadi biryani. it’s not bland, it’s subtle. but palates accustomed to heat will need to adjust expectations. tiny restaurant, limited seating.

verdict: the best bohri-style biryani in mumbai. a different and valuable biryani experience that most food guides skip. worth the detour to bhendi bazaar.

8. sarvi

nagpada / chicken: rs 280, mutton: rs 380 / 8/10

sarvi in nagpada has been doing hyderabadi-style dum biryani in mumbai for decades. the biryani is cooked in sealed handis, opened at the table, with the aroma hitting you before the first bite. the spice level is higher than most mughlai joints. the rice has that characteristic yellow-white layering of hyderabadi biryani.

the mutton biryani is the recommendation. the meat is well-marinated, cooked until tender, and the masala has layers of flavor. the restaurant itself is clean and slightly upscale for the area. the nihari on weekends is also excellent.

the catch: nagpada isn’t the most accessible area for visitors. the restaurant gets very crowded during dinner. service can be slow when full. the chicken biryani is good but the mutton is significantly better.

verdict: the best hyderabadi-style biryani in mumbai. if you miss hyderabad’s biryani and you’re stuck in mumbai, sarvi is the closest you’ll get.

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budget biryani

9. shalimar

mohammed ali road / chicken: rs 180, mutton: rs 250 / 8/10

shalimar on mohammed ali road does honest biryani at honest prices. chicken biryani at rs 180 that tastes like someone actually cared about making it. the rice is properly cooked, the masala is balanced, and the chicken pieces are reasonably sized. at this price point, that’s all you can ask for, and shalimar delivers.

the kebabs here are also excellent value. the seekh kebab and the chicken tikka are both in the rs 100-150 range and hit the mark. the restaurant has that old mohammed ali road energy - cramped, loud, and full of people who know exactly what they’re ordering.

the catch: mohammed ali road hygiene caveats apply. the seating is basic. the menu is limited. don’t expect great ambience or service.

verdict: the best budget biryani in mumbai. rs 180 for chicken biryani that’s actually good. in a city where everything is expensive, shalimar is a relief.

10. hindustan hotel

chowpatty / mutton biryani: rs 350 / 8/10

hindustan hotel near chowpatty doesn’t serve chicken biryani. it’s mutton only. and that single-minded focus shows in the quality. the mutton biryani here is rich, dense, and loaded with meat pieces. the rice-to-meat ratio favors meat, which is rare. the cooking style is slow dum with a gravy base.

the restaurant has been around for ages and has a loyal following among chowpatty regulars. the keema pav and the mutton curry are also excellent. this is old-school mumbai non-veg eating.

the catch: mutton only means if your group has someone who doesn’t eat red meat, you need another plan. the restaurant is small and dated. the location near chowpatty is convenient for tourists but the restaurant itself doesn’t scream “eat here” from the outside.

verdict: the best single-focus biryani in mumbai. if you eat mutton, this is essential. the commitment to one protein means the quality is exceptionally high.

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modern & delivery

11. cafe noorani

haji ali / chicken: rs 250, mutton: rs 350 / 7.5/10

cafe noorani near haji ali is a mumbai institution known more for seekh kebabs and murg musallam than biryani, but the biryani is solid. the chicken biryani has a mild, fragrant profile that works well after a heavy kebab starter. the rice quality is good and the masala is restrained.

it’s the kind of biryani that doesn’t demand attention but satisfies quietly. pair it with noorani’s kebabs for the complete experience. the haji ali location makes it a convenient stop for visitors.

the catch: the biryani is the third or fourth best thing on the menu. the seekh kebab and the rolls are better. the biryani is good but not the reason to come here.

verdict: good biryani in a great restaurant. come for the kebabs, order biryani as a side, and you’ll have an excellent meal.

12. kala khatta biryani

bandra / chicken: rs 200, mutton: rs 280 / 7.5/10

kala khatta in bandra is a newer entrant that’s gained a following for spicy, masaledar biryani. the spice level is higher than most places on this list. if you like your biryani with heat, kala khatta delivers. the chicken biryani at rs 200 is well-priced for bandra, and the portions are fair.

the biryani here is more “street biryani” than “restaurant biryani.” it’s the kind of biryani you eat standing outside the shop, with juices running down your fingers. rustic, aggressive, and satisfying.

the catch: the spice level isn’t for everyone. the hygiene is street-level. the seating is basically nonexistent. if you want refinement, go elsewhere.

verdict: the spiciest biryani on this list. if your biryani needs to fight back, kala khatta is your spot.

13. the bombay canteen

lower parel / chicken: rs 550, mutton: rs 650 / 8/10

the bombay canteen doesn’t serve traditional biryani. they serve a modern, chef-driven interpretation that uses regional ingredients and techniques. the biryani here is seasonal, using different meats and rice varieties depending on what’s available. the presentation is restaurant-grade. the flavors are complex and thoughtful.

at rs 550-650, this is the most expensive biryani on this list. but the experience is different from everything else. the ambience is beautiful, the cocktails are excellent, and the biryani is a dish, not a meal. you eat it as part of a multi-course dinner, not as a standalone.

the catch: not biryani in the traditional sense. purists will object. the price is absurd for biryani by mumbai standards. the portions are small by biryani standards. you’re paying for the restaurant experience, not the biryani quantity.

verdict: the best “biryani experience” in mumbai for a different reason. if you want to see what biryani becomes in a modern kitchen, this is fascinating. if you want actual biryani, go to lucky.

14. seekh & biryani

andheri / chicken: rs 250, mutton: rs 350 / 7.5/10

seekh & biryani in andheri is the suburban option for people who don’t want to travel to south mumbai or bandra. the biryani is hyderabadi-style with proper dum cooking. the seekh kebabs (as the name suggests) are the star accompaniment. rs 250 for chicken biryani in andheri is fair pricing.

the delivery is reliable, which matters because andheri residents are more likely to order in than travel. the packaging holds the biryani well and it doesn’t get mushy in transit.

the catch: nothing exceptional. it’s good, reliable, suburban biryani. the kind of place that’s your regular order, not a destination. the competition in andheri is fierce and seekh & biryani doesn’t stand out dramatically.

verdict: andheri’s most reliable biryani option. not the best in mumbai, but the best in its neighborhood. sometimes that’s what matters.

15. arsalan

multiple outlets / chicken: rs 280, mutton: rs 350 / 7.5/10

arsalan brings kolkata-style biryani to mumbai. the signature potato, the light fragrant rice, the subtle spicing - it’s all here. if you’re from kolkata and homesick for biryani, arsalan is the answer. the biryani is lighter than mumbai’s mughlai style and the potato is the differentiator.

the kolkata-style is an acquired taste for mumbai residents who are used to spicier biryani. but once you appreciate the subtlety, arsalan’s biryani has its own charm. the mughlai menu beyond biryani is also worth exploring.

the catch: the kolkata style feels “mild” to mumbai palates. the potato in biryani is controversial outside bengal. the outlets vary in quality.

verdict: the best kolkata-style biryani in mumbai. niche but excellent if that’s what you’re craving.

16. behrouz biryani

delivery only / chicken: rs 300, mutton: rs 380 / 7/10

behrouz is the rebel foods cloud kitchen brand with the persian branding. the biryani is competent. the packaging is premium. the gulab jamun included in combos is a nice touch. but at rs 300 for chicken biryani from a cloud kitchen, you’re paying for convenience and branding, not for exceptional food.

the biryani is consistent, which is behrouz’s strength. you know exactly what you’ll get every time. it won’t surprise you or disappoint you. it’s the biryani equivalent of ordering from mcdonald’s - reliable, uniform, and never the best option in any city.

the catch: cloud kitchen means no dine-in experience. the quality doesn’t match the pricing when compared to actual restaurants. the 3.5 average zomato rating tells the story. it’s fine, but “fine” isn’t enough when lucky and jaffer bhai’s exist.

verdict: the weakest option on this list relative to price. order from persian darbar or lucky instead. behrouz is for when you’re too tired to think about what you want and just need biryani to arrive.

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biryani styles in mumbai explained

mughlai style: the most common in mumbai. rich gravy base, well-spiced, aromatic. jaffer bhai’s, zam zam, and shalimar represent this style. the rice is long-grain, the masala uses whole spices prominently, and the cooking is dum-style (slow, sealed pot).

bohri style: from the dawoodi bohra community of south mumbai. lighter, more saffron, less chilli. suleman usman and noor mohammadi represent this. the biryani comes with unique accompaniments like sweet chutney. an underappreciated style.

hyderabadi style: spicier, more layered, with the characteristic yellow-white rice pattern. sarvi, biryani by kilo, and seekh & biryani. the dum cooking here is more intense, and the spice level is noticeably higher than mughlai.

kolkata style: light, fragrant, with a potato. arsalan brings this to mumbai. the gentlest of all styles, focused on aroma rather than heat.

mumbai street style: spicier than all the above, more masaledar, less refined. lucky biryani and kala khatta represent this. it’s biryani that evolved in mumbai’s street food ecosystem, influenced by everything but copying nothing.

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tips for biryani in mumbai

friday is biryani day. most muslim-owned biryani restaurants have their best batches on friday. the meat is freshest, the preparations are most careful, and the crowd is most discerning. plan your biryani pilgrimage for friday.

mohammed ali road at night. the real biryani experience is mohammed ali road between 9 pm and midnight. the food street is alive, the competition between restaurants is visible, and the biryani is at its freshest. during ramzan (check dates for 2026), this area becomes india’s greatest food festival.

order mutton. mumbai’s biryani restaurants generally do mutton better than chicken. the slow cooking traditions suit mutton. the exception is lucky biryani, where chicken is the star.

skip delivery for the legends. lucky, jaffer bhai’s, zam zam - these are dine-in experiences. delivery biryani is always worse than dine-in. the rice clumps, the aroma dissipates, and the layers merge. make the trip.

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final word

mumbai’s biryani scene doesn’t get the respect of hyderabad’s or lucknow’s. but it should. the diversity of styles, the quality of execution, and the sheer number of excellent options make mumbai one of india’s best biryani cities. you can eat a different style every day for a week and never repeat.

start with lucky biryani in bandra for the famous experience. then go to jaffer bhai’s for the mughlai depth. hit mohammed ali road for the atmosphere. and when you want something different, try the bohri style at suleman usman.

mumbai’s biryani story isn’t about one iconic dish. it’s about a city that took biryani from everywhere and made all of it its own.

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for the complete mumbai food experience, check my mumbai food guide and mumbai street food guide. for sit-down restaurants beyond biryani, see the best restaurants in mumbai. and for the most iconic mumbai food, read the best vada pav in mumbai guide.