'World Biryani Day': For the love of rice dish, Hyderabad boasts of 15,000 restaurants

Hyderabad: World Biryani Day, celebrated on the first Sunday of July globally, honors the beloved rice dish believed to have originated in Persia and gained popularity across India and beyond over centuries.

In India, Biryani is a favorite dish for special occasions and is often served at weddings, religious festivals, and family gatherings. There are many different regional variations of Biryani, each with its unique flavor. Some of the most popular types of Biryani include Hyderabadi Biryani, Lucknowi Biryani, and Malabar Biryani.

Biryani is also popular in countries such as Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Singapore. In these countries, Biryani is often adapted to local tastes and ingredients. For example, in Malaysia, Biryani is often made with chicken or seafood instead of lamb or beef.

To celebrate World Biryani Day, restaurants and food businesses around the world offered special Biryani dishes. In India, many restaurants offered discounts or free meals on Biryani. In the United States, some restaurants are hosting Biryani cook-offs or tasting events. And in the United Kingdom, a group of chefs launched a Biryani delivery service for the day.

Here are some interesting Biryani ordering trends from the first half of 2023, as revealed by Swiggy:

- In the last five and a half months, there has been a growth of 8.39% in Biryani orders in Hyderabad compared to the same period in 2022.

- Dum Biryani emerged as the undisputed champion with over 9 lakh orders, capturing the hearts and palates of Hyderabadis.

- Following closely behind is the flavorful Biryani rice with an impressive 7.9 lakh orders, while the beloved mini Biryani received over 5.2 lakh orders.

- Hyderabad boasts an impressive count of over 15,000 restaurants offering Biryani on their menus.

- Kukatpally, Madhapur, Ameerpet, Banjara Hills, Kothapet & Dilsukhnagar are the top areas with the highest concentration of Biryani-serving restaurants.

- Among the various regions of Hyderabad, certain areas witnessed the highest Biryani consumption in terms of order volume. Kukatpally takes the crown followed by Madhapur, Banjara Hills, Gachibowli, and Kondapur.

Moderation is the key

Although World Biryani Day is a chance for people from all over the world to come together and enjoy this delicious and versatile dish, nutritionists emphasize the importance of moderation when indulging in special food celebrations like Biryani Day.

City-based nutritionist Dr. P. Janaki Srinath says, "Any food taken in moderation is good. But on these special days, delivery platforms and restaurants around the city offer discounts on these days and the customer ends up eating more as a result.

Dr. Srinath explained that Biryani can indeed be a nutritious meal if the meat or vegetable content outweighs the amount of rice. "However, in many restaurants, the traditional composition of Biryani has shifted over time, with an increased emphasis on rice rather than the protein component," she said. "As a result, it has become challenging to find a substantial amount of meat in some restaurant servings."

Dr. Srinath also recommended practicing portion control and complementing Biryani with a side of salad or raita (a yogurt-based condiment) to enhance the nutritional value of the overall meal. "Including these additions can provide added fiber, vitamins, and minerals, creating a more well-rounded dining experience," she said.