Best of 12 biryani in Upper West Side NYC
Biryani in Upper West Side NYC is a culinary delight that combines the rich flavors of Indian cuisine with the cosmopolitan flair of New York City. This dish, made with fragrant basmati rice and tender meat or vegetables, is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. From traditional recipes to modern twists, the biryani in Upper West Side NYC offers a unique dining experience for food enthusiasts.
1. Saravanaa Bhavan in Upper West Side
Vegetarian-only menu with many vegan options

The vegetable biryani is a dish that stands out for its delicious taste and generous portion size. Its authentic flavors make it a delicious choice for anyone who wants to try Indian cuisine. The dish features a harmonious balance of spices, making it a flavorful and enjoyable meal.
If you're looking for a standout dish to try, the vegetable biryani is a top recommendation. Its authentic flavors and perfect blend of spices make it a must-try for anyone who loves Indian food. The dish is sure to satisfy your taste buds and leave you craving more.
TOPICS
- Indian Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
2. Angaar Classic Indian Cuisine in Upper West Side
This cozy and intimate restaurant offers a wide variety of vegetarian and vegan options, as well as a great selection of wines to pair with your meal.

The first set of dishes tried included shrimp biryani, chicken 65, and garlic shrimp. Each of these dishes stood out for their excellence and contributed to a enjoyable dining experience. The shrimp biryani was a highlight, featuring tender shrimp and a delicious blend of spices. The chicken 65 was also a hit, with its crispy exterior and juicy, well-seasoned interior. The garlic shrimp was another excellent choice, with its bold garlic flavor and perfectly cooked shrimp.
In addition to these standout dishes, the lamb biryani was another highlight. It was bursting with flavor, thanks to the perfectly cooked lamb and aromatic spices. The dish was a perfect example of how well the kitchen mastered the art of combining spices and cooking meat to perfection. Whether you are a fan of lamb or simply looking to try something new, the lamb biryani is a must-try dish.
TOPICS
- Indian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
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3. Curry King
Family-owned business serving authentic Indian cuisine for over a decade

The biryani dish is known for its rich flavor and expertly balanced spices. This is certainly true of the biryani in question, which stands out as a must-try option.
Curry King is a popular choice for those seeking delicious and reliable biryani. Its biryani dish, in particular, has earned a reputation as a go-to comfort food that never disappoints.
TOPICS
- Indian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
4. Himalayan Curry House (Uptown Branch)
Family-owned restaurant with homemade recipes

The vegetable biryani I tried was not seasoned to my liking, however, the quantity served was plentiful. On the other hand, the chicken biryani was packed with flavor and the right amount of spices, making it a standout choice.
In summary, the chicken biryani stood out with its delicious taste and suitable level of spices, while the vegetable biryani was disappointing in the seasoning aspect, but made up for it with a large portion size.
TOPICS
- Indian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
5. Indian Tanpura
Live Indian classical music performances

The biryani served was full of flavor and expertly cooked, with a satisfactory balance of spices. The portion size was more than generous, providing a satisfying meal for those who enjoy this classic dish.
The restaurant's staff, including an uncle with grey hair and his brother, were notable for their humor and respectful attitude towards customers. Additional perks, such as a free drink offered to a customer's mother, only added to the positive experience.
TOPICS
- Indian Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
6. Swagat
Swagat has been a beloved spot for Indian cuisine in the Upper West Side for over 20 years, and offers a cozy and intimate atmosphere.

The restaurant failed to meet expectations regarding food quality, particularly for Indian cuisine. The chicken biryani and naan bread are typically favorites of the author, but the mildest spice level requested was extremely spicy, rendering it unpalatable.
High praise is given to the restaurant's offerings, specifically the Paneer and chicken biryani dishes. Furthermore, the establishment provides excellent vegetarian options, making it a great choice for those following a plant-based diet.
TOPICS
- Indian Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- Mid-Range
7. Baazi Nyc
Halal, dine-in, takeout, and delivery options available

The chicken biryani I tried was a standout dish in NYC, offering a delightful combination of flavors. The rice was skillfully cooked, and the spices were expertly blended, resulting in a truly enjoyable dining experience. I was impressed by the generous portion size, which added to the value of the meal.
If you're a fan of chicken biryani, I highly recommend giving this dish a try. The balance of flavors was exceptional, making for a memorable meal. The perfectly cooked rice and expertly blended spices made this one of the best chicken biryanis I've had in a long time. From the generous portion size to the expert preparation, this dish is not to be missed.
TOPICS
- Indian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
8. Kebab aur Sharab
Authentic Pakistani and Indian cuisine in a cozy atmosphere

Kebab aur Sharab offers a standout biryani dish that should not be missed. Its distinctive feature is the perfect spicing and tender meat, making it one of the best versions of this dish in the city. The flavors are authentic, and the portion size is generous, providing a satisfying and delicious meal.
In summary, Kebab aur Sharab's biryani is a must-try for any curry lover. Its delicious flavors, tender meat, and generous portion size make it a top choice for anyone looking for authentic Indian cuisine. Highly recommended for those seeking a memorable and satisfying dining experience.
TOPICS
- Indian Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
9. Awadh
Family-owned restaurant serving Indian cuisine since 1996

Awadh restaurant in New York offers a delicious biryani with rich and authentic flavors, making it a top choice for biryani lovers. The lamb biryani is a standout, with tender meat and perfectly balanced spices.
The lamb biryani at Awadh is a must-try, featuring mouthwatering tender meat and a harmonious blend of spices. Overall, Awadh's biryani is a guarantee for a satisfying and delightful dining experience with its spot-on flavors and textures.
TOPICS
- Indian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Downtown Spots
10. Alachi Masala
Family-owned with authentic Indian cuisine and a warm atmosphere

The biryani served in this location is outstanding, with an enticing aroma and a harmonious combination of flavors. The chicken biryani, in particular, stands out for its delicious taste and ideal level of spices. Food enthusiasts should not miss out on the opportunity to savor this dish.
This chicken biryani is a must-try for anyone seeking a flavorful and satisfying dining experience. Its taste is enhanced by the perfect blend of spices, making it a standout amongst other dishes. Overall, the biryani served here is a testament to the quality of the food and the expertise of the chefs, leaving diners with a memorable and enjoyable meal.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Indian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
11. Anār
Cozy and authentic atmosphere, provides vegetarian and vegan options

I've been planning to place an order from this restaurant for some time, and I'm glad to report that my experience was excellent. The chicken biryani, palak paneer, and lamb vindaloo that I ordered were all delicious, with the right amount of spice. Anār is a well-known establishment in the neighborhood and is consistently ranked among the top restaurants in the area. The food is not only delicious, but also reasonably priced and served in generous portions.
The staff at Anār is friendly and welcoming, and they went above and beyond to accommodate those with nut allergies. The dishes are carefully prepared with high-quality ingredients and special care, making it an ideal dining option for people with dietary restrictions. Overall, I highly recommend Anār for anyone looking for delicious, authentic Indian cuisine in a friendly and welcoming environment.
TOPICS
- Indian Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- Mid-Range
12. Chai Pani by Wonder

TOPICS
- Indian Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots