Top 19 biryani in Chicago
Chicago, a city known for its diverse food scene, also offers a taste of South Asia through its biryani. This beloved dish, made with fragrant rice and flavorful meat or vegetables, can be found in various establishments across Chicago. From traditional Pakistani and Indian restaurants to modern fusion eateries, the city provides ample opportunities to savor biryani in Chicago.
- 1. Ghareeb Nawaz Restaurant
- 2. India House Restaurant Chicago
- 3. Hyderabad House
- 4. Ghareeb Nawaz UIC
- 5. Maharaj Indian Grill
- 6. Siri Indian Restaurant
- 7. Naan On Devon & Grill (Indian Hyderabad)
- 8. Tandoor Char House
- 9. Adda Indian Cuisine
- 10. Tabaq Restaurant
- 11. House of Biryani
- 12. TAWAKKUL RESTAURANT
- 13. Karahi Corner Restaurant & Catering House
- 14. Lahore Food & Grill
- 15. Ghareeb Nawaz
- 16. New Zaiqa
- 17. Tandoor Char House
- 18. Tandoor Char House
- 19. Biryani Ka Adda
1. Ghareeb Nawaz Restaurant
Family-owned restaurant with a rich history and late-night dining options

When visiting this Chicago-based restaurant, the generous portions of their dishes cannot be overlooked. We ordered the boneless chicken biryani, chili chicken biryani, curried butter chicken, veggie thali, Palak Paneer, chapli kabab paratha, and achar ghost. The chicken biryani, both the boneless and chili varieties, received particular praise for their large servings.
This restaurant is well-known for serving some of the best low-cost biryani in America. The chicken biryani dishes, in particular, have garnered attention for their ample portions and tender, well-seasoned meat. It's worth noting that the quality of the biryani has remained consistent over time, with previous positive experiences from 17 years ago and repeat visits since then.
TOPICS
- Indian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
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2. India House Restaurant Chicago
Family-owned restaurant with a rich history, Passionate about maintaining traditional cooking techniques, Known for using aromatic spices and herbs, Provides a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, Caters to both dine-in and takeout customers

India House offers a delicious biryani dish that is highly recommended for those in Chicago. The biryani stands out for its excellent flavor and spice balance.
If you're looking for a standout biryani dish in Chicago, India House is the place to go. Boasting rich flavor and a perfect level of spice, this dish is not to be missed.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Indian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
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3. Hyderabad House
Uses traditional slow-cooking methods for authentic flavors, Offers a variety of vegetarian options

Hyderabad is known for its rich and flavorful cuisine, and no visit to the city is complete without trying its famous biryani. The mutton biryani here is a must-try, with its fragrant basmati rice, tender mutton, and authentic spices that have been slow-cooked to perfection. The dish is served with refreshing yogurt and spicy curry condiments, adding even more depth and flavor to the already delicious biryani.
Lovers of Hyderabadi cuisine will not be disappointed when they try the mutton biryani at this establishment. The restaurant's emphasis on using high-quality ingredients and traditional cooking techniques results in a dish that is both aromatic and satisfying. Whether you're a local or a visitor to the city, this mutton biryani is sure to leave a lasting impression and leave you craving more.
TOPICS
- Indian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Dinner
4. Ghareeb Nawaz UIC
Family-owned restaurant with a rich history

The chicken biryanis offered by this establishment are a must-try, known for their affordability and rich flavors. They are even better when paired with the cool and creamy raita or the tangy chutney. Other dish recommendations include the gyros boti paratha and samosas, which are also popular among customers for their delicious taste.
This place is well-regarded for its tasty chicken biryani, which is a standout option on the menu. The gyros boti paratha is another highly recommended dish, offering a unique and satisfying flavor. Adding to the list of must-tries are the delicious samosas, which are a crowd favorite. All of these dishes showcase the establishment's commitment to providing affordable and delicious food options.
TOPICS
- Indian Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Vegetarian Options
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5. Maharaj Indian Grill
Offers vegetarian and vegan-friendly options, Catering services available

Eating well-prepared dal makhani, palak paneer, and chicken biryani can be a delightful experience. The flavors and textures of these dishes create a satisfying and enjoyable meal. However, there is some variation in the quality of the food. Some dishes such as the channa, dhal, and tikka are cooked well and satisfy the taste buds, while others, like the vegetable biriyani, may have an overpowering level of spice that can be overwhelming.
In summary, the meal includes a range of dishes, some of which are cooked to perfection and offer a delightful eating experience. However, other dishes, like the vegetable biriyani, may not meet the same standard and could benefit from reduced spice levels to appeal to a wider range of palates.
TOPICS
- Indian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Affordable Nightlife
6. Siri Indian Restaurant
Vegetarian and vegan options available, Casual and family-friendly atmosphere

I recently tried food from a particular restaurant, enjoying ordered biryani, Dahl, and spinach and cheese dish. The taste was excellent, with a suitable level of heat that added to the overall flavor. The proximity of the establishment is also a convenient factor. I am already planning to visit again.
Unfortunately, my latest experience was not entirely positive. I have ordered from this restaurant before and generally enjoyed their offerings, but the biryani I received this time tasted disappointingly different. This inconsistency in food quality has negatively affected my overall impression of the restaurant.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Indian Cuisine
- Vegan Options
7. Naan On Devon & Grill (Indian Hyderabad)
Family-owned restaurant serving authentic Hyderabadi cuisine since 1997

The chicken and lamb biryani dishes were both packed with flavor and well-seasoned. The rice in each dish was cooked just right, providing a satisfying texture. The chicken biryani had the perfect balance of spices, making it a standout option. As for the lamb biryani, the meat was incredibly tender and added a rich depth of flavor to the dish.
Overall, these biryani dishes are not to be missed. The chicken biryani is a must-try with its delightful combination of spices and perfectly cooked rice. On the other hand, the lamb biryani offers a succulent and tender meat experience with a harmonious blend of rice and spices. Any biryani lover would be remiss to pass up the opportunity to savor these dishes.
TOPICS
- Indian Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Vegetarian Options
8. Tandoor Char House
Family-owned business, uses a traditional tandoor oven, offers vegetarian and gluten-free options

The biryani was a highlight of the meal, with delicious and well-cooked chicken. However, the accompanying roll with paratha was disappointing. The paratha was too thick and had an overpowering taste of raw turmeric. Despite this, the chicken thigh in the roll was enjoyable.
Alan's daughter, who lives locally, had recommended the restaurant's Boneless Lamb Biryani. We took her advice and asked for this dish instead of the steak we had originally ordered. The lamb biryani was a great choice and I am grateful for the recommendation.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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9. Adda Indian Cuisine
Family-owned restaurant with authentic Indian flavors

The lamb biryani I ordered was a delicious and satisfying dish. The meat was cooked to perfection, tender and full of flavor. I was impressed by the generous portion size, making it a great value for the price.
Adda Indian Cuisine in Chicago is a standout for their biryani. My experience with the lamb biryani was exceptional, with its excellent combination of flavors and textures. I highly recommend giving it a try for anyone seeking authentic and delicious Indian cuisine in the city.
TOPICS
- Indian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
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10. Tabaq Restaurant
Offers a variety of vegetarian and gluten-free options, as well as halal meat. Cozy and intimate atmosphere with friendly service.

The biryani was a standout dish, served hot and ready to eat within just a few minutes of ordering. The rice was flavorful and contained various spices like cardamom and bay leaves, while the chicken was tender and easy to separate from the bone. Adding some green spicy chutney to the biryani provided a nice mild spice.
Even the smaller portion of biryani is quite filling and can be shared. I typically order dal and freshly baked naan as additional dishes. Although the vegetable curries can sometimes be overcooked, they still pack plenty of flavor. I have not yet tried the chicken or fish dishes because the biryani already contains meat.
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- Celebrations
- Italian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
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11. House of Biryani
Dine-in, Carry-out, and Delivery available, Friendly service, Casual ambiance

The biryani dish served at this location is highly praised for its rich flavors and well-balanced spices, making it a must-try option for visitors. The spicy masala variant is particularly popular among customers.
Despite the positive feedback, there have been occasional issues with food freshness during certain visits. The biryani, although delicious, has been reported to lack freshness on select occasions, potentially due to preparation or storage issues. This inconsistency can detract from the overall dining experience, but the biryani's exceptional flavor profile remains a significant draw for patrons.
TOPICS
- Indian Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Vegetarian Options
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12. TAWAKKUL RESTAURANT
Family-owned restaurant serving halal dishes for over 15 years

Tawakkul Restaurant, located in Chicago, is renowned for its exceptional Hyderabadi biryani. This dish is a standout option on their menu, offering authentic flavors that transport diners to the culinary landscape of Hyderabad. Alongside the biryani, Tawa chicken is another must-try item, contributing to the restaurant's reputation for serving delicious and satisfying meals.
What makes Tawakkul's Hyderabadi biryani so impressive is its ability to capture the authentic taste of this popular Indian dish. The spices are perfectly balanced, and the portion sizes are generous, ensuring a fulfilling dining experience. Whether you're a fan of Hyderabadi biryani or are looking to try something new, Tawakkul Restaurant in Chicago is the place to be.
TOPICS
- Indian Cuisine
- Social Gatherings
- Downtown Spots
- Budget-Friendly Eats
13. Karahi Corner Restaurant & Catering House
Family-owned and operated for over 15 years, offering both dine-in and catering services

The Chicken Biryani served at the restaurant is packed with flavors and has a well-balanced blend of spices. It is a standout dish that is not to be missed. Karahi Corner, located in Chicago, is known for its exceptional Biryani. The restaurant's Chicken Biryani is one of the best, boasting rich flavors and a perfect mix of spices.
If you're a Biryani lover in Chicago, Karahi Corner is the place to go. Their Chicken Biryani is highly recommended, thanks to its delicious taste and excellent presentation. The dish's spice blend is expertly crafted, creating a memorable and satisfying dining experience. Karahi Corner's Chicken Biryani is truly one of the best in the city, making it a must-try for both tourists and locals alike.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Fusion Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Dinner
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14. Lahore Food & Grill
Family-owned restaurant serving traditional Pakistani and Indian cuisine in a cozy and welcoming atmosphere.

The Chicken Biryani and Goat Biryani were standout dishes, both featuring well-balanced and flavorful spice blends. The Chicken Biryani had a perfect amount of spices that made it a must-try, while the Goat Biryani was equally delicious, with tender meat and well-cooked rice.
In summary, both Biryani dishes were impressive and showcased the chef's expertise in blending spices and cooking the meat and rice to perfection. The Chicken Biryani was a must-try with its well-balanced and flavorful spices, while the Goat Biryani delighted with its tender meat and well-cooked rice.
TOPICS
- Indian Cuisine
- Mexican Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
15. Ghareeb Nawaz
Family-owned restaurant with a rich history and culture

The search for affordable and tasty Biryani in America has led many to a hidden gem that has been serving generous portions for 17 years. The meat chunks are plentiful, and the flavors are always satisfying, leaving diners content and pleased with their meal.
A recent discovery has been the Boneless Beef Biryani, an unexpected pleasure that has not disappointed. The food items offered at this establishment are consistently good, providing a dining experience that is as enjoyable as any other high-end restaurant. Whether it's the meat or the other dishes, everything is cooked to perfection, making it a must-visit for anyone craving delicious Biryani.
TOPICS
- Indian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
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16. New Zaiqa
Family-owned restaurant serving authentic Pakistani and Indian cuisine for over a decade.

If you're looking to try Indian and Pakistani cuisine, this restaurant is the perfect place to start. According to reviews, the waitstaff recommends delicious and expertly prepared dishes such as butter chicken, chicken biryani, and tandoori chicken tikka.
The butter chicken is a standout dish, with its rich and creamy sauce and tender chicken pieces. The chicken biryani is also a favorite, with its fragrant rice and well-seasoned meat. And if you're a fan of grilled meats, the tandoori chicken tikka is a must-try, with its smoky flavor and juicy texture. Overall, this restaurant is a great choice for anyone looking to explore the delicious flavors of Indian and Pakistani cuisine.
TOPICS
- Indian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Cheap Eats
17. Tandoor Char House
Using traditional clay ovens for cooking, located in the heart of Chicago's River North, family-owned and operated

Tandoor Char House offers a delicious chicken biryani that is highly recommended for anyone in Chicago. The dish has an excellent blend of flavors and the right amount of spice, making it a standout option.
Overall, the chicken biryani at Tandoor Char House is a must-try for anyone seeking a flavorful and satisfying meal. Its combination of taste and spice level makes it a top choice for those looking for an authentic and delicious biryani experience.
TOPICS
- Indian Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Vegetarian Options
18. Tandoor Char House

TOPICS
- Indian Cuisine
- Social Gatherings
- Budget-Friendly Eats
19. Biryani Ka Adda

TOPICS
- Indian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Dinner