Best Biryani in Houston to Melt your Taste Buds
Biryani traces its origins back to Persia, with “Birinj” meaning rice and “Birian” referring to the method of frying before cooking. It is believed that the Mughals introduced Biryani to India, where it evolved into a culinary masterpiece. Houston offers a diverse range of Biryani options, combining traditional flavours with modern versions. In our quest to find Houston biryani restaurants , we’ve handpicked a selection that showcases the diversity of this beloved dish.
To guide your Biryani exploration, we have categorized our recommendations based on the following criteria:
Chef’s best chicken Biryani in Houston
Chef’s best Goat Biryani in Houston
Chef’s best Pakistani Biryani in Houston
Chef’s best Hyderabadi Biryani in Houston
Join us on this culinary journey as we discover the best biryani in Houston
Chef’s Best Chicken Biryani in Houston
1. Mezban
Website: https://www.mezban.biz
Location: 2281, 6655 Harwin Dr #108, Houston, TX 77036, United States
Timings: 11 am to 10 pm
About:
Mezban, a restaurant founded by Sohail Feroze in 1998, is situated on Harwin Drive in Houston. Starting as a small eatery, it has since expanded and gained popularity. Their mouthwatering specialties include delicious chicken biryani and a variety of flavourful mutton curries. Treat your taste buds to a delightful experience at Mezban
What we liked:
Mezban truly serves one of the best chicken biryanis in Houston, with its delightful flavours complemented by a variety of tasty raitas and curries. Ithas consistently ranked among our top three Indian restaurants in Houston, Texas. Our first visit was on a Sunday night when they had an impressive buffet spread. It was there that we had my first taste of their chicken biryani, which was perfectly cooked and mildly spiced. The daily deals and takeout offers provide great value for money. At just $10, considering the generous portion size, it’s definitely worth it.
Cost: <$10
2. Tarka

Website: https://tarkaindiankitchen.com/
Location: 721 W 19th St #7
About:
Tarka started its journey in 2009 with its inaugural restaurant in Austin. Since then, it has expanded its presence and now boasts additional branches in San Antonio, Round Rock, and Houston.
What we liked:
Tarka offers a delightful dining experience with its rich and diverse flavours, reminiscent of home-cooked meals. Although primarily a take-out restaurant, they also provide dine-in options. During my first visit with a vegetarian friend, we were pleasantly surprised by the extensive vegan menu. Tarka is accommodating when it comes to customising spice levels based on your preference. My friend enjoyed the “saag paneer and vegetable dal,” while I savored their outstanding chicken biryani, which I consider one of the finest in Houston. The biryani features tender meat chunks and perfectly cooked Basmati rice. Pairing this spicy biryani in Houston with their selection of desi beverages like mango lemonade, fresh fruit lassis, or even wine and beer is a delightful combination. T
The portion size is quite generous, so it’s ideal for sharing with another person. At $10, it offers great value for two adults. Additionally, Tarka engages its customers during the pandemic through unique social media interactions, allowing them to share pictures of their beautifully arranged takeaway meals.
Cost:< $10
3. Biryani N Grill

Website: http://www6.biryaningrill.com/
Location: 1801 S Dairy Ashford Dr, Houston, TX,77077
About:
Biryani N Grill, with locations in both Austin and Houston, is dedicated to delivering excellent food quality and ensuring customer satisfaction. Specialising in delectable biryanis and succulent grills, it offers a wide range of options. For those seeking a serene and inviting dining experience in Houston, coupled with incredibly satisfying cuisine, Biryani N Grill is a destination not to be missed.
What we liked:
Biryani n Grill is a vibrant and popular establishment. We opted for their barbecue-style grills, which were complemented by a creamy tomato and cashew sauce to enhance the authentic Indian flavours. With a wide array of biryani options like Chicken Dum Biryani, Goat Dum Biryani, and Kheema Biryani, we followed a colleague’s recommendation and tried the chicken biryani, hailed as the best in Houston.
The meat was tender and marinated to perfection, with well-sized and perfectly spiced chunks. What makes it even better is that Biryani n Grill is open every day, allowing you to satisfy your biryani cravings whenever you wish.
While the portion size was similar to other restaurants (slightly more for one person), the prices felt a bit higher here. Nonetheless, the overall ambiance and food quality are excellent.
Cost: $15
Chef’s best Goat Biryani in Houston
1. Verandah

Website: https://www.verandahrestaurant.com/
Location: Kirby Collection, 3300 Kirby Drive, Suite 7A, Houston, TX 77098
About:
Verandah, originating from South India, provides a unique dining experience infused with authentic desi flavours. The restaurant’s interiors are adorned with classical paintings, evoking India’s rich cultural heritage and creating a luxurious ambiance. With seating capacity for up to seventy-five customers, Verandah offers an exclusive and elegant dining setting.
What we liked:
As we settled at our table, we were pleasantly surprised by the extensive menu at Verandah, offering options like Chef’s tasting, dinner selections, and a wide variety of alcoholic beverages. What sets this restaurant apart is their unhurried approach to service, providing warm and personalized attention.
The first bite of the Goat Biryani was a true delight, with the flavours of spicy South Indian sauces blending harmoniously with the long-grain rice and tender meat. Cooked on Dum (in a pot), the biryani featured layers of aromatic spices and aged Basmati rice, complemented by hints of mint and saffron for a luxurious touch.. It surely is one of the best biryani with meat in Houston.
Cost: $29
2. Indian Summer

Website: https://indiansummertx.com/
Location: 16260 Kensington Dr, Sugar Land, TX 77479, USA
About:
For those seeking authentic contemporary Indian cuisine, Indian Summer is the ideal destination. This acclaimed restaurant offers a wide range of award-winning delicacies, including bite-sized snacks, a la carte biryanis and rotis, and unique chaats. The menu also features iconic traditional Indian dishes such as Thalis, sweets, Dosas, and curries, all with a modern twist. At Indian Summer, guests can indulge in a culinary experience that combines the best of traditional flavours with innovative preparations.
What we liked:
While the Texan-Indian fusion dish of paneer basil tacos seemed appealing, my Indian roots led me to ponder over my order at Indian Summer. In the mood for culinary exploration, I decided to try the Goat Biryani, and it turned out to be a fantastic choice. Each spoonful of the biryani greeted me with an explosion of flavours, confirming my decision. The goat meat, sourced from a Halal butcher, was tender and expertly marinated with fenugreek, orange zest, and mint, culminating in a generous layer of clarified butter. The result was an exquisite desi taste that impressed me with its authenticity.
With exceptional food, ample portions, and high quality, Indian Summer offers reasonable pricing, considering the experience of indulging in delicious Indian cuisine. It may not be the cheapest option, but it certainly guarantees an evening of culinary pleasure.
Cost: $15
3. Kiran’s Restaurant

Location: 2925 Richmond Ave Suite 160, Houston, TX 77098, United States
About:
Kiran’s Restaurant, located in the heart of Houston, is renowned for its Chicken Tikka Masala and offers an exquisite Indian dining experience. Chef and owner Kiran Verma showcases her expertise by presenting world-class Indian fusion cuisine.
What we liked:
Kiran’s Restaurant in Houston welcomes guests with enticing Indian aromas and offers a unique fusion of traditional Indian and Western cuisines. Their Chef tasting menus provide a delightful opportunity for culinary exploration. The Lamb Biryani, bursting with vibrant flavours and accompanied by Bagare Baingan (eggplant curry), stands out as the best in Houston. Although the dining experience is luxurious and a bit pricey, the exceptional quality justifies the cost. Portion sizes, however, are slightly smaller than usual.
Cost: $ 20
Chef’s best Pakistani Biryani in Houston
1. Rose Bar & Grill

Website: https://rose-bar-grill.edan.io/
Location: 12343 Murphy Rd suite a, Stafford, TX 77477, USA
About:
The Rose Bar & Grill is a popular local eatery that caters to late-night diners, serving until 2 am. The restaurant specialises in flavourful dishes infused with native spices. Their menu offers a wide selection of tandoori and deep-fried delights. From delectable appetizers to convenient “To Go rolls,” as well as indulgent biryanis and aromatic naans, The Rose Bar & Grill has it all.
What we liked:
We went to this fantastic place with great music and Indian food. Although the interiors and art weren’t impressive, we took advantage of the happy hour and got drinks for only $2! One of the delicious options on the menu is the Karahi chicken, a spicy curry made with tomatoes, bell peppers, and cilantro. It’s perfect with rice or roti. Personally, I ordered the mutton biryani, which turned out to be an explosion of flavours in my mouth. It’s definitely one of the best Pakistani biryanis in Houston.
The portion size was generous for one person, and the owner even came to check if everything was alright. Considering the price of around $15, the food is absolutely worth it because of its incredible flavours
Cost: $15
2. Pakwan House

Website: https://menupages.com/pakwan-house/
Location: Pakwan House, 14617 Beechnut St, Houston, TX 77083, USA
About:
Pakwan in Urdu translates to “delicious dish,” the restaurant Pakwan House has a very central Asian vibe and is Halal certified.
What we liked:
As soon as we stepped inside, we were greeted by a truly authentic ambiance that made us feel right at home. The aroma of the food was so inviting, with all those desi flavours wafting through the air. We decided to try both the Beef Biryani and Chicken Biryani, known for being some of the finest in all of Texas. I couldn’t help but steal glimpses of the spotless kitchen whenever the waiters passed by with their trays. As we started eating, we could tell that the meat was cooked to perfection—tender, juicy, and infused with all the amazing spices. The beef was minced into patties and topped with garlic, herbs, and coriander powder, then slowly cooked in a cashew cream sauce with a touch of lemon zest. The flavours blended together beautifully, making it the best Pakistani Biryani in Houston.
This restaurant offers great value for money and is perfect for family dinners or special celebrations. The portion sizes are generous, and the prices are very reasonable. This is definitely the place you’ll want to visit!
Cost: $10 – $12
Chef’s Best Hyderabadi Biryani in Houston
1. Biryani Pot:

Website: https://www.biryanipotusa.com/
Location: 6509 Westheimer Rd B, Houston, TX 77057, USA
About:
Biryani Pot is a chain of restaurants with multiple locations, including Houston. The restaurant operates on a “Franchise model” and follows its own authentic proprietary recipe. It takes pride in offering customers a wide variety of options with over 95 dishes to choose from on its a la carte menu.
What we liked:
Biryani Pot has a welcoming fragrance and a delightful ambiance. As we looked through the menu, we were pleased to find a wide variety of options, including starters, appetizers, main courses, and desserts. This time, I had my sights set on their specialty: the Hyderabadi Biryani. Not everyone can master this dish, so I was curious to see if the restaurant could meet the challenge. With the first bite, I experienced the rich taste of melted ghee followed by a delightful blend of spices. The boneless meat was moist, tender, and perfectly balanced with the saffron-infused rice.
During a conversation with one of the chefs, we discovered that the secret to achieving the perfect Hyderabadi Biryani lies in patience. The hotel embraces this philosophy, known as “Itmenaan.” With carefully selected spices and a slow cooking process, the rice was uniformly cooked and infused with enticing aromas. The mouthwatering Biryani, served alongside a side of salan or gravy, is worth every dollar.
However, the portion size is suitable for one person. Overall, Biryani Pot is the go-to place for the best biryani with meat in Houston.
Cost: $ 11- 12
2. Bawarchi Biryani

Website: https://www.pringleapi.com/
Location: 2922 Hillcroft St., Houston, TX – 77057
About:
Bawarchi Biryanis is one of the largest chains of Indian restaurants, known for their extensive range of biryanis that are inspired by the different states and cities in India. From curbside pick up to home delivery and fine dining, this restaurant offers it all.
What we liked:
Despite its outward appearance as another franchise, Bawarchi Biryanis exceeded my expectations with its menu variety and outstanding customer service. However, it’s worth noting that they are slightly more expensive, even though they offer generous portions.
The standout dish of my dining experience was the Hyderabadi Dum Biryani—a delightful combination of flavourful, well-seasoned meat and long-grain Basmati Rice, served in a pot known as “Dum.” Each biryani dish at Bawarchi Biryanis comes with a side of spicy cashew gravy and a bowl of refreshing raita.
Cost: $15 onwards
FAQs
- What are the best places to find biryani in Houston?
Some top places to find best biryani in Houston include Biryani Pot, Bawarchi Biryanis, and Shahi Biryani Point.
- How can I order biryani in Houston ?
You can order biryani in Houston through various food delivery apps, such as Uber Eats, Grubhub, or directly from the restaurant’s website.
- Can I order vegetarian biryani Houston?
Yes, you can find vegetarian biryani Houstonn. Many restaurants offer vegetable biryani or variations with ingredients like paneer or mixed vegetables.
- What is the history of biryani?
Biryani has a rich history dating back to ancient times. It originated in the Indian subcontinent and is believed to have been influenced by Persian and Mughal cuisines. It evolved over centuries, with different regional variations and cooking techniques, becoming a beloved dish enjoyed worldwide.
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