Best Biryani in the Bay Area to get your Delicious Indian Fix
Looking for the best biryani in the Bay Area? Picture this: a tantalizing pot of long-grained basmati rice infused with aromatic Indian spices and adorned with fragrant saffron. And that’s not all! Dive into tender pieces of meat, bathed in a delectable, flavourful gravy. It’s a biryani lover’s dream come true!
Guess what? We’ve got the inside scoop on where to find the best biryani in bay area . Get ready to be transported to the vibrant streets of India. Today is your lucky day because we’re spilling the beans! Check out our list of 7 must-try biryani restaurants in bay area that serve up truly one-of-a-kind biryanis. Get your taste buds ready for an unforgettable culinary adventure!
1. Best Biryani in the Bay Area 2021
1.1 Kabab and Currys

Location: 1498 Isabella St, Santa Clara, CA
Website: https://www.kababandcurrys.com/index.html
About:
In 2001, Mohammad Usman fulfilled his dream of sharing authentic Indian cuisine with Santa Clara residents through the birth of Kabab and Curry’s. This Indian restaurant quickly gained fame for its exceptional biryani, becoming a beloved spot in the Bay Area. The restaurant’s delectable food earned it a devoted following and caught the attention of local newspapers like Metro and San Jose Mercury. Additionally, the Michelin Guide acknowledged their excellence in 2011 and 2012. Today, Kabab and Curry’s continues to serve mouthwatering desi food, making it a top choice for Bay Area residents.
Their biryani::
At Kabab and Curry’s, you can enjoy two types of Biryani depending on the day. On Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, they serve Lamb Biryani, while on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, it’s Chicken Biryani. Among their offerings, the bestseller is undoubtedly the flavourful Lamb Biryani. This spicy basmati rice dish features tender lamb pieces on the bone, seasoned with saffron and refreshing mint leaves. It’s a true delight for your taste buds.
Cost:
Their biryani is priced between at $15.85 .
1.2. Gulzaar Halaal
Location: 1880 W, San Carlos St, San Jose, CA
Website: https://www.gulzaarhalaal.net/
About:
Gulzaar Halaah, a family-owned restaurant in West San Jose, has been serving mouthwatering Indian, Middle-Eastern, Afghani, and Indo-Pakistani cuisine for over six years. Their delectable food is not the only reason they are famous; their remarkable customer service sets them apart. As proof of their outstanding service, they have achieved a remarkable 5-star rating on Yelp.
Their biryani:
Gulzaar Halal in San Francisco is a top Biryani restaurant with a unique selection. They offer four different types of Biryani, allowing you to choose your favourite. The spice level can be customised as per your preference, either regular or special spicy. Their popular biryani options in the Bay Area are:
- Veggie Biryani: Fragrant basmati rice cooked with saffron and mixed vegetables.
- Chicken Tikka Biryani: Saffron-infused rice paired with chicken marinated in a special tikka masala blend.
- Beef Biryani: Fragrant saffron rice topped with flavourful beef kebabs seasoned with their special in-house spice blend.
- Mix Plate Biryani:
- Aromatic basmati rice combined with both Chicken Tikka and Beef Kebab.
- Each biryani is accompanied by a side of yogurt sauce to complement the flavours.
Cost:
Their biryani is priced between $12.95 and $15.50.
1.3. Peacock Indian Cafe

Location: 2760, Aborn Rd, San Jose, CA
About:
Peacock Indian Cafe, located in the Bay Area, is a strip-mall restaurant renowned for its authentic Indian cuisine, welcoming customer service, and straightforward ambiance. If you crave traditional and spicy Indian dishes that evoke a sense of home, this is the place to be.
Their biryani:
Peacock Indian Cafe offers a wide selection of biryanis, including veg dum biryani, mutton Mughalai, chicken dum, shrimp, egg, fish, paneer, and veg Mughalai biryani. Their house special biryanis are accompanied by biryani sauce and raita.
With tender meat, impeccably cooked vegetables, aromatic rice, and a delightful combination of textures and flavours, Peacock Indian Cafe’s biryanis are a true culinary delight.
Cost:
Their biryani is priced between $10.99 and $13.99.
1.4. Biryani Bowl
Location: 3988 Washington Blvd Fremont, CA
Website: https://biryanibowl.com/
About:
Biryani Bowl is renowned in San Francisco as one of the best biryani restaurants in bay area serving exceptional biryanis, making it a popular choice among biryani enthusiasts. What distinguishes them from other Indian restaurants in the Bay Area is their diverse menu, offering a wide range of options for vegetarians, as well as lamb, chicken, and seafood lovers. This reflects their unique approach of blending traditional Indian cuisine with a progressive twist, providing a delightful culinary experience for their patrons.
Their biryani:
Biryani Bowl, an Indian restaurant in the Bay Area, offers a diverse array of biryanis such as chicken, mutton, paneer, egg, shrimp, and vegetable biryani.
But what truly stands out at Biryani Bowl is their must-try specialty: Ulavacharu Dum Biryani. This traditional Indian dish involves cooking basmati rice and your choice of chicken or vegetables in a flavourful horse-gram lentil soup, prepared in the dum style. It’s a delightful combination that shouldn’t be missed during your visit.
Cost:
Their biryani is priced between $10.91 and $15.91.
1.5. Dindigul Thalappakatti

Location: Mccarthy Ranch Plaza, 252, Ranch Drive Milpitas, California
Website: https://thalappakatti.us/
About:
Dindigul Thalappakatti, originally known as Anandha Vilas Biryani Hotel, is a restaurant chain founded in 1957 by Nagasamy Naidu. With his distinct turban, Naidu became synonymous with his brand and cooking style.
While biryanis come and go, Naidu’s biryani still reigns as one of Southern India’s most renowned versions. Even after 50 years, his authentic recipe has been faithfully passed down to his family, ensuring the signature Thalappakatti Biryani maintains its original taste. If you’re seeking the finest biryani in the Bay Area, now you know where to find it.
Their biryani:
Dindigul Thalappakatti’s biryanis are best described as a steaming spicy pot of goodness. Made using superior Seeraga Samba rice, spices like cardamom and cinnamon, generous dollops of ghee, and meat from top-class cattle breeds found in Kannivadi and Paramathi, this restaurant’s biryani isn’t just another Indian meal — it’s an experience.
Cost:
Their biryani is priced between $11.29 and $16.49.
1.6. Himalayan Kitchen
Location: 431 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Website: https://www.himalayankitchenca.com/
About:
Himalayan Kitchen, an Indian restaurant in the Bay Area, is often considered a vital part of the Mountain View community. Renowned for their innovative approach and fresh take on traditional desi cuisine, the restaurant adds a contemporary twist to authentic dishes.
Their biryani:
In San Francisco, Himalayan Kitchen is a go-to destination for truly authentic biryanis. Their secret lies in marinating meat, seafood, or vegetables with whole spices and herbs. These flavourful ingredients are then slow-cooked with high-quality aromatic basmati rice, resulting in their distinctive in-house biryanis.
Cost:
Their biryani is priced between $11.99 and $16.99.
1.7. Pakwan
Location: 1140 Ocean Ave, San Francisco, CA 94112
Website: https://pakwanrestaurant.com/

About:
Founded in 1999 by Shahbaz and Khalid, Pakwan is a Pakistani-Indian restaurant in the Bay Area. Their mission was to bring genuine South Asian cuisine to the people of San Francisco, and they spared no effort in ensuring the highest quality of food. Amidst the multitude of Indian restaurants in the city, Pakwan shines with its exceptional combination of affordability, superior quality, and inviting atmosphere.
Their biryani:
At Pakwan, you’ll find a delightful selection of three biryani varieties: Vegetable Biryani, Mutton Biryani, and Chicken Biryani. Each biryani is carefully crafted using top-quality basmati rice, combined with a medley of vegetables or tender meat, and infused with a blend of aromatic Indian spices and tomatoes. The biryanis are further enhanced with a garnish of refreshing mint leaves, making them a truly satisfying culinary experience at Pakwan.
Cost:
Their biryani is priced between $10.99 and $12.99
2. FAQs
- What should I consider when choosing a biryani restaurant?
When choosing the best biryani in bay area consider factors like authenticity, quality of ingredients, cooking technique, customer reviews, and overall dining experience when choosing a biryani restaurant.
- Where can I find the best biryani in Bay Area?
Explore popular restaurants offering best biryani in bay area like Dindigul Thalappakatti, Himalayan Kitchen, and Pakwan for some of the best biryani options in the Bay Area.
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