Introduction
Bangalore is a biryani paradise, where century-old military hotels sit beside buzzing cloud kitchens, each ladling out its own take on aroma, spice, and meat-to-rice balance. If you’re chasing the best biryani in Bangalore, you’ll taste everything from peppery, herb-heavy Donne bowls to fragrant Hyderabadi dum sealed in handi, with Andhra heat and Malabar finesse in between. This city’s mix of migrants and old Bengaluru legends has created Bangalore’s famous biryani trail places that locals swear by, and queues prove right. In this 2025 guide, we map the famous biryani in Bangalore by style, neighbourhood, and price so that you can match your cravings to your budget and timing. Expect clear picks for weekday lunches, late-night fixes, and family meals; the lowdown on mutton vs chicken; and what to order beyond the biryani, ragi mudde, pepper fry, kheema balls, and cooling raita. Ready to plan your next plate? Scroll for top restaurants, style explainers, and a quick price/location comparison to make your biryani run effortlessly.
Types of Biryani You’ll Find in Bangalore
Donne Biryani – Bangalore’s Famous Biryani Style
Born in old military hotels, Donne biryani is cooked as a greenish, herb-forward pulao using short-grain seeraga/salem rice, a fresh paste of coriander, mint, and green chilli, and a peppery stock. It’s served hot in areca-leaf cups (donne) with kempu chutney and light raita. This is Bangalore’s famous biryani for weekday lunches: fast, hearty, and unapologetically spicy.
Military Hotel Biryani – Spicy & Traditional
Military hotels preserve pre-independence cooking traditions. Expect a strong mutton broth, whole spices, and liver/fat trimmings for depth, accompanied by sides such as mutton chops or keema vada. Rice is shorter-grained, and the masala leans more towards a peppery flavour than garam masala. If you’re hunting the famous biryani in Bangalore with old-school swagger, start here.
Hyderabadi Dum Biryani in Bangalore
Dum biryani arrives layered with long-grain basmati, saffron or kewra, and marinated meat sealed and slow-cooked. Flavour is fragrant rather than fiery: caramelised onions, cardamom, bay, and a gentle heat that builds. Bangalore’s best dum joints serve a moist, separate-grain texture with a bone-in mutton piece that pulls clean.
Andhra Biryani – A Fiery South Indian Favourite
Andhra kitchens turn up the heat: bright red chilli oils, curry leaves, and punchy ginger-garlic. Rice may be basmati or sona masuri; the masala clings to meat with a chilli-forward bite. Chicken 65 or prawn fry often rides shotgun. Great for late dinners when you want big flavour and quick service
Kerala/Malabar Biryani – A Rare Find
Lighter on heat, richer on aroma. Made with small-grain jeerakasala (kaima) rice, ghee, cashews, raisins, and a warm garam profile. Meat is usually bone-in, cooked to a soft consistency, with sweet and savoury notes from fried onions. Fewer outlets offer it, but when you find one, it’s a delicate, joyful take that contrasts brilliantly with Donne’s punch.
Across the city, these styles overlap military hotels, perfect Donne techniques, dum specialists’ dinner festival specials, and Andhra spots pushing spice levels. Together, they define Bangalore’s famous biryani spectrum from leaf-cup lunches to saffron-laced feasts so you can pick heat, aroma, or nostalgia on any given day.
Top 10 shortlist of restaurants serving the Best Biryani in Bangalore
Craving a shortlist of the top 10 best biryani in Bangalore, plus a few extras locals swear by? Here are 10 real, time-tested places spanning Donne, military-hotel classics, fiery Andhra plates and fragrant dum. Across these picks, you’ll see why many are tagged as famous biryani in Bangalore, with quick notes on must-tries, price guidance and typical timings.
Shivaji Military Hotel — Jayanagar/BSK
A century-old legend for peppery, herb-green Donne bowls and robust mutton stock. There are long lines during lunch, but turnover is fast; arrive early for fresh handis. Order: mutton Donne (a contender for the best mutton biryani in Bangalore), liver fry, and ragi mudde. Approx. ₹250–₹450 per plate; typically lunch-heavy service. Open for breakfast/lunch; evenings limited at core outlet.
Ranganna Military Hotel — Jayanagar
Old-Bengaluru military-hotel vibe: short-grain rice, pepper heat, rich bone broth, and mutton sides. Locals love the keema and liver; the biryani sells out on busy days. Must-try: mutton Donne with keema balls. ₹220–₹400. Common service windows: breakfast, lunch, and early dinner; can be shut when the pots are empty.
SG Rao’s Military Hotel — Cottonpet & Rajajinagar
A 1908 institution that popularised early-morning Donne. Go for breakfast and enjoy steaming biryani and pepper chicken; the meat is tender and juicy. Must-try: mutton biryani (another top contender for the best mutton biryani in Bangalore) and pepper chicken. ₹250–₹450. Typical hours start early in the morning; the Rajajinagar branch runs until late evening.
SGS Non-Veg Gundu Pulav — City Market/Jayanagar/Nagawara
Minimal menu, maximal cult status. The “gundu palav” is a classic Donne dish: spicy, aromatic, and served hot in leaf cups. Must-try: mutton palav; pair with red chutney. ₹180–₹320. Hours vary by outlet (some closed Mondays; mornings/weekends start early).
Meghana Foods — Residency Road/Indiranagar & more
The city’s benchmark for Andhra-style dum: long-grain rice, punchy masala, and generous portions. Must-try: Meghana Special Chicken Biryani; for mutton, expect a spicy, fragrant plate. ₹330–₹450 for most single biryanis; all-day service across outlets.
Rahhams — Frazer Town & outlets
Old-school Muslim biryani flavours with excellent kebabs on the side. Midday to midnight hours suit late dinners. Must-try: mutton biryani (often cited among the famous biryani in Bangalore) and bheja fry on the side. ₹300–₹480. Typical timing: 12 noon–12 midnight. Bangalore) and
Nagarjuna — Residency Road & outlets
Andhra meals icon that also serves a hearty non-veg biryani, rich, pepper-forward, and satisfying, with ghee and gongura on the side. Must-try: non-veg biryani & mutton keema balls. ₹320–₹450. Lunch and dinner are served daily; central outlets can get crowded.
Sharief Bhai — Multiple neighbourhoods
Known for its Shaadi-style biryani, nalli nihari, and festive cuts, it’s great for families. Must-try: mutton biryani (a popular pick when debating the best mutton biryani in Bangalore and nalli nihari. ₹350–₹520. Usually, 12 noon to midnight or 1 am, depending on the outlet.
Empire — Church Street/Shivajinagar & many more
Night-owl favourite for dum biryani after a movie or match. Portions are generous; kebabs fly off the grill till late. Must-try: chicken/mutton biryani with meatballs and mayo. ₹220–₹380. Many branches run late into the night (often past 2 am).
Mani’s Dum Biryani — Indiranagar/Marathahalli/HSR & more
Ambur-influenced dum with crowd-pleasing spice and consistent delivery; great value family packs. Must-try: boneless chicken dum and mutton on weekends. ₹280–₹420; many outlets operate from ~11:30 am to 10:30/11 pm.
Best Biryani in Bangalore by Category
Best Donne Biryani – Bangalore’s Famous Biryani
For that herb-green, peppery punch that defines Bangalore’s famous biryani, head to the old guard first. Shivaji Military Hotel nails the broth depth and short-grain texture; SG Rao’s Military Hotel is superb for early-morning pots with soft, bone-in cuts; SGS Gundu Pulav serves fiercely hot leaf-cup portions with kempu chutney; and Chickpet Donne Biryani House delivers a consistent, fresh masala kick across its outlets. Expect quick turnover at lunch, and pots that sell out on weekends arrive early.
Best Mutton Biryani in Bangalore
If your priority is the best mutton biryani in Bangalore, stick with places that build flavour from a slow, stock-rich base. Shivaji Military Hotel remains the benchmark for tender mutton and a warm, peppery flavour. SG Rao’s rivals it with intensely meaty handis and a balanced heat. For a Muslim-style profile, Rahhams offers aromatic, festival-leaning spices with generous portions, while Sharief Bhai serves celebratory nalli cuts that many regulars rank near the top. Prefer fragrant dum? Hyderabad Biryani House is a reliable call for long-grain basmati and clean, saffron-cardamom notes.
Best Late-Night Biryani in Bangalore
When the craving hits post-match or after a night drive, Empire keeps the grills and biryani going deep into the night across several hubs. Many Sharief Bhai outlets operate until midnight or later, and select Hyderabad Biryani House branches remain open late on weekends. Tip: Late hours mean a rush; expect queues, and consider ordering kebabs or gravies to share alongside.
Best Budget Biryani Under ₹200
Prices fluctuate by area and day, but you can still score value bowls if you time it right. SGS Gundu Pulav often lands near the sub-₹200 mark for chicken at certain outlets, especially earlier in the day. Smaller Donne counters near markets and college stretches sometimes price weekday portions sharply; watch for “mini” plates or lunch specials. Keep it simple: biryani, red chutney, and raita.
Best Family-Friendly Biryani Restaurants
For roomy seating, consistent service and kid-friendly menus, Meghana Foods, Nagarjuna, Nandhana Palace, Sharief Bhai, and Paradise are dependable picks. You’ll find highchairs, quick service, and sides that suit mixed preferences. Think 65s, kebabs, gravies and breads. If your group is split between fiery and fragrant, mix Andhra biryani with dum options so everyone leaves happy.
Price & Location Comparison Table
If you’re hunting for the top 10 best biryani in Bangalore with prices and areas, here’s a quick guide.
Restaurant | Area | Type (Donne / Mutton / Dum) | Signature plate | Approx price (₹) | Usual timings |
Shivaji Military Hotel | Jayanagar/BSK | Donne/Mutton | Mutton Donne | 300–450 | Breakfast–lunch |
SG Rao’s Military Hotel | Cottonpet/Rajajinagar | Donne/Mutton | Mutton Biryani | 280–420 | Early morning–evening |
SGS Gundu Pulav | City Market/Jayanagar | Donne | Mutton Pulav | 180–320 | Mornings–late lunch |
Meghana Foods | Residency Rd/Multiple | Dum/Andhra | Meghana Special | 330–480 | 11:30 am–11 pm |
Rahhams | Frazer Town/Multiple | Mutton/Dum | Mutton Biryani | 320–500 | 12 pm–12 am |
Hyderabad Biryani | Koramangala/Old Airport | Dum | Mutton Dum | 320–520 | 11:30 am–late |
Empire | Church St/Multiple | Dum/Late-night | Chicken/Mutton Dum | 240–400 | Till late at night |
Chickpet Donne Biryani House | Vijayanagar/Yelahanka | Done | Mutton Done | 220–380 | Lunch–dinner |
Tips for Biryani Lovers in Bangalore
Time it right: military hotels move quickly and often close once the pots are empty; reach by 12:00–12:30 pm on weekends. Dum specialists handle the dinner rush better; late-night hunters can rely on Empire or select Hyderabad joints.
Order smart: for Donne, mutton delivers the fullest broth depth; chicken is lighter and quicker. For dum, bone-in pieces keep the rice moist; request medium-spice if you’re heat-sensitive.
Pairings: Donne works brilliantly with kempu (red) chutney and light raita; add pepper chicken fry or keema balls for texture. Dum shines with mirchi ka salan and boondi raita. Andhra-style meals love sides like Chicken 65, gongura mutton, or prawn fry.
Seating vs speed: family groups do better at Meghana, Nagarjuna, Nandhana, Sharief Bhai, or Paradise; solo diners and quick lunchers should target SGS/Chickpet counters.
Delivery: Dum biryani travels best in sealed packs; Donne loses steam, so eat in when possible. On apps, look for “no mix/less oil” notes and pick nearer outlets for fresher rice.
Explore neighbourhoods: Jayanagar, VV Puram, Frazer Town, Koramangala, and City Market are hubs of Bangalore’s famous biryani culture; walk a lane, and follow the aromas.
Final Thoughts – Where to Find the Best Biryani in Bangalore
From peppery Donne at century-old military hotels to fragrant dum sealed in handi and fiery Andhra plates, Bengaluru spoils you for choice. If you want short-grain intensity and meat-rich stock, chase the classics; for aroma and long-grain separation, go dum; for late nights, pick the dependable chains. Our lists and categories give you multiple ways to discover the best biryani in Bangalore by style, by family-friendliness, by budget, or by midnight cravings. Start with a neighbourhood hub, order a mutton plate if you love depth, and pair smartly (kempu chutney, salan, or Chicken 65) to round out the meal. This is Bangalore’s famous biryani culture at its most delicious and diverse. Tried a spot we missed? Drop your favourites in the comments, and we’ll add them to the trail.
FAQs About Biryani in Bangalore
Q1. Which is the No. 1 best biryani in Bangalore?
There’s no single winner for everyone, but locals consistently name Shivaji Military Hotel for its punchy Donne, Meghana Foods for its dependable Andhra-style dum, and Hyderabad Biryaani House for its fragrant dum. For meat lovers, Shivaji’s mutton biryani is often cited as the best in Bangalore, renowned for its depth of flavour.
Q2. Where can I find the famous biryani in Bangalore?
Start with old Bengaluru hubs—Jayanagar, VV Puram, Cottonpet, and Frazer Town—home to military hotels and Traditional-Style kitchens. Spots like SG Rao’s, SGS Gundu Pulav, Rahhams, and Chickpet Donne Biryani House regularly feature in lists of famous biryani in Bangalore.
Q4. Which place serves the best mutton biryani in Bangalore?
For stock-rich, peppery mutton in the Donne tradition, try Shivaji Military Hotel and SG Rao’s. For a more aromatic Muslim/Shadi profile, Rahhams and Sharief Bhai are strong. Prefer it done with long-grain basmati? Hyderabad Biryani House is a solid pick for the best mutton biryani in Bangalore with clean, saffron-lifted notes.
Q5. Is Meghana Foods really Bangalore’s famous biryani spot?
Yes, Meghana popularised a consistent, spicy Andhra dum that’s widely loved for large portions, reliable delivery, and family packs. While it’s not a military hotel, Donne, it’s undeniably part of Bangalore’s famous biryani circuit, especially for groups and late dinners.
Q6. Donne vs Dum—what’s the difference for first-timers?
Donne is greener, pepper-forward, and uses short-grain rice cooked in meaty stock; it’s fast, hot, and intense. Dum is layered, fragrant, and usually milder in heat, often prepared with long-grain basmati and sealed through slow cooking. If you like bold spice, pick Donne; if you prefer aroma and separate grains, start with dum.
Q7. Any tips for ordering delivery?
Dum travels best in sealed packs; Donne is ideal for dine-in. Choose nearby outlets, note “less oil/no mix”, and eat within 20–30 minutes for peak texture.
