biryani

American  

[bir-ee-ah-nee] / ˌbɪr iˈɑ ni /

Or biriani

noun

1. a spicy Indian dish of rice with meat or vegetables, flavored with saffron or turmeric.

---

biryani British  

/ ˌbɪrɪˈɑːnɪ /

noun

1. any of a variety of Indian dishes made with rice, highly flavoured and coloured with saffron or turmeric, mixed with meat or fish

---

Etymology

Origin of biryani

1930–35; < Hindi, Urdu biryānī from Persian biryan “fried, roasted”

Explanation

If you're in the mood for a vibrant, customizable Indian rice dish packed with spices, vegetables, and meats, then biryani is the perfect choice. The word biryani is likely derived from the Persian word birinj, "rice," or biryan, "to fry." The dish may have originated in Iran, but was later adapted into the popular Indian dish known today. There are many variations of biryani from different regions of India. Some are very spicy, while others have a milder flavor. Biryani is often served at celebrations and family gatherings throughout South Asia. It's traditionally made by layering long-grain Basmati rice with a protein and vegetables. The complex mix of spices in biryani often includes saffron or turmeric, which give it a bright yellow hue.

Example Sentences

Inside, they found lavish surroundings, wedding-banquet style spreads of biryani, kebabs and gulab jamun, along with gourmet coffee blended from Brazilian and Ethiopian beans.

From Barron's • Apr. 11, 2026

The festivities included a city parade, where one Dena sailor, speaking to an independent journalist, Samson Sagar, marveled at the flavor of biryani, an Indian rice dish he had sampled.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 10, 2026

The polls had just closed as I hovered outside Kabab King, the fluorescent-lit, late-night biryani joint that Zohran Mamdani calls his favorite restaurant.

From Slate • Nov. 5, 2025

In the clip, first recorded in 2023 by Uncivilised Media, the 33-year-old Democrat eats biryani with his hands while fielding questions about his campaign.

From Salon • Jul. 3, 2025

Ranee serves the biryani and vindaloo and keeps quiet.

From "You Bring the Distant Near" by Mitali Perkins