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8 Best Biryani Singapore Selections To Try [2024]

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Best Biryani Singapore

Best Biryani Singapore
Best Biryani Singapore

If you want to know where to buy the best biryani in Singapore, you’re in luck!

The best Biryani in Singapore for 2024 include Singapore Zam Zam, The Song of India, Mr. Briyani, Allauddin’s Briyani, and Bismillah Briyani.

Your choice of biryani in Singapore may depend on a number of factors, including the quality of the ingredients, the level of authenticity, the level of spiciness, the portion size, the cost, and the location.

Biryani is a popular dish in Singapore, because of its unique flavour and fragrances, it has drawn many local and foreigners.

Go forth. Dig in. And discover your favourite biryani restaurant.

Quick Summary

  • Best Biryani in Singapore include Singapore Zam Zam, The Song of India, Mr. Briyani, Allauddin’s Briyani, and Bismillah Briyani.
  • If you’re taking a breakfast fast food biryani in Singapore, you should consider factors such as fresh ingredients, taste, originality, spiciness, quantity, price and place.
  • Biryani is hugely popular in Singapore; its flavours and evocative spices are core menu offerings at many local as well as expatriate restaurants.

Key Consideration Factors

  • Quality of ingredients: A good biryani will always have fresh and superior ingredients.
  • Authenticity: If you want a biryani that will ring true, make sure that the restaurant specialises in the style from the place it claims to represent.
  • Spice level: You have got to know that Biryani, especially in the Indian subcontinent, is spicy. Make sure to call in and check if the restaurant has different spice levels so you can order your Biryani accordingly. Or, if you’re like me, ask them to make it extra spicy.
  • Portion size: How big is the biryani, and what, if anything, is served with it.
  • Price: Biryani can range from really cheap to relatively expensive, so choose your place accordingly. That’s it, you’re ready to order yourself some biryani.
  • Location: Decide on a location that is easy to get to, with reasonably private access and parking if required.
  • Reviews and ratings: Check out the online reviews and ratings of the other guests, which can give you a good idea of what the restaurant was like for other customers.

Best Biryani Singapore

1) Singapore Zam Zam

Singapore Zam Zam - Best Biryani Singapore
Singapore Zam Zam – Best Biryani Singapore (Credit: Malay Mall)
Key services:I guess we can say that Singapore Zam Zam has withstood the test of time because to their adaptation of the traditional dish, which is excellent enough to keep customers returning for more throughout its century-old history.
Address:697-699 North Bridge Rd, Singapore 198675
Website:https://zamzamsingapore.com/
Phone:+65 6298 6320
Email:foodpanda.sg
Operating hours:Thursday
7AM–11PM
Friday
7AM–11PM
Saturday
7AM–11PM
Sunday
7AM–11PM
Monday
7AM–11PM
Tuesday
7AM–11PM
Wednesday
7AM–11PM

Despite whatever stigma Singapore Zam Zam might have acquired from its late-night clubbers and supper eaters – they are the ones who rock up at 2am, or when the kebab joints are closed, and fall in love with a venison murtabak (a life-saver after one too many drinks) – the truth is that Singapore Zam Zam isn’t just a one-trick pony.

Turns out this Bugis mainstay also serves up a great nasi briyani.

We could say that Singapore Zam Zam is still around today because what they added to the classic dish is good enough that it keeps regulars coming back decade after decade.

Key Differentiators

  • I guess we can say that Singapore Zam Zam has withstood the test of time because to their adaptation of the traditional dish, which is excellent enough to keep customers returning for more throughout its century-old history.

Client Testimonial

REALLY good murtabak with nice sauces. The curry dishes are very flavorful, and had a nice spicy kick. I really liked the beef biryani.

Local Guide

2) The Song of India

The Song of India - Best Biryani Singapore
The Song of India – Best Biryani Singapore (Credit: Trip Advisor)
Key services:You’ll find on the menu a delicious mutton biryani prepared Lucknow-style with a lighter touch on the spices.
Address:33 Scotts Rd, Singapore 228226
Website:Facebook
Phone:+65 6836 0055
Email:N/A
Operating hours:N/A

For a more elevated version of the ubiquitous biryani, try The Song of India.

The one-Michelin-starred restaurant is known for its innovative interpretations of Indian food, but it sticks to the tradition with its biryanis.

On the menu: a fire-grilled mutton biryani cooked Lucknow-style, a little lighter than most, on the spice front.

The alternative is with tiger prawns — a fresh, crisp salad with citrus notes.

Key Differentiators

  • You’ll find on the menu a delicious mutton mysore biryani prepared Lucknow-style with a lighter touch on the spices.

Client Testimonial

Easily located lovely black and white house along Scotts Road. Was here for the Sunday brunch buffet with friends for the first time.

Matthew Lee

3) Mr. Briyani

Mr. Briyani - Best Biryani Singapore
Mr. Briyani – Best Biryani Singapore (Credit: Trip Advisor)
Key services:The sauce is prepared with yogurt, which results in succulent and fragrant chicken, lamb, and fish.
Address:32 Norris Road, Singapore 208274
Website:https://www.mrbiryanisg.com/
Phone:Telephone: +65 8661 4271
Email:N/A
Operating hours:Tuesday – Sunday: Lunch from 11.00am – 3.30pm | Dinner from 6.00pm – 10.30pm
Closed on Mondays

Mr Briyani, a beloved Hyderabadi briyani restaurant, popularising the classic dum style, shares the recipe from Hyderabad itself, their spices and chilies, imported from India itself.

Sauce is made with yogurt, so the chicken (or lamb, or fish) comes out succulent and fragrant.

Vegetarians might be happy to find out that their biryani is available without any meat.

Paneer biryani is there, too, along with cottage cheese. And if you’re craving meat but can’t eat it, the jackfruit biryani should sate you.

Key Differentiators

  • The sauce is prepared with yogurt, which results in succulent and fragrant chicken, lamb, and fish.

4) Allauddin’s Briyani

Allauddin’s Briyani - Best Biryani Singapore
Allauddin’s Briyani – Best Biryani Singapore (Credit: Trip Advisor)
Key services:The biryani cooked with good quality aromatic basmati rice and cashews comes in what can only be described as a small mountain, served together with juicy, tender mutton. 
Address:#01-232, #01-229 Market, Singapore 210665
Website:Facebook
Phone:+65 6296 6786
Email:N/A
Operating hours:Thursday
8AM–8PM
Friday
8AM–8PM
Saturday
8AM–8PM
Sunday
8AM–8PM
Monday
8AM–8PM
Tuesday
8AM–8PM
Wednesday
8AM–8PM

Allauddin’s Briyani, in Tekka Market, is one of the best places to grab a big breakfast.

With lumps of juicy, tender mutton and biryani made with good quality basmati rice and cashews, served in a small mountain of rice, it is indeed a sumptuous feast.

The side of pickled baby cucumber, salty and crisp, is a godsend for balancing this almost raw regal feast.

Key Differentiators

  • The biryani cooked with good quality basmati rice and cashews comes in what can only be described as a small mountain, served together with juicy, tender mutton. 

Client Testimonial

Impressed with the chicken briyani. Chicken was tender and the serving of briyani rice was generous. Archar pickles are the side was also nice and crunchy. Love it and will definitely be back for more!

Angel Lim

5) Bismillah Briyani

Bismillah Briyani - Best Biryani Singapore
Bismillah Briyani – Best Biryani Singapore (Credit: Michelin Guide)
Key services:Biryani, as it is prepared in most other parts of the world, like Pakistan, is a little different though.
Address:50 DUNLOP ST.
S209379
Website:https://www.bismillahbiryani.com/
Phone:6935 1326
Email:N/A
Operating hours:MON – FRI 11.30 – 19.45
SATURDAYS 11.30 – 17.30
CLOSED ON SUN & PH

Tel: 6352 1277

You might also know that the biryani we eat in Singapore is a sort of translocalised vernacular version of the dish, served quite wet accompanied by generous amounts of curry (nothing wrong with putting our own twist on what we love – as long as it tastes good).

Firstly, Pakistani-style biryani is nearly always served dry, the curry or gravy served only on the side. And secondly, the marinated meat is cooked together with the rice — flavoured with saffron and chopped cashews — traditionally in a huge pot with dough sealing the lid.

The result is an intensely flavorsome dish that will get you hooked.

Key Differentiators

  • Biryani, as it is prepared in most other parts of the world, like Pakistan, is a little different though.

6) Islamic Restaurant

Islamic Restaurant - Best Biryani Singapore
Islamic Restaurant – Best Biryani Singapore (Credit: Islamic Restaurant)
Key services:Today, a generation later, its age-old recipes still stand the test of time. In fact, so popular is the biryani here that there’s even a dedicated hotline! 
Address:735 North Bridge Rd, Singapore 198703
Website:Facebook
Phone:+65 6298 7563
Email:N/A
Operating hours:Thursday
10AM–10PM
Friday
10AM–1PM, 2–10PM
Saturday
10AM–10PM
Sunday
10AM–10PM
Monday
10AM–10PM
Tuesday
10AM–10PM
Wednesday
10AM–10PM

Let’s kick off with the grand-daddy of the list – we’re not being cheeky here, it’s actually an old establishment – Islamic Restaurant, a must-visit for biryani fans across Singapore.

Its nasi briyani was said to be so good in the 1970s that it attracted dignitaries, ministers and businessmen.

A generation later, those same old recipes are just as popular as ever — in fact, there’s a special biryani hotline!

Key Differentiators

  • Today, a generation later, its age-old recipes still stand the test of time. In fact, so popular is the biryani here that there’s even a dedicated hotline! 

Client Testimonial

Islamic restaurant is a 96 years old food outlet now run by third generation of Abdul Rahiman family. They primarily serve North Indian cuisine with local Malay/Singaporean adaptation. I have been visiting this place for years and one thing this place is really famous for is their Biryani.

Suhali Ali

7) The Banana Leaf Apollo

The Banana Leaf Apollo - Best Biryani Singapore
The Banana Leaf Apollo – Best Biryani Singapore (Credit: Trip Advisor)
Key services:But opting for the biryani rice with vegetables, then adding on from the restaurant’s extensive menu of classic Indian dishes is an equally delicious option.
Address:54 Race Course Rd, Singapore 218564
Website:https://www.thebananaleafapolo.com/
Phone:+65 6293 8682
Email:eliveroo.com.sgfoodpanda.sg
Operating hours:Thursday
10:30AM–10:30PM
Friday
10:30AM–10:30PM
Saturday
10:30AM–10:30PM
Sunday
10:30AM–10:30PM
Monday
10:30AM–10:30PM
Tuesday
10:30AM–10:30PM
Wednesday
10:30AM–10:30PM

Yes, you might come here for that popular fish head curry, but don’t skip out on the biryani.

Go for the biryani set meal if that’s what you fancy.

But, alternatively, grabbing the vegetable biryani rice and adding on from at the long menu of classic Indian dishes is just as good.

Key Differentiators

  • But opting for the biryani rice with vegetables, then adding on from the restaurant’s extensive menu of classic Indian biryani dishes is an equally delicious option.

8) Geylang Briyani Stall (aka Hamid’s Briyani)

Geylang Briyani Stall - Best Biryani Singapore
Geylang Briyani Stall – Best Biryani Singapore (Credit:Johor Kaki)
Key services:This one comes hotly recommended by none other than Singapore’s very own doctor/local food blogger himself, Dr. Leslie Tay of ieatishootipost.
Address:1 Geylang Serai, #02-146, Singapore 402001
Website:Facebook
Phone:+65 9170 9700
Email:N/A
Operating hours:Thursday
10:30AM–3PM
Friday
10:30AM–3PM
Saturday
10:30AM–3PM
Sunday
10:30AM–3PM
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
10:30AM–3PM
Wednesday
10:30AM–3PM

This one is hotly recommended by none other than Singapore’s own MSF doctor/local food blogger – Dr Leslie Tay ieatishootipost.

Returning three times in as many days, the good doctor tells you this is simply the best plate of food you will ever eat ­– in Singapore, these days, for that money anyway.

Briyani from Hamid’s comes with fork-tender mutton, long-grain basmati rice that’s fluffy and perfectly cooked, and chicken masala gravy that’s vivid yellowish orange and when spooned over the biryani rice makes for an utter killer mouthful.

Key Differentiators

  • This one comes hotly recommended by none other than Singapore’s very own doctor/local food blogger himself, Dr. Leslie Tay of ieatishootipost.

Client Testimonial

The rice is slightly fragrant with a tinge of sweetness.

Travis

Best Biryani Singapore

Biryani is a classic Indian dish that has become popular all over the world.

If you live in Singapore like me, you can’t fail to notice the plethora of biryani restaurants available in the city-state, each claiming to serve the best version of this culinary marvel.

You want biryani, royal or modern, we cater for you all!

So what are you waiting for? Try any of these options today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

If you have any questions about Biryani Singapore, you can refer to the frequently asked questions (FAQ) about the best Biryani in Singapore below:

Which is the best biryani in Singapore?

The one who writes about places where they found the best Biryani in Singapure is Sidra Ayub. The list of best Biryani in Singapore is Singapore Zam Zam, The Song of India,Mutton Dum Biryani, Mr Biryani, Bismillah Biryani, Hawker Stall Allauddin’s Biryani, Geylang Biryani Stall Stands.

Where can I find the best Nasi Biryani in Singapore?

There are many places that serve up tasty Nasi Biryani in Singapore, but one must-try is the charming little restaurant in North Bridge Road that offers stewed meat swamped in aromatic spices over a bed of fragrant rice.

Is there a place that serves exceptional Prawn Biryani in Singapore?

Yes, you can still buy Prawn Biryani at some restaurants in Singapore. Especially those around the food centres, where they have a cleaner work space and usually quite big portions of juicy prawns and fragrant rice.

Where can I get the best Fried Chicken Biryani in Singapore?

If you’re in the mood for Fried Chicken Biryani, the place to go is at the North Bridge Road in Singapore. The chicken is crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, and makes an excellent pairing with the fragrant biryani rice.

Can you recommend a place for the best Chicken Dum Biryani in Singapore?

Yes, there are numerous restaurants that serve rather good chicken dum biryani. It’s a slow-cooked dish of marinated chicken and rice, with the rice cooked with the marinated chicken so every grain of rice is infused with the taste of the chicken and spices that season it.

Where can I taste Lamb Shank Biryani in Singapore?

At some Indian restaurants in Singapore, one can dish up on Lamb Shank Biryani, where the meat is melt-in-the-mouth tender and the richly spiced meat stew is formed into a harmonious union with the delicately spiced biryani rice.

Where can I find Fish Tikka Biryani in Singapore?

Fish Tikka Biryani is a variant of the usual chicken/mutton biryani. It is only available at certain Indian restaurants in Singapore (usually at those near the food centres), where the fish tikka is first marinated and grilled and then added to the biryani.

What makes the richly spiced stewed meat in biryani so special?

The meat is slow-cooked in various spices that lend it an intense aroma, and then finely shredded into the biryani rice. The biryani can be made of chicken, mutton or seafood, and the result is so tender that it almost melts in your mouth, with a perfect pairing to the richly spiced biryani rice.

I’m tired of the usual chicken biryani. What other types can I try in Singapore?

For a different call to the usual biryani, you can order Prawn Biryani, Fish Tikka Biryani or even Lamb Shank Biryani. In Singapore, you will not get the same biryani everywhere.

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Hello! I'm the editor at FunEmpire Media, with a wealth of experience spanning over 6 years in the media industry. My passion revolves around exploring the realms of beauty, wellness, home and living, and food. Join me as I uncover the secrets to living a beautiful, balanced, and delicious life in Singapore.

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