Briyani in Singapore
Briyani, also spelled as biryani, is easily one of the most flavourful dishes I’ve had, made with a variety of spices and ingredients. This mixed rice dish originates from South Asia, with fluffy, saffron-flavoured basmati grains. If you’re craving briyani, we have curated a list of 20 best briyani in Singapore, including XXL platters and Michelin-approved stalls.
Table of Contents
- Briyani in Singapore
- 1. Bismi Biryani
- 2. Cafe Mariam
- 3. Ali Nachia Briyani Dum
- 4. Bismillah Biryani Restaurant
- 5. Allauddin’s Biryani Pte Ltd
- 6. Global Mat Soul Kitchen
- 7. Sabeen Sara Prata And Briyani Stall
- 8. Koothurar Nasi Briyani
- 9. Geylang (Hamid’s) Briyani Stall
- 10. Briyani 47
- 11. SaffronsÂ
- 12. Zam Zam Restaurant
- 13. Al-Tasneem
- 14. Victory Restaurant
- 15. Mr Biryani
- 16. Vanabhojanam
- 17. Islamic Restaurant
- 18. Paradise Biryani SG
- 19. Ananda Bhavan
- 20. Ajmir Briyani
- Where to eat briyani in Singapore
1. Bismi Biryani
Bismi Biryani takes XXL food up a notch with their Combo Platter Dulang ($30), a massive briyani platter that can easily serve four people. This dish comes with a lamb shank, lamb mutton chop, sambal chicken, mandi chicken, and three types of rice. It’s further topped with fried and boiled eggs for extra protein. We especially enjoyed their mutton, which had a smoky flavour.Â
Pair the meats with their selection of sauces, including a minty Coriander Sauce and piquant Green Chilli Sauce.
Check out our Bismi Briyani review!
Address: 55 Yishun Avenue 11, #01-05, Yishun Park Hawker Centre, Singapore 768867
Opening hours: Tue, Thurs-Sun 9am to 6pm
Website
Bismi Briyani is a halal-certified eatery.
Bismi Briyani Review: XXL Briyani Platter With Lamb Shank, Lamb Chop, Chicken And More At Yishun
2. Cafe Mariam
Cafe Mariam is run by third-generation chef Hassan, whose father and grandfather helmed the iconic Islamic Restaurant at North Bridge Road. His experiences span restaurants, banquets, and even working with celebrity chefs like Gordon Ramsay.Â
Packed with a distinct saffron flavour, their Chicken Briyani ($6.50) is earthy and fragrant, served alongside a juicy chicken drumstick or thigh. If you prefer lamb, give their Mutton Mandi ($7) a shot, served with tangy yoghurt to cut through the gaminess of the meat.
Check out our Cafe Mariam review!
Address: 116 Changi Road, #01-02, Singapore 419718
Opening hours: Tue-Wed 11am to 3pm, Fri-Sun 11am to 2pm
Tel: 9369 8564
Website
Cafe Mariam is a halal-certified eatery.
Cafe Mariam Review: Cheap And Good Nasi Briyani By A Third-Generation Chef
3. Ali Nachia Briyani Dum
Hailing from the now-defunct Tanjong Pagar railway station is Ali Nachia Briyani Dum. They serve dum briyani, which is cooked in a sealed pot for deeper flavour.Â
Mutton-lovers will surely enjoy the Mutton Briyani ($8) as the meat is tender and flavourful with hints of masala. Meanwhile, their Chicken Briyani ($7) features a thick slab of chicken thigh, good for those with a bigger appetite. Pair the basmati rice with their curry for a piquant assam kick.
Check out our Ali Nachia Briyani Dum review!
Address: 9 Hoe Chiang Road, Singapore 089314
Opening hours: Mon – Sat 11am to 4pm
Tel: 9366 9808
Website
Ali Nachia Briyani Dam is a halal-certified eatery.
Ali Nachia Briyani Dam Review: OG Dum Briyani From Tanjong Pagar Railway Station
4. Bismillah Biryani Restaurant
Image credit: @jillianeatss
Bismillah Biryani Restaurant first made waves in the local food scene when it was honoured with the Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2016. Today, this four-time Michelin-approved restaurant has five outlets to its name. Prices are on the steeper end, though the restaurant’s acclamations justify this hike.
Apart from the usual mutton and chicken options, Bismillah offers Grilled Fish Biryani ($15) too, which sees herb-baked fish alongside their signature briyani rice. Their inclusive menu also has a vegetarian biryani that goes for $6.50.Â
Address: 50 Dunlop Street, Singapore 209379
Opening hours: Daily 11:30am to 9pm
Tel: 6935 1326
Website
Bismillah Biryani Restaurant is not a halal-certified eatery, but is Muslim-owned.
5. Allauddin’s Biryani Pte Ltd
Image credit: @terenceongwh
Another Michelin-recommended briyani stall is Allauddin’s Biryani Pte Ltd, awarded with a Michelin Plate last year. Their Chicken Briyani Set goes for $7, starring aromatic basmati rice, alongside curried chicken, achar, pappadum, and a hard-boiled egg. They also have mutton and fish options, and you can top your briyani with sides like fried chicken and mutton cutlet, available from $1.50.
Address: 6665 Buffalo Road, #01-232, Tekka Market and Food Centre, Singapore 210665
Opening hours: Daily 8am to 8pm
Tel: 6296 6786
Website
Allauddin’s Biryani Pte Ltd is not a halal-certified eatery, but is Muslim-owned.
6. Global Mat Soul Kitchen
Image credit: @sylvestertf
There’s a shroud of mystery around Global Mat Soul Kitchen, an online briyani business that operates via a private Instagram account. You’ll have to send a follow request, and keep your eyes peeled for his IG stories, where he drops sporadic briyani sales. These are snapped up in seconds by ardent fans, who claim these are the best briyani in Singapore.
Global Mat Soul Kitchen’s briyani selection includes chicken, mutton, and even stingray, with prices ranging from $9 to $14. If you manage to secure an elusive packet, you’ll have to pick up on the specified evening somewhere in Aljunied Crescent.
Tel: 8550 2408
Website
Global Mat Soul Kitchen is not a halal-certified eatery, but is Muslim-owned
7. Sabeen Sara Prata And Briyani Stall
Image credit: @foodieuncle
Tucked away in Telok Blangah Food Centre is Sabeen Sara Prata And Briyani Stall, a hidden gem for really good briyani in Singapore. My personal favourite is their Chicken Briyani ($5), with fluffy rice grains, chicken thigh, and a curry sauce that’s slightly tangy. Like most briyani stalls, they also feature a mutton selection that goes for $5.50.
If you’re not feeling the rice, get a side of Plain Prata ($1) to mop up all that curry!
Address: 79 Telok Blangah Drive, #01-07, Telok Blangah Food Centre, Singapore 100079
Opening hours: Daily 6:30am to 1pm
Tel: 9004 0587
Sabeen Sara Prata And Briyani Stall is not a halal-certified eatery, but is Muslim-owned.
8. Koothurar Nasi Briyani
Image credit: @hungryrayshoots Â
Known as the famous Beach Road briyani stall, Koothurar Nasi Briyani is an unassuming eatery, without even a signboard indicating their storefront. Their nasi briyani attracts long queues, selling out within hours of opening.
A crowd favourite is the Mutton Nasi Briyani ($7), with chunks of curried mutton sitting atop fragrant basmati grains. You can also have your briyani with chicken or fish, all of which come with crunchy pickled vegetables on the side.
Address: 17 Beach Road, #01-4705, Singapore 190017
Opening hours: Wed-Mon 11am to 4pm
Tel: 6392 5247
Koothurar Nasi Briyani is not a halal-certified eatery, but is Muslim-owned.
9. Geylang (Hamid’s) Briyani Stall
Image credit: @blueskiescottonclouds
Nestled within the Geylang Serai Market is Geylang (Hamid’s) Briyani Stall, a family-run business with over 50 years of heritage. They are famed for their Mutton Briyani ($6), served with hearty mutton chunks and luscious curry. Their briyani rice is said to be on the wetter side, though no less flavourful. If you’re feeling like something different, opt for the Briyani Ayam Goreng ($6), which differs from your regular version with its fried chicken feature.Â
Check out our Geylang (Hamid’s) Briyani Stall review!
Address: 1 Geylang Serai, #02-146, Geylang Serai Malay Market And Food Centre, Singapore 402001
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 10:30am to 3pm
Tel: 9170 9700
Website
Geylang (Hamid’s) Briyani Stall is not a halal-certified eatery, but is Muslim-owned.
10. Briyani 47
Image credit: @benda_me
Hidden away in the north-east region of Singapore is Briyani 47, opened by a young Bangladeshi chef who hopes to make briyani more suited for local palates. The curry here is made less spicy so that children can enjoy this dish too. Briyani 47 is said to sell out quickly, so head down early to avoid any disappointment.
Interestingly, their briyani selection features a Tofu Briyani ($10.90) that makes for a vegetarian-friendly option. Otherwise, their Mutton Briyani ($13.90) is a must-try, comprising mutton curry tossed with briyani rice.
Address: 3 Saint George’s Road, Singapore 320003
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 11:30am to 3:30pm
Tel: 8223 3224
Website
Briyani 47 is not a halal-certified eatery, but is Muslim-owned.
11. SaffronsÂ
Image credit: @sgastronoms
Highly raved about in the East is Saffrons, a restaurant that prides themself in offering some of the best Indian cuisine in Singapore. Many people go for their Prata ($1.50),Teh Tarik ($1.40), but their Mutton Briyani ($9) is the pick of the bunch. This briyani is served on a banana leaf and its rice is infused with masala aroma. The rice is known to be on the drier and fluffier side, but is still full of flavour, especially when it is accompanied by dalcha and achar.Â
Address: Tampines Street 21, Block 201D, #01-1163, Singapore 524201
Website | Full list of outlets
Saffrons is a halal-certified eatery.
12. Zam Zam Restaurant
Image credit: Singapore Food Story
Briyani lovers would know of Zam Zam Restaurant, Singapore. Situated opposite the Sultan Mosque, this long-standing restaurant is reportedly the oldest Indian Muslim restaurant in Singapore. They’ve been operating since 1908, and have a cult following for their Beef Briyani ($6.50).Â
The meat is said to be fall-apart tender and the rice is perfumed with the aroma of cardamom and cloves. Zam Zam also offers other interesting briyani varieties such as Deer Briyani ($12) and Egg Briyani ($6). Those who aren’t fans of briyani can go for their Chicken Murtabak ($6) instead.
Address: 697-699 North Bridge Road, Singapore 198675
Opening hours: Daily 7am to 11pm
Tel: 6298 6320
Website
Zam Zam is a halal-certified eatery.
13. Al-Tasneem
Image credit: @misterbenster
Yet another competitor of Zam Zam Restaurant is Al-Tasneem. Located just a few minutes away from its contender, this two-storey restaurant has plenty of seats, including an air-conditioned dining area. Its best known dish is the Lamb Shank Briyani ($20.50) which features a huge chunk of lamb on a bed of basmati rice. It also comes with an egg and some achar.Â
Address: 709 North Bridge Road, Singapore 198681
Opening hours: Daily 8am to 12am
Tel: 6291 1781
Website
Al-Tasneem is a halal-certified eatery
14. Victory Restaurant
Image credit: @ck.sg_food
Operating since 1910, Victory Restaurant prides themself in their murtabak and briyani dishes. While Zam Zam Restaurant’s briyani packs a flavourful punch, Victory Restaurant’s Mutton Briyani ($8.50) is best for those who enjoy something lighter on the palate. For the perfect mouthful, pair the rice and meat with their sweet, spicy, and tangy achar.Â
Address: 701 North Bridge Road, Singapore 198677
Opening hours: Daily 7am to 11pm
Tel: 6298 6955
Website
Victory Restaurant is a halal-certified eatery
15. Mr Biryani
Image credit: @mrbiryanisg
Situated along Chandler Road is Mr Biryani, known for their signature Hyderabad Chicken Dhum Biryani ($13.90). Flavour-wise, this briyani is said to be on the lighter side, as the rice and chicken is cooked in slightly different ingredients than your usual briyani: yogurt, ginger, garlic, spices, coriander, and fried onions. The portions are also said to be huge, so those with big appetites should be satiated by a plate from Mr Biryani.
Address: 11 Chander Road, Singapore 219529
Website | Full list of outlets
Mr Briyani is a halal-certified eatery
16. Vanabhojanam
Image credit: @sgindianfoodie
If you’re around Mustafa Centre and looking for places to eat at, head down to Vanabhojanam. This restaurant serves Andhra cuisine, which is known for its heavy use of chillies and spices in their cooking. Their Chicken Dum Biryani ($9) is what most people go for as it packs an addictive, spicy kick. You can also go for their Andhra Pepper Mutton ($10), which is boneless lamb meat fried with a black pepper sauce.Â
Address: 101 Syed Alwi Road, #02-01, Singapore 207677
Opening hours: Daily 11am to 3pm, 7pm to 11pm
Tel: 6396 4636
Website
Vanabhojanam is not a halal-certified eatery
17. Islamic Restaurant
Image credit: Islamic RestaurantÂ
With almost 100 years of history, Islamic Restaurant serves superb North Indian cuisine. The restaurant is worth visiting for its beautiful Turkish decor, but most are there for the highly raved Mutton Beryani ($10++). Each mouthful is accompanied by a burst of flavours from the tender mutton and spiced rice.
Address: 735 North Bridge Road, #01-01, Singapore 198713
Opening hours: Mon-Thurs, Sat-Sun 10am to 10pm, Fri 10am to 1pm, 2pm-10pm
Tel: 6298 7563
Website
Islamic Restaurant is a halal-certified eatery.
18. Paradise Biryani SG
Image credit: @jlohcook
Unlike many of the options above, where briyani is cooked in a large metal pot, Paradise Biryani SG’s version is cooked in bamboo. This traditional method of cooking is said to originate from Indian tribal cuisine. Fans of Paradise Biryani SG’s Bamboo Chicken Biryani ($13.90) rave about its potent aroma, thanks to the many herbs and spices that go into preparing the dish.Â
Address: 369 Sembawang Road, #01-07, Singapore 758382
Opening hours: Tue-Thurs, Sun 10am to 10pm, Fri-Sat 10am to 10:30pm
Tel: 9012 3366
Website
Paradise Biryani SG is a halal-certified eatery.
19. Ananda Bhavan
Image credit: @3asy.eaters
If you’re looking for briyani that is vegetarian-friendly, head to Ananda Bhavan and try their Briyani Set Meal ($10). This hearty meal sees vegetarian briyani rice with chunks of mock meat, served with vegetable kurma, South Indian vegetables, vadai, pappadum, raita, and payasam.Â
Address: 95 Syed Alwi Road, Singapore 207671
Website | Full list of outlets
Ananda Bhavan is not a halal-certified eatery.
20. Ajmir Briyani
Image credit: @ajmirbriyani
Last but not least, is Ajmir Briyani at Admiralty Overhead Bridge. Ajmir Briyani, unlike other stalls listed above, is located at a provision shop. Despite their unassuming location, their Mutton Briyani ($9) is said to be one of the best in Singapore. The fragrant and buttery rice pairs well with the tender meat and thick dalcha gravy. Do note that Ajmir Briyani only offers delivery, takeaway, and catering services.
Go for their crowd-favourite Mix Platter ($39) if you’re looking for something to share at family gatherings or events. This huge platter comes with chicken, mutton, hard boiled eggs, and a heaping amount of dum briyani rice.Â
Address: Admiralty Overhead Bridge, #02-K1, Singapore 738344
Opening hours: Fri-Sun 8am to 12pm
Tel: 6368 016
Website
Ajmir Briyani is a halal-certified eatery.
Where to eat briyani in Singapore
The next time you’re craving briyani, look no further than our list for the best briyani in Singapore, with XXL platters and Michelin-approved stalls that are sure to satisfy your cravings.
For more Indian cuisine, check out our Little India food guide for authentic Indian fare in the area. Alternatively, if this post has ignited your curry cravings, check out our guide to the most famous curry rice spots in Singapore.
Little India Food Guide: 10 Indian Food Places For Banana Leaf Rice, Prawn Briyani And More
Feature image adapted from @sgindianfoodie and Singapore Food Story
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