Top 5 Biryani of Old Dhaka in Bangladesh

When you hear the name of old Dhaka, you will think of countless alleys, centuries-old houses, and delicious food. Old Dhaka is a foodie's choice for mouth-watering dishes including biryani, kabuli, khichuri, haleem, bakarkhani, roti, kebab, sorbet, dolma-like curries. None is inferior to the other in taste, aroma and quality. The popularity of these dishes has exceeded the boundaries of the country.

Kachchi is the main attraction for foodies in Old Dhaka, which is rich in variety of food. That is why people from different parts of Dhaka constantly flock to kacchi biryani shops in old Dhaka's Kazi Alauddin Road, Nazimuddin Road, Urdu Road, Bangshal, Siddikbazar, Chawkbazar, Nawabpur, Islampur, Wari, Malitola and Moulvibazar areas.

According to history, the Mughals had a weakness for various delicacies. Biryani gained popularity among the people of old Dhaka during the Mughal rule in Bengal. The tradition that old Dhaka residents still hold. From weddings to Muslim parties, Eid, birthdays or family events, the kitchen is busy making kachchi.

Find out the 5 old and foodie favorite biryanis among the hundreds of biryani shops in Old Dhaka.

1. Haji Biryani

Biryani of old Dhaka means Haji's biryani is the first choice of biryani lovers. In 1939, Haji Mohammad Hossain established 'Haji Biryani'. He started this business with a pot of biryani. Later, because of the good taste and quality of his biryani, the name of Hazir Biryani spread. His grandsons are now running the business through the generations. Haji Biryani is served on a plate made of jackfruit leaves to keep the tradition.

Beef biryani uses mustard oil instead of ghee/butter oil. Besides, this Haji Biryani is still loved by everyone for its taste and smell because all local spices are used.

Shop number 70 at Kazi Alauddin Road, Nazira Bazar is open from 11 am to 12 pm. Biryani is priced at Tk 200 per plate.

2. Butter Biryani

In 1950, the journey of Makhan Biryani started with the hands of Abdul Quader Mia. Makhan biryani is the top choice of customers due to the combination of taste and quantity. Haji Makhan, son of Abdul Quader Mia, took over the business after Abdul Quader. Now his children are running the business.

The Nasir Uddin Sardar Lane shop in Raisaheb Bazar is thronged with customers throughout the day. Here the price of half plate biryani is 110 taka, full plate 250 taka. The shop is open from 9 am to 4 pm.

3. Haji Nanna Biryani

Around 1962, cook Nanna Mia opened a biryani shop in Old Dhaka's Moulvibaza area. Gradually Haji Nanna Biryani's Khasir Kachchi became popular among foodies. Apart from khasir kacchi, morag-polao, khasir biryani, khasir rezala, phirni, tikiya and borhani are available here. Today, family members carry on the business tradition. Shop number 41 at Becharam Deuri is open daily from 11 am to 11 pm. Half plate khasi biryani price 170 taka, full plate 340 taka. A bowl of Khasir Biryani is Tk 680. Chicken polao half plate 160 taka. Whole chicken biryani is sold here on the 5th of every month. The price of each bowl is 370 taka.

4. Hanif Biryani

Hanif Biryani, another famous biryani shop of Old Dhaka, has been established just opposite to Hajir Biryani on Alauddin Road. It was started in 1975 by Haji Mohammad Hanif, a resident of Old Dhaka. After his death in 2005, his son Haji Mohammad Ibrahim Roni took over the business. The main attraction of Hanif Biryani is Kachchi. Shop number 30 at Kazi Alauddin Road, Nazira Bazar is open daily from 10 am to 12 pm. Biryani is priced at Tk 200 per plate.

5. Biryani by Shah Sahib

Shah Sahib's Biryani started its journey from 1960. If you want to eat Shah Sahib's Biryani, which has gained popularity over time, you have to go to Chawkbazar early in the morning. Because this Biryani is available only in the morning. Biryani is finished by 9 am. Along with biryani, chicken is also available here every Monday and Thursday. They are characterized by very little use of spices. Just opposite Shahi Jame Masjid, Chawkbazar, enter straight through No. 6 Banik Samiti Lane, Shah Sahib's Biryani is on the left hand side. Here the price of half plate biryani is 80 taka, full plate biryani is 160 taka.