A Biryani List for Singapore
In which we recommend
Here’s a list of Biryanis for Singapore. I got questions after my note on the Zam Zam v. Victory case. I’ll update this list at regular intervals.
A biryani enthusiast can’t recommend a single ‘best’ biryani because of the vast differences in style, and so it’s in categories, like the Oscars or something.
Briyani (straits style): Koothurar Nasi Briyani, Blk 17 Beach Road. They don’t have an online presence, but they’re popularly called the Beach Road briyani - most cabbies know of it. If you can’t be bothered to queue, or want to sit down peacefully, go for Islamic Restaurant.
Hyderabadi Biryani: Mr. Biryani.
Tamil Biryani: Junior Kuppanna. They’re rightly proud of their Seeraga Samba (a variant of short-grained rice) - theirs is the Dindigul style.
Malabar Biryani: Paradise Biryani. It’s in Sembawang, but they’ll deliver for orders above $70, or you can order through an app called Kerala Eats.
Calcutta Biryani: Kolkata Beckons. Potatoes!
Bangladeshi Biryani: Fakruddin, 8 Desker Road.
Pakistani Biryani: Bismillah Biryani.
Best Sides: Cafe Mariam. If this category feels like an excuse to list Cafe Mariam, you’re right. But do try it - it’s an experience.
Mandi: Artichoke Cafe. It’s not cheap, but almost enough for two people.
Note:
I don’t have a good Awadhi (Lucknow) style recommendation yet - The Awadh was mentioned to me a few times, but I haven’t tried it yet.
I need to figure out how to classify the different local briyani styles because there are more recommendations in there.
I’m still looking to find a Memoni, Sindhi, Bombay, Bhatkali, Kampuri, Kashmiri variations. Don’t hold your breath, though.