Move over kale smoothies and avocado toasts — India’s love affair with biryani shows no signs of waning. For the ninth consecutive year, biryani has emerged as the most-ordered dish across the country, leaving fad foods and modern trends in the dust. According to Swiggy’s latest Food Trends Report, more than 8.3 crore biryanis were ordered between January 1 and November 22 this year. That’s a staggering 158 biryanis per minute, or two per second!
If you think about it, biryani doesn’t just dominate plates – it has become a cultural icon, a unifier of palates, and, in some cases, a reason to skip cooking altogether. Let’s break it down: what is it about this fragrant pot of joy that makes Indians swoon, generation after generation?
Biryani vs fad foods
While fitness influencers preach the gospel of quinoa bowls, biryani continues to rule hearts (and stomachs) across age groups and demographics. Low-carb and gluten-free don’t stand a chance when faced with the tantalising aroma of long-grain basmati rice layered with tender meat, caramelised onions, and a symphony of spices. You can’t picture dosa or a Buddha bowl sparking the same level of passion that biryani commands.
Swiggy reveals dosa trailed behind with a measly 2.3 crore order. Dosas might win on versatility, but when it comes to sheer indulgence, biryani is the reigning monarch. After all, who wants to count calories when there is a pot of mutton dum biryani begging to be devoured?
One biryani to rule them all
The beauty of biryani lies in its adaptability. Whether it’s the fiery Hyderabadi version, the mildly sweet Kolkata style, or the richly spiced Lucknowi take, there’s a biryani for every mood and region. This diversity ensures it has a foothold in every corner of the country. If biryani were a political party, it would win elections hands down, uniting voters from Kashmir to Kanyakumari.
Even the great Indian family drama cannot disrupt biryani’s appeal. Vegetarians bicker with non-vegetarians over whether ‘veg biryani’ is a valid term (spoiler: its pulao). Meanwhile, spice levels spark debates hotter than any parliamentary session. But when the handi is opened, and the aroma wafts out, these squabbles dissolve into blissful silence.
From rags to rich biryani
What makes biryani so special? It isn’t just a dish – it’s an experience. It pairs equally well with weddings and midnight cravings. It bridges economic divides, finding itself at both roadside dhabas and five-star hotels. If biryani were an actor, it would have won multiple National Awards for its versatility and mass appeal.
Perhaps its most endearing trait is its ability to satisfy. A single plate of biryani feels like a warm hug from your grandmother, a celebration of heritage and comfort. Even the fanciest salad bowl, or a pizza or pasta and its Italian, Chinese, or Mexican cousins fail to replicate that emotional connection.
Fads may come and go, but biryani is here to stay. As Indians order their way through millions of pots, it is clear that this dish has achieved something truly special – it’s not just food; it’s an emotion. And as the numbers show, we’re far from done obsessing over it.