Discovering the process for making Hyderabadi dum biryani

From the land of fragrant spices and mesmerizingly mouth-watering aromas comes a cherished culinary splendour, “Hyderabadi Biryani.” The dish symbolizes a rich historical and cultural tapestry called Handi, cooked in a rounded pot. This Biriyani is a narrative of the rich history of Hyderabad, as it highlights the magnanimous feast palates of the Nizams, their opulent kingdoms, and their grandeur.


Ingredients are a vital essence of this dish. The succulent and deeply marinated meat of your choice, to basmati rice, a mix of yoghurt, ginger garlic paste, and a diverse range of spices, is the soul of this delectable cuisine. The rice is partially cooked and soaked with cloves, cardamom and cinnamon, adding to the fragrance of Biriyani. The real surprise, however, comes as “Layering.” What is layering? The Handi, as mentioned above, is now in action. The marinated meat and the half-cooked rice are arranged intricately into layers in the Handi. To add more taste and augment the aroma, golden fried onions, mint, and coriander leaves are added within the layers. In the end, the dish is finally drizzled with some saffron-induced milk, highlighting the royal and luxurious origins of the dish.

The Handi is carefully sealed with a lid, and the dough is used to fiver the very edges of it, creating excellent insulation and uniform distribution of heat. It prevents the steam from escaping, creating an air-tight space for all the ingredients to simmer. This process is known as “Dum,” which gives the biryani its name. It is usually placed on a very low flame or even a tawa to ensure delicate cooking and prevent any burning of rice.

Hyderabadi Dum Biryani and the cooking process reflect the Hyderabadi tradition and historical essence. Famous all over India, it’s among the most preferred forms of Biriyani in the rest of the Indian states.