The biryani debate has finally reached an unexpected milestone. In a country where every region defends its biryani with near-religious fervour, Swiggy’s Restaurant Awards 2025 have crowned Bikkgane Biryani, a Delhi-based chain, as the best biryani spot in India. For many, this came as a curveball—especially in cities like Hyderabad and Kolkata, where biryani isn’t just food, it’s heritage.

So, what is Bikkgane Biryani?
Bikkgane Biryani is a restaurant chain that started in Delhi but takes inspiration from Andhra-style biryani. Known for its spicy, robust flavours, it offers a range of biryani options—chicken, mutton, egg, veg, and even regional favourites like Ulavacharu and Gongura biryanis. With outlets now across multiple cities, Bikkgane has built a reputation for serving consistent, crowd-pleasing biryani with punchy masalas and generous portions.

Its win at the Swiggy Restaurant Awards wasn’t random—it was the result of over 60 lakh public votes from diners across 130+ cities. So yes, this was a popularity contest. And Bikkgane came out on top.

A surprise pick—but maybe not undeserved
For years, Hyderabadi biryani has ruled the charts. Fragrant, layered, and cooked in the dum style, it’s a timeless classic. Kolkata biryani, meanwhile, is loved for its subtle flavours, saffron aroma, and that iconic potato. So when neither of these took the crown, the internet had questions.

But the answer might be simpler than it seems: Bikkgane’s style is accessible. It’s punchy enough for spice lovers, consistent enough for loyal repeat orders, and available in multiple cities—making it easy for Swiggy users to try and vote for.

What does this mean for biryani loyalists?
Not much, really. Hyderabadi biryani will still taste the same. So will Kolkata’s. This win doesn’t take anything away from the deep culinary traditions tied to biryani across India. It just shows that India’s palate is expanding, and more people are willing to explore different takes on the dish.

Food preferences are subjective, and this award reflects one snapshot in time, based on what users ordered and loved on an app. That doesn’t close the biryani debate—it just adds a new chapter.

The debate over “India’s best biryani” isn’t going anywhere. But this year, Bikkgane gets the crown. For now.

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