Celebrity chef Ranveer Brar crowned Lucknowi biryani as India’s finest during a candid podcast with Ranveer Allahbadia. He praised its subtle flavors, royal heritage, and slow-cooked finesse. Brar also shared his personal recipe, blending tradition with technique, sparking renewed interest in the nawabi delicacy across food circles and social media.
The Nawabi Crown Jewel: Ranveer Brar’s Ode to Lucknowi Biryani
In a flavorful episode of the Ranveer Allahbadia Podcast, renowned chef Ranveer Brar passionately declared Lucknowi biryani as the best biryani in India, sparking a wave of culinary nostalgia and debate. The episode, aired on October 23, 2025, featured a deep dive into India’s diverse food culture, with Brar offering insights into regional cuisines, food philosophy, and his personal favorites.
Key Highlights from the Podcast:
Unwavering Verdict
When asked “India ki best biryani kaunsi hai?”, Brar responded instantly: “Lucknowi biryani.”
He emphasized its delicate layering, aromatic spices, and slow-cooked meat, calling it a “masterclass in restraint and elegance.”
Recipe Breakdown
Brar shared his take on the dish, starting with a handcrafted garam masala featuring cinnamon, cloves, cumin, fennel, coriander, peppercorns, star anise, and mace.
His mutton marinade includes ginger-garlic paste, turmeric, chili powder, cashew paste, curd, and a pinch of garam masala.
The biryani is finished with saffron-infused milk, ghee, and a gentle dum process.
Cultural Context
Brar, a native of Lucknow, described the biryani as a culinary heirloom of Awadhi cuisine, rooted in royal kitchens and refined over generations.
He contrasted it with spicier variants like Hyderabadi or Kolkata biryani, noting Lucknowi’s subtlety and balance.
Food Philosophy
The chef spoke about minimalism in cooking, where fewer ingredients are used with precision to create depth.
He also touched on the importance of storytelling through food, linking dishes to memory and identity.
Audience Reaction
Fans flooded social media with praise and personal biryani rankings, reigniting the “best biryani” debate.
Many appreciated Brar’s nuanced take and his ability to elevate traditional recipes with modern flair.
Chef Brar’s tribute to Lucknowi biryani isn’t just a culinary opinion—it’s a celebration of India’s rich gastronomic legacy, where every grain of rice tells a story.
Sources: Hindustan Times