2019 Jun 4
We Sri Lankans LOVE Biriyani with a passion, and with good reason. From the meat to the fluffy grains of rice, cooling raita and many side dishes, this Indian delicacy has many variations, each having a unique set of flavours and aromas.
Since it is often hard to pick simply one spot to go get some hearty Biriyani due to the numerous restaurants that offer this treat, here’s a compilation of the best spots in Colombo for Biriyani.
Dindigul Thalappakatti Restaurant
With branches across the world, it has been some time since Dindigul Thalappakatti opened up a restaurant in Sri Lanka as well. They serve up some great Biriyani which garnered them rave reviews, so this had to be on the list.
Contact – 0114 878 787
Address – 9, De Fonseka Place, Colombo 5.
Shanmugas
This is the only vegetarian restaurant on the list so this one is for the vegetarian Biriyani lovers out there. Shanmugas offers veg Biriyani ranging from Hyderabadi Biriyani to even String Hopper Biriyani. Who says a good Biriyani has to have meat?
Contact – 0112 361 384
Address – 53/3, Ramakrishna Road, Colombo 6.
Aasife Biryani
Aasife has been around for quite some time and they have a great selection of Biriyani! If you are ever in the Rajagiriya area craving some warm and aromatic Biriyani, this is the spot for you. We recommend takeaway.
Contact – 0114 940 940
Address – 939, Ethul Kotte Road, Rajagiriya.
Kandoori
This restaurant serves up Special Sawan Biriyani and even String Hopper Sawan Biriyani with a wide variety in terms of preparation and meat. In addition, they also offer regular Biriyani portions guaranteed to keep you satisfied.
Contact – 0777 511 911
Address – 17, Charlemont Road, Wellawatte.
Chana’s
Chana’s, specializing in North Indian cuisine, is known to serve some of the best Biriyani in Colombo. Their main focus is on Hyderabadi Dum Biriyani with a selection of Tandoori Chicken Biriyani, Prawn Biriyani and more!
Contact – 0113 288 788
Address – 50, W. A. Silva Mawatha, Colombo 6.
Chola Authentic Indian Restaurant
Chola has an incredible selection of speciality Biriyani including some vegetarian options as well. However, this particular restaurant is quite pricy with their Biriyanis ranging from LKR 650 to 950. Nevertheless, you are sure to get your money’s worth!
Contact – 0114 363 118
Address – 37, Lily Avenue, Colombo 6
Big Bite Biryani 
Known to many, Big Bite specializes in Pakistani Biriyani. While their main branch is in Rajagirya and has other outlets in Kohuwala, Pettah and Nugegoda as well, we prefer their Mount Lavinia branch as it has maintained its standard throughout the years.
Contact – 0755 222 777
Address – 1110 Sri Jayawardenepura Mawatha, Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte
The Biryani Restaurant
As the name connotes, this spot is THE restaurant to go to for some Biriyani as it offers 7 impressive types. Nestled down Armour Street, The Biriyani Restaurant offers Biriyani from all parts of India with a price range from LKR 300 to 900.
Contact – 0112 440 339
Address – 33, Armour Street, Colombo 12.
Hotel De Buhari 
This restaurant offers delicious Biriyani at very reasonable prices. They are also super versatile in terms of mixing and matching different types of chicken with the various Biriyani s they serve. However, the food will be best enjoyed at home so get it for takeaway!
Contact – 0112 431 015
Address – 15, Panchikawatte Road, Colombo 10.
Raheema Hotel
We obviously had to mention the OG spot for Biriyani which emanates much nostalgia for those who studied in the heart of Colombo. Raheema has been around for ages and it still maintains its standard with quality service and great food.
Contact – 0112 375 855
Address – 44, Thurstan Road, Colombo 3.
Aasife Biriyani
Contact – 0114 940 940
Address – 939 Sri Jayawadenapura Mawatha, Sri Jayawardenapura, Kotte.
The Mango Tree
On the high end of things, is The Mango Tree. With outlets at Crescat Food Court and Odel Food Court, their main outlet is next to their partner Thai restaurant: the Jack Tree. We highly recommend their Mutton Biriyani.
Contact – 0117 620 620
Address– 82, Dharmapala Mawatha, Colombo 3.
Flavours
Galadari’s Flavours has perhaps the best Biriyani sawan in town. Of course, you don’t go here and expect things to be cheap. But I mean just LOOK AT IT!
Contact – 0112 544 544
Address – No. 64, Lotus Road, Colombo 1.
Alhambra at the Ramada Colombo Hotel
Head over to Alhambra at the Ramada Colombo Hotel for some delicious Biriyani! Specialising in North Indian cuisine, Alhambra is quite pricey as well but this spot probably has the best dining experience so it adds up.
Contact – 0112 422 001
Address – 30, Mohamed Macan Markar Mawatha, Colombo 3
Bombay Borough
The all Indian hub at One Galle Face is gaining rapid reputation among the Biriyani lovers. If you still haven’t been there, better try it out!
Contact – 0117 011 011
Address – One Galle Face Mall, Colombo.
Sultan Palace
There isn’t a lot of spots around Colombo that have remained consistent over the years, but we know that Sultan Palace has!
Contact – 0115 639 919
Address – Dr C.W.W Kannangara Mawatha, Colombo 07.
Maharaja Palace
Pot Biriyani
Al-Maas
Hotel de Plaza
Kandoori
Chutneys at Cinnamon Grand Colombo
Agra
Indian Summer
You will definitely be spoilt for choice at Indian Summer’s biryani selection. A mind-blowing list of delicacies with Bone-in and Boneless biryanis. The biryani menu includes mutton, chicken and chicken tikka, fish, prawn, egg and Dum Biryanis with fish, chicken, mutton and shrimp. We did tell you, it is a never-ending streak of delightful flavours!
Contact – 0112 662 112
Address – 42 Horton Pl, Colombo 00700
Graze Kitchen at The Hilton Colombo
Central at Shangri-La Hotel
