The Middle Eastern country of Qatar is a fascinating amalgamation of centuries-old history and modern city. Though the capital Doha is where the most popular tourist hotspots can be found, there are other well-known destinations close by, like Al Khor and Dukhan. The experiences you can explore in Qatar are varied, from traditional markets to famous buildings and architectural marvels that evoke its rich past to glitzy complexes, like the Pearl-Qatar. Qatar features a wide range of accommodations as well, from hotels to family resorts. The city’s culinary scene is also a great experience, as it offers the entire range of cuisine from around the region - Indian, Pakistani, Arabian and Mediterranean. If you are looking to enjoy the most flavourful biryanis in Qatar, you are the right place. Find out where to get the best biryani in Qatar with our list that covers different dining experiences.
1. Biryani Express Al Rayyan
At this Pakistani restaurant, it’s biryanis all the way! Promising to serve scrumptious biryanis, made both traditionally and gourmet-style, the restaurant offers six different types of biryanis, including chicken, mutton and seafood varieties, in addition to the standard vegetable one. Their mutton biryani is a particular crowd favourite.
Biryani Express Al Rayyan’s menu includes a selection of side dishes and desserts, as well. The restaurant’s decor is simple but welcoming.
Biryani Express Al Rayyan
Address: Al-Shafi Rd., near Applebees, Al Rayyan, Doha, Qatar
Website: Biryani Express Al Rayyan
Opening hours: Sat - Wed: 11am - 11pm; Thu - Fri: 1pm - 1am
2. Gazebo
Primarily serving north Indian food, Gazebo is well-known for its flavourful dum pukht style biryanis and juicy kabobs. The restaurant offers over 10 types of biryani (mutton/chicken/fillet), all cooked in sealed clay pots. Must-try biryanis here include their mutton Hyderabadi biryani, reshami mutton biryani and the regular lamb/chicken biryani.
Other notable dishes to try here include their butter chicken and chicken tikka. The decor and ambience are simple and unpretentious, but the service is friendly. The location is a little away from the city centre, but the delicious food makes it worth the trip.
Gazebo
Address: Barzan Souq, Umm Salal Muhammed, Qatar
Website: Gazebo
Opening hours: 10am - 3am (daily)
3. Desi Dhaba Restaurant
With a vibe similar to the famed dhabas (roadside eateries) of India, Desi Dhaba Restaurant offers a fantastic mix of vegetarian and non-vegetarian favourites. Here you will have a wide range of dishes to choose from, including several types of biryanis. You can either opt for a dum biryani or the special achaari chicken biryani. The quirky and colourful decor of the restaurant adds to the charm of dining here.
Desi Dhaba Restaurant
Address: Fereej Bin Mahmoud, Doha, Qatar
Website: Desi Dhaba Restaurant
Opening hours: (Lunch) 12pm - 3pm; (Dinner) 6pm - 11pm (daily)
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4. Amara
Amara’s menu primarily focuses on scrumptious Punjabi food. Guests have a lot to choose from across vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, with the choice in biryanis including both regular and dum varieties. The options for biryanis include mutton, chicken and prawn, with the most popular being the mutton version. The restaurant offers a chic and classy ambience with colourful decor.
Amara
Address: Al-Muthanna Complex, Salwa Road, Doha, Qatar
Website: Amara
Opening hours: 12pm - 12am (daily)
5. Indian Hyderabadi Spices Restaurant
Enjoy lip-smacking, authentic Hyderabadi and Pakistani dishes at this restaurant. The menu includes special dishes from both regions and their biryanis include both regular and dum versions. The dum mutton biryani at Indian Hyderabadi Spices Restaurant is particularly recommended by guests. The ambience is low-key and no-frills, but the service is friendly.
Indian Hyderabadi Spices Restaurant
Address: Street No 10, Al Kassarat Street, Industrial Area, Ar-Rayyan, Qatar
Website: Indian Hyderabadi Spices Restaurant
Opening hours: 6am - 12am (daily)
6. Saffron Lounge
Enjoy a fine-dining restaurant at Saffron Lounge, where you can savour wonderfully flavoured food in a sophisticated setting. The restaurant offers indoor seating amidst opulent decor with traditional wood art and chandeliers, while the outdoor space overlooks the waterfront. The menu has a selection of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Biryanis offered here include the Awadhi dum biryani version, wherein you can choose either chicken, mutton or prawn.
Saffron Lounge
Address: Bldg #26, Saffron Lounge, Cultural Village, Opp. New Exhibition Center, Doha, Qatar
Website: Saffron Lounge
Opening hours: Sat - Thu: 12pm - 11pm; Fri: 1pm - 11pm
7. The Village
The Village offers three different types of experiences, one of which is the Grill, which features Iranian and Indian cuisine. The blend of cuisine offers a range of unique dishes to savour, like fatayer and bamyh. Biryanis on offer here include their inhouse specialities, like their lobster biryani, as well as regular ones, like their pardah gosht biryani and chicken/prawn biryani.
The food here is on the pricier side, but the vast range of options and great taste make it worthwhile. The restaurant’s ambience is upscale with impressive decor that reflects its unique character.
The Village
Address: Salwa Road, Doha, Qatar
Website: The Village
Opening hours: 7am - 12am (daily)
8. Deccan Deewan Restaurant
Featuring the genuine flavours of Hyderabad, Deccan Deewan Restaurant specialises in Hyderabadi dum biryani. The mutton biryani, in particular, is a crowd favourite for its delectable taste. Other biryanis available here include vegetable, fish, egg and prawn. If you are dining as a family or a large group, the restaurant offers jumbo and family packs that offer good value. Apart from biryani, the menu includes a range of unique dishes from the region, including Andhra chicken and Murgh Methi. The restaurant decor is simple and no-frills.
Deccan Deewan Restaurant
Address: Salwa Road, near Midmac Roundabout, Doha, Qatar
Website: Deccan Deewan Restaurant
Opening hours: 11:30am - 12am(daily)
9. Dalchini Restaurant & Bar
Dalchini Restaurant & Bar offers a contemporary take on Indian cuisine while retaining their traditional flavours. The restaurant was conceived by Michelin-starred chef Alfred Prasad, which is reflected in its eclectic menu. You will find that the dishes available here are an interesting mix of specialities across different regions of India.
One of its signature dishes is their biryanis, available in four different varieties - chicken, lamb, prawn and vegetable. The chicken biryani is particularly favoured by guests. The ambience is plush and elegant and the restaurant hosts frequent events, like live music programs, throughout the week.
Dalchini Restaurant & Bar
Address: Diplomatic Street, West Bay, Doha, Qatar
Website: Dalchini Restaurant & Bar
Opening hours: 12pm - 11:30pm (daily)
10. Zafran
Editor’s note: establishment is permanently closed
Zafran’s extensive menu features authentic North-Western Indian cuisine that includes traditional dishes served with an array of interesting side dishes and beverages. You will have the option to choose from regular biryanis (three types - chicken, lamb and prawn) and their speciality dum biryanis (Awadhi gosht gum, jhinga dum nisha and murghi Hyderabadi). Part of a regional chain, the restaurant has a classy vibe with elegant furnishings and friendly service.
Zafran
Address: Mall of Qatar, Ground Floor، Dukhan Hwy, Doha, Qatar
Website: Zafran
Opening hours: Sat - Wed: 11am - 11pm; Thu - Fri: 11am - 12am
Savouring scrumptious biryani in Qatar
There are numerous reasons to visit Qatar, including the fun things to do and places to visit. Of course, biryani is yet another reason. For biryani lovers, the search for the best biryani is a serious matter! With this list, you now know where to get the best biryani In Qatar. You can choose from different varieties – the Hyderabadi, Awadhi or the regular plain one. If you are particular, you should look up the menu online to find out the versions available, so you are not disappointed! Also, remember to mention your favoured level of spice – most restaurants offer three levels, so you can fine-tune your meal to your preference.