biryani

Biryani is a mixed rice dish originating in South Asia, traditionally made with rice, meat (chicken, goat, beef) or seafood (prawns or fish), vegetables, and spices. It was present in Mughal-era India, though the precise date and place of origin are debated. It is thought to derive from a Persian rice dish, either pilau or birinj biryan. The dish makes use of slow-cooking as in Persian pilau, combined with Persian-style yoghurt-marinated meat and a spicy Indian style of cooking; it was likely developed in the Mughal court kitchens. It is also possible that biryani was brought to South India before the Mughal era, or that pilau was brought to India and biryani was developed from it before being adopted by the Mughals.

Biryani is one of the most popular dishes in South Asia and among the South Asian diaspora. The dish was often associated with the region's Muslim population but is now a mainstream culinary staple embraced by every demographic. Similar dishes are prepared in many other countries, often with local variations, and often brought there by South Asian diaspora populations. Biryani is the most-ordered dish on Indian online food ordering and delivery services, is used in weddings and celebrations throughout the region, and has been described as the most popular dish in India.