What to Serve with Biryani? 15 Best Side Dishes
Biryani is a fragrant and flavorful rice dish from the Indian subcontinent. It pairs beautifully with a variety of delectable side dishes. From cooling raita & chutney to refreshing salads & curries, these accompaniments enhance the biryani experience by combining spicy and cooling flavors.
I highly recommend trying my easy vegetable biryani , mutton biryani , egg biryani , shrimp biryani , and chicken biryani recipes. Here, I will share a variety of 15 amazing side dishes that complement the flavors of biryani.
Cucumber Raita
This easy homemade Indian Cucumber Raita is so refreshing. It is a perfect, easy side dish made with grated cucumber and yogurt and flavored with spices. You can also add onion and tomato to this raita to make onion tomato cucumber raita. Serve this cooling raita as an accompaniment to biryani. Get the Cucumber Raita recipe.
Boondi Raita
This easy traditional Indian condiment, Boondi Raita, is crispy and creamy. Made with whisked yogurt and flavored with spices. It is gluten-free and goes very well with spicy biryani. Get the Boondi Raita recipe.
Mint Raita (Pudina Raita)
Level up your regular raita with this mint raita recipe! It serves as a cooling and refreshing accompaniment for your spicy biryanis, pilaf, or any flavored rice and tastes delicious! It’s gluten-free and can be easily made vegan with non-dairy yogurt. Get the Mint Raita recipe.
Mango Lassi
Fresh Mango Lassi, made with just a few ingredients, is so creamy and refreshing. This Mango Lassi, a favorite to enjoy at Indian restaurants, can be easily made at home in no time! This sweet lassi pairs perfectly with spicy biryanis. Get the Mango Lassi recipe.
Mint Cilantro Chutney
A cool, spicy, and tangy green chutney. This no-cook mint cilantro chutney is a must-try accompaniment to Indian foods. Get the Mint Cilantro Chutney recipe.
Dahi Bhalla
Dahi Vada or Dahi Bhalla is made of soft lentil fritters drenched in creamy yogurt and topped with sweet and spicy chutneys. This popular Indian street food is loved by all and is a perfect side for biryani! Get the Dahi Bhalla recipe.
Indian Onion Salad
This popular Indian salad – sliced onion rings tossed in a tangy, spicy dressing and fresh herbs- perfectly accompanies your biryani. This is not only gluten-free but a no-oil salad. Perfect for Vegetarians and Vegans! Get the Indian Onion Salad recipe.
Kachumber
This healthy, satisfying kachumber salad is so easy and refreshing. Made with chopped veggies and seasoned with spices, serve it as a side with any Indian food. It is vegan, oil-free, and gluten-free.
Sprouts Salad
A nutrition-packed Sprouts Salad made with mung beans, crunchy onions, tomatoes, cucumber, avocado, and spices. This refreshing salad has fresh and tangy flavors and can be enjoyed as a great protein-rich breakfast or snack. Get the Sprouts Salad recipe.
Fruit Chaat
Fruit Chaat is a famous Indian-style fruit salad made with fresh fruits tossed in a tangy – spicy dressing! This refreshing chaat can be enjoyed as a side along with biryani. Get the Fruit Chaat recipe.
Papad (Papadum)
Papad is a thin crispy flatbread or cracker typically made with lentils. Papad can be fried or roasted. It is a perfect crunchy accompaniment to biryani.
Onion Bhaji
This traditional fried Indian snack, onion bhaji, is crispy onion fritters made with gram flour, onions, and spices from your pantry. These vegan and gluten-free onion pakoras are delectable! Get the Onion Bhaji recipe.
Chicken Kebab
Chicken Tikka Kebab is a delicious appetizer or side packed with flavor. It starts with chicken pieces marinated in yogurt, lime juice, and aromatic spices, then threaded onto skewers and grilled. Serve this as a side for biryani for an authentic experience. Get the Chicken Kebab recipe.
Samosa
Crispy, flaky Samosa is the perfect side for biryani. Filled with a spicy potato filling, this Samosa is also vegan!
Salan / Mirchi Ka Salan
Mirchi Ka Salan is an Indian curry recipe that’s served with Hyderabadi Biryani/rice. This exotic vegan curry is creamy, spicy, and delicious. It can be made in 45 minutes. Get the Salan / Mirchi Ka Salan recipe.
