Let me be completely honest with you: I love biryani. Like, really love biryani. Growing up with the aromatic, flavourful biryanis of India—especially the legendary Chennai biryani—has set my expectations impossibly high. So when I moved to Toronto, finding good biryani became a personal mission.

After trying dozens of spots across the GTA, here's my brutally honest take: biryani in Toronto is decent, but not great. It's not bad—it's worth trying—but if you're comparing it to authentic Indian biryani, you'll likely be a little disappointed. That said, some places are definitely better than others.

Here's my running list of Toronto biryani spots, rated on a scale where 10/10 is authentic Chennai biryani. Yes, my ratings are harsh. No, I'm not apologizing.

My Biryani Rankings (Updated Regularly)

My Roti Place - 3/10

Currently sitting at the top of my list, and yes, 3/10 is my highest rating so far. Their mutton biryani is the best I've found in Toronto. The spices are balanced, the meat is tender enough, and it actually tastes like someone cared when making it. Is it Chennai-level? No. But for Toronto, this is as good as it gets.

What I ordered: Mutton Biryani

Verdict: My current go-to when the biryani craving hits

Anjappar - 2.8/10

Anjappar is a well-known South Indian chain, and their mutton chukka biryani caught my attention. The chukka (dry-roasted) style adds a nice textural element, and the spice level is respectable. It's not going to blow your mind, but it's a solid option if you're in the area.

What I ordered: Mutton Chukka Biryani

Verdict: Worth trying for the chukka variation

Madras Curry - 2.5/10

Slightly better than average Toronto biryani. The rice-to-meat ratio is decent, and they don't skimp on the masala. Nothing exceptional, but reliable enough for a weeknight dinner.

What I ordered: Chicken Biryani

Verdict: Reliable, not remarkable

Charminar - 2.1/10

This one hurts. Charminar used to be my favourite biryani spot in Toronto. The keyword here is "used to be." Something changed—maybe the chef, maybe the recipes—but the magic is gone. I'm giving them 2.1/10 based on past glory and the hope that they'll return to form.

What I ordered: Various biryanis over the years

Verdict: Hoping for a comeback

Karahi Boys - 2/10

Karahi Boys serves Pakistani-style Sindhi biryani, which is quite different from South Indian styles. It's potato-heavy (a hallmark of Sindhi biryani) and has good flavour, but it's not really what I'm looking for when I crave biryani. If you enjoy Pakistani-style biryani, you might rate this higher than I did.

What I ordered: Biryani

Verdict: Good for Pakistani-style, not my preference

Briyaniwala - 1.5/10

Briyaniwala (also known as The Biryaniwalla) gets points for variety—they have multiple options including Hyderabadi-style dum biryani. But variety doesn't make up for taste. Everything I tried was just... okay. Mediocre spicing, forgettable rice, nothing that made me want to come back.

What I ordered: Multiple varieties

Verdict: Quantity over quality

Madras Masala - 1/10

I wanted to like this place. I really did. But the biryani was bland, underseasoned, and missing that depth of flavour that good biryani should have. The rice was cooked fine, but that's about all I can say positively.

What I ordered: Biryani

Verdict: Skip it

The Toronto Biryani Problem

Why is biryani in Toronto just... okay? I have a few theories:

• Ingredient quality: The mutton here isn't the same as what you get in India. It lacks that gamey, rich flavour that makes mutton biryani special.
• Mass production: Many restaurants are cooking for volume, not quality. Proper dum biryani takes time and care.
• Catering to local palates: Some places tone down the spices for the general Toronto audience, which kills the soul of the dish.

Mutton vs. Chicken: A Controversial Opinion

Here's something that might surprise you: in Toronto, chicken biryani is often better than mutton biryani.

I know, I know. In India, mutton biryani is king. The rich, fatty meat adds incredible depth to the dish. But here's the thing—the mutton available in Toronto just isn't the same quality. It's often less flavourful and can be tough if not cooked perfectly.

Meanwhile, chicken is chicken. It's more forgiving, absorbs spices well, and is harder to mess up. So if you're trying a new spot for the first time, I'd actually recommend starting with chicken biryani. Controversial? Maybe. Practical? Definitely.

What I'm Still Looking For

The perfect Toronto biryani would have:

• Properly layered rice: Each grain separate, infused with saffron and spices
• Tender meat: Falling off the bone, marinated overnight
• Balanced spicing: Not too mild, not just heat—actual flavour
• That bottom layer: The crispy, caramelized rice at the bottom of the pot
• Fresh accompaniments: Proper raita and mirchi ka salan

If you know a place that hits all these points, please reach out. I'm serious. My DMs are open.

Places I Still Need to Try

My biryani journey isn't over. Here are spots on my list that I haven't gotten to yet:

• Bawarchi Biryanis - Kennedy Road, Scarborough. People rave about their Hyderabadi dum biryani.
• Bucket Biryani - Scarborough. They have 20+ varieties, which is either impressive or a red flag.
• Hyderabad Biryani Hut - For the purists seeking classic Hyderabadi style.
• Khau Gully - Modern Indian with street food vibes.

I'll update this article as I try more places. Consider this a living document of my biryani adventures in Toronto.

Final Thoughts

If you've never had authentic Indian biryani, you'll probably enjoy what Toronto has to offer. Ignorance, as they say, is bliss. But if you've experienced the real thing—the kind your grandmother made, or that tiny shop in Chennai, or that legendary spot in Hyderabad—Toronto's offerings might leave you wanting.

That said, I keep trying. Because hope springs eternal, and somewhere in this city of 3 million people, there has to be someone making proper biryani. When I find them, you'll be the first to know.

Have a biryani spot I should try? Drop a comment or reach out on LinkedIn. I'm always willing to be proven wrong.

Last updated: November 2025