What is Dum Briyani in Singapore?

Pot full of delicious dum briyani rice

I am writing this post, as some of you like me, may have heard the term "dum briyani" or "dm briyani" from friends and family but never quite known what it is that everyone is recommending.

So you may be thinking:

• What is "dum briyani rice"? What is "dum briyani rice" in Singapore? 
• What is the difference between dum briyani and normal briyani?

Well, dum briyani or briyani is simply a type of rice grain.

Wikipedia defines it as, "Biryani is a mixed rice dish from the Indian Subcontinent. It is made with spices, rice and meat or vegetables".

Now, dum briyani rice is a delicious Indian rice that is cooked different from the traditional briyani rice. It requires more care, work and most importantly time to make (as you'll see in the photo above)!

It is not your typical briyani rice as in the process of making it, one needs to layer the briyani rice, with vegetables, spices, meat, one by one. Very much like making lasagna.

It is cooked in a big sealed pot and is a delicious infusion of all these spices, vegetables and meat. 

Where can I find dum briyani in Singapore?

They sell them all around India, you just need to know what to ask for (ask for "dum briyani", not just "briyani").

In Singapore, you can find it in Little India. The Tekka Center or Tekka Market (just above Little India MRT on the purple North-East Line) is one place to find it. You'll see some photos of one food vendor selling the dum briyani that's made in the right way.

When you buy it, just let me them know if you want fish, chicken, vegetables, etc. with the dum briyani. Unless you just want dum briyani rice by the way.

Dum briyani

Dum briyani