48 Best Side Dishes for Biryani 🥘

A side dish for biryani can be anything from a crisp salad to a creamy sauce. It can add freshness, creaminess, tanginess, or spiciness to your dish.

Here are some of the best side dishes for biryani that you can whip up at home or order from your favorite restaurant. 

Biryani is a dish that can make your taste buds party. It is a dish that combines rice, spices, meat, vegetables, or eggs in a delicious harmony. But do you know what can make biryani even more delightful? A side dish that matches its flavor and texture.

Jump to:

• 🥘 Tasty Side Dishes for Biryani
• 1. Black Pepper Cauliflower 
• 2. Raita
• 3.  Garam Masala
• 4. Mirchi Ka Salan
• 5. Chana Paneer
• 6. Carrot and Cucumber Salad
• 7. Vegetable Curry
• 8. Carrot and Coriander Soup
• 9. Aloo Gobi
• 10. Bhindi Masala Gravy
• 11. Balti Chicken
• 12. Baked Basmati Rice
• 13. Dal Lucknowi 
• 14. Kachumber Salad
• 15. Green Salad
• 16. Zucchini Kofta Curry
• 17. Mint Chutney
• 18. Coconut Curry Shrimp
• 19. Spicy Veggie Quinoa
• 20.  Chettinad Potato Fry
• 21. Gazpacho
• 22. Carrot Raisin Salad
• 23. Spiced Roasted Cauliflower
• 24. Dubuk Vade
• 25. Tandoori Chicken
• 26.  Mutton Seekh Kebabs
• 27. Baingan Bharta
• 28.  Bhutte Ka Kees
• 29. Kimchi
• 🍲 Best Side Dishes to Serve with Biryani
• 30. Ceviche
• 31. Fried Papadums
• 32. Banana Curry
• 33. Nihari
• 34. Vietnamese Spring Rolls
• 35. Mango Pickle
• 36. Green Peas Paratha
• 37. Spicy Sprout Salad
• 38. Rice Kheer
• 39. Lemon Butter Garlic Salmon
• 40. Mushroom Tikka Masala 
• 41. Fried Eggplant
• 42. Peanut Sauce
• 43. Garlic Naan
• 44. Butter Chicken
• 45. Carrot Halwa
• 46. Puri
• 47. Pineapple Cucumber Salsa
• 48. Egg Tadka
• What meat is traditionally in biryani?
• 🍱 More Recipes To Explore
• Dessert Recipes
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• 👩🏻‍🍳 Sarah Mock
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🥘 Tasty Side Dishes for Biryani

1. Black Pepper Cauliflower 

This vegan dish is a twist on the Chinese black pepper chicken. Serve with biryani for a complete and satisfying meal. 

2. Raita

Raita is one of the best side dishes for biryani, as it helps balance the rice's spiciness and richness. You can also enjoy raita with Indian dishes, including naan bread, tandoori chicken, or chickpea curry.

3.  Garam Masala

It’s a dish that combines crispy chicken seasoned with garam masala, a warming blend of toasted aromatics, and a rich and tangy lemon butter sauce. You can make it in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients that you can find at any supermarket.

4. Mirchi Ka Salan

Mirchi ka salan is a flavor-packed delight that you'll absolutely love. It's a traditional recipe with green chilies cooked in a rich, aromatic gravy made from peanuts, tamarind, and aromatics. 

5. Chana Paneer

Chana paneer is not only tasty but also rich in protein. It is a popular side dish in Indian cuisine that combines chickpeas and Indian cheese.

6. Carrot and Cucumber Salad

Cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, green onions, and a tangy dressing make up this salad. The dressing gives them a sweet and spicy Asian flavor.

7. Vegetable Curry

Like mixed vegetable recipes, this dish is made with a variety of vegetables, but it's cooked in a fragrant coconut milk sauce with curry paste and spices. You can serve it with spicy biryani to impress your guests or treat yourself to a cozy night in.

8. Carrot and Coriander Soup

The vibrant orange color of the soup comes from the earthy carrots, and the hint of coriander adds a fresh and aromatic twist. It's the perfect choice when you're looking for something cozy and delightful, especially after indulging in a hearty biryani meal.

9. Aloo Gobi

This delicious dish has a wonderful yellow color from turmeric. Aloo gobi is a great way to enjoy the flavors of India in a simple and satiating meal.

10. Bhindi Masala Gravy

It's the ultimate dish for okra lovers. You can enjoy this unique dish with roti, naan, or rice, but it also goes perfectly with biryani.

11. Balti Chicken

Balti chicken is a quick and easy chicken curry that you can make in a balti bowl, a special wok-like pot. The chicken is cooked in a tomato sauce with onion, garlic, ginger, and red chili powder, among other aromatics.

12. Baked Basmati Rice

Baked basmati rice pilaf is an aromatic dish that you can easily make in the oven. It’s a great option for a side dish or a main course, depending on what you pair it with. You’ll love the fluffy and tender rice, mixed with dried fruits, nuts, and spices.

13. Dal Lucknowi 

The dish features a velvety blend of yellow lentils cooked to perfection with aromatics that infuse a fragrant charm into every spoonful. This flavorful dal, with its silky texture and captivating aroma, beautifully matches a biryani dish.

14. Kachumber Salad

If you are looking for a healthy side dish that is easy to make and full of fresh flavors, you make kachumber salad. This is a traditional Indian salad that consists of finely chopped onions, tomatoes, cucumbers, green chilies, and herbs.

15. Green Salad

Green salad is a popular side dish that goes with various cuisines, and this fresh, crunchy, and creamy salad recipe levels it up. It's a great way to enjoy the seasonal produce and complement any main course like.

16. Zucchini Kofta Curry

The dish is an amazing vegan creation that begins with soft, tender zucchini balls gently fried to perfection. These delectable koftas are then immersed in a rich and aromatic spicy sauce, which pairs wonderfully with any fragrant rice meal.

17. Mint Chutney

Mint chutney is a condiment that comes together in just five minutes and promises a burst of fresh and tangy flavor. The brilliant green hue of the chutney is achieved through a delightful blend of mint leaves, cilantro, and zesty lime juice

18. Coconut Curry Shrimp

You won't want to miss trying this flavor-filled shrimp side with an aromatic coconut curry sauce that cooks in no time. You can serve this dish with some tasty side dishes such as rice and bread.

19. Spicy Veggie Quinoa

For a delicious, simple weeknight meal that is full of flavor and texture, you will love this spicy veggie quinoa skillet. Whether you serve it as a main course or a side dish, this spicy veggie quinoa skillet pairs well with biryani recipes and other rich dishes. 

20.  Chettinad Potato Fry

Slices of tender potatoes are coated with a blend of aromatic spices and shallow-fried to perfect crispiness. That's why it's a standout among dishes like biryani, aloo fry, or potato stir-fries.

21. Gazpacho

Bursting with the vibrant colors of fresh vegetables, this gazpacho is an experience. The juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and aromatic herbs blend together to create a refreshing and tangy soup that's perfect for beating the heat. The best part is it also makes a great side to complement a variety of dishes.

22. Carrot Raisin Salad

Sweet, crunchy, and satisfying., this salad is also easy to make and can be customized with your choice of vegetables. It would pair with biryani very well, as it adds depth to the spicy rice dish.

23. Spiced Roasted Cauliflower

The tender florets in this dish are coated in a blend of aromatics that effortlessly complement biryani well. With each bite, you'll savor the warmth and balance with a gentle kick of chili powder. 

24. Dubuk Vade

Dubuk vade has spicy gram flour dumplings cooked in a rich and aromatic curry made with onions, coconut, coriander, and kala masala. This is the perfect side dish for any Indian rice dish due to its softness, fluffiness, tanginess, and fieriness.

25. Tandoori Chicken

You are looking at a tandoori chicken, a side that goes well with naan bread or rice. The tender and juicy chicken has a reddish color from the aromatics and the char from the grill. 

26.  Mutton Seekh Kebabs

Made from finely minced mutton, a blend of aromatic spices, and fresh herbs, the kebabs are expertly skewered and grilled to perfection. As you savor the rich flavors and juicy textures, you can't help but imagine pairing these kebabs with the iconic Hyderabadi biryani for an unforgettable feast.

27. Baingan Bharta

The main ingredient here is roasted eggplant, which gives a smoky flavor. With tomatoes, onions, and tasty aromatics, this dish becomes a perfect side dish that's creamy and rich, with hints of cumin and coriander that make it truly authentic Indian fare.

28.  Bhutte Ka Kees

Imagine the taste of sweet corn mixed with warm aromatics and a creamy touch in this dish. And here's a tasty tip: you can enjoy it even more when you pair it with biryani.

29. Kimchi

This Korean dish bursts with the pungent tanginess of fermented vegetables, primarily Napa cabbage, infused with a harmonious blend of spicy red pepper flakes, garlic, and ginger. The result is a crunchy and invigorating condiment that adds a burst of excitement to any meal.

🍲 Best Side Dishes to Serve with Biryani

30. Ceviche

Marinating fresh fish in zesty citrus juices, then mixing it with tomatoes, onions, and cilantro is what this ceviche recipe is all about. Notably, this vibrant side goes seamlessly with Indian dishes like biryani.

31. Fried Papadums

Discover fried papadums, a crunchy snack crafted from lentil flour and seasoned with aromatic spices. When fried, these thin, round sheets puff up delightfully.

32. Banana Curry

The dish you are looking at is a simple and delicious vegetarian curry made with bananas, coconut milk, and spices. The bananas add a sweet and caramelized flavor to the curry, while the cauliflower, sweet potato, and chickpeas make it hearty and filling. 

33. Nihari

You cook tender meat or vegetables slowly in a flavorful blend of spices when you make nihari. The result is a comforting stew with a rich and aromatic taste.

34. Vietnamese Spring Rolls

The Vietnamese spring rolls, also known as cha gio, are a delightful dish you'll love. Once fried, they turn wonderfully crunchy, making them a perfect appetizer to enjoy the flavors of biryani.

35. Mango Pickle

Mango pickle is a tangy Indian condiment packed with flavors. This pickle recipe is often enjoyed with meals to add a punch of sour and spicy goodness.

36. Green Peas Paratha

Matar paratha, or green peas paratha, is a popular Indian flatbread that is filled with green peas and spices. It is a delicious and healthy dish that you can enjoy for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

37. Spicy Sprout Salad

Discover a mix of sprouted beans and veggies with zingy, spicy flavors in this salad side. If you like spicy dishes, this salad could be a tasty choice with its bold and fiery tastes.

38. Rice Kheer

Rice kheer is a sweet blend of rice, milk, sugar, and fragrant cardamom, creating a creamy side. This treat perfectly complements Lucknowi biryani by adding a touch of sweetness to it.

39. Lemon Butter Garlic Salmon

The salmon is coated with a rich mixture of lemon, butter, and garlic in this savory salmon recipe. It's a dish that's simple yet bursting with deliciousness. Serve it with dishes, such as your favorite biryani recipe to complement its taste.

40. Mushroom Tikka Masala 

You'll find tender mushrooms cooked in a rich, creamy tomato sauce when you try this recipe. What gives it its flavorful kick is the burst of bold spices.

41. Fried Eggplant

Slices of eggplant are coated with simple spices and flour, then fried until they turn golden and crispy in this dish. These thin, flavorful eggplant slices make for a delicious and known side dish in Bengali cuisine, often enjoyed with rice and flavorsome dishes.

42. Peanut Sauce

If you want a nutty twist to your veggies and noodles, this rich and creamy peanut sauce is perfect as a dipping sauce. It's made with natural peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, and a touch of maple syrup for sweetness. 

43. Garlic Naan

This flatbread is both tender and beautifully golden, with a delightful garlic infusion. It's an ideal companion to your favored Indian meals or a scrumptious snack by itself.

44. Butter Chicken

This chicken dish is a plate of deliciousness. Tender pieces of chicken are swimming in a creamy, rich sauce that has lots of flavors like tomato, butter, and spices.

45. Carrot Halwa

This sweet treat is made from milk, and sugar and offers a cozy warmth and a burst of cardamom flavor that'll make your taste buds dance. It's the perfect sweet note to balance the savory delight of biryani.

46. Puri

Crispy and golden, these puris are like little edible balloons that you can't resist popping into your mouth. They're like the ultimate sidekick to any chicken dish.

47. Pineapple Cucumber Salsa

The salsa combines diced pineapple, cucumber, red onion, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice. The result is a tropical-flavored salsa that's both sweet and piquant.

48. Egg Tadka

Egg tadka is a flavorful dish where boiled eggs are enhanced with a mix of spices, onion, and tomato gravy. This comfort food is usually served hot, and it's a popular choice for breakfast or as a side dish in meals.

What meat is traditionally in biryani?

Biryani, a beloved South Asian dish, traditionally includes succulent pieces of chicken, lamb, or goat meat. However, depending on regional variations and personal preferences, you might also find biryani made with beef, fish, shrimp, or even just vegetables. The meat is usually marinated, infused with aromatic spices, and then layered with fragrant rice, resulting in a tantalizing blend of flavors and aromas that make biryani truly special.

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