Biryani Bonanza: India’s Love Affair With Dish Fuels Industry Boom

FHRAI President highlights industry shift: Biryani takes centre stage.

28 May 2024

By Payoshi Bisht

According to Swiggy’s latest report, India devoured a staggering 2.5 biryanis every second in 2023, with a significant portion of first-time users making their debut on the platform with a biryani order. Swiggy’s commitment to meeting this growing demand is reflected in its efforts to expand the availability and variety of biryanis across its platform.

Rebel Foods, a major player in the biryani segment, has witnessed remarkable growth, with its CEO Ankush Grover noting a 20-25% year-on-year increase in the segment. Grover highlights the international success of their Behrouz Biryani brand, which has gained popularity in markets such as the Middle East and the UK. Additionally, Rebel Foods is expanding its presence in India, venturing into cities like Patna, Guwahati and Amritsar, while also eyeing further expansion in tier-II cities and the MENA region.

Innovative concepts are also reshaping the biryani landscape. Rebel Foods’ pilot project, ‘Mehfil-e-Behrouz,’ offers customers a buffet-like experience, complete with table runners and a variety of accompaniments. Similarly, House of Biryani aims to cater to a diverse audience by allowing customers to customise their biryanis, appealing particularly to younger demographics.

Other prominent players in the biryani market, such as Biryani by Kilo and Cafe Delhi Heights, are also experiencing significant growth. Biryani by Kilo has seen a substantial increase in revenues and outlet counts, while Cafe Delhi Heights reports consistent year-on-year growth in biryani sales.

Pradeep Shetty, President of FHRAI, emphasises the focus of restaurant members on innovating within the biryani segment, offering a wide variety of options and enhancing the packaging and delivery experience for customers.