Idrees Biryani
A legendary Lucknow eatery famed for its authentic Awadhi mutton biryani, offering a taste of tradition and rich flavors.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Idrees Biryani
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A legendary Lucknow eatery famed for its authentic Awadhi mutton biryani, offering a taste of tradition and rich flavors.
"Don’t judge this place by its appearance — Idrees Biryani is the perfect example of “never underestimate a book by its cover.”"
Visit Early for Biryani
Biryani sells out quickly; arrive early to avoid disappointment.
Consider Takeaway
Limited seating and hygiene concerns make takeaway a better option for many.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Awadhi, Indian, Mughlai
Price
$
Address
opposite Pata Nala, Jauhari Mohalla, Raja Bazar, Police Chowki, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226003, India
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Legendary Mutton Biryani
Experience authentic Awadhi mutton biryani with melt-in-your-mouth mutton and aromatic, infused rice.
Authentic Awadhi Flavors
Savor the rich, traditional flavors of Lucknow's Mughlai cuisine, a taste of history.
Humbleness Amidst Crowds
Enjoy genuine hospitality from staff, even in a bustling, crowded environment.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Visit Early for Biryani
Biryani sells out quickly; arrive early to avoid disappointment.
Consider Takeaway
Limited seating and hygiene concerns make takeaway a better option for many.
Cash Only
Bring cash as the establishment does not accept online payments or cards.
Family Dining Caution
The crowded and unhygienic conditions may not be suitable for family outings.
Tips
from all over the internet
Visit Early for Biryani
Biryani sells out quickly; arrive early to avoid disappointment.
Consider Takeaway
Limited seating and hygiene concerns make takeaway a better option for many.
Cash Only
Bring cash as the establishment does not accept online payments or cards.
Family Dining Caution
The crowded and unhygienic conditions may not be suitable for family outings.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Idrees Biryani is celebrated for its authentic, flavorful mutton biryani, with tender meat and perfectly infused rice, often hailed as a hidden gem of Lucknow. However, many reviews point out significant concerns regarding hygiene, ambiance, and crowded conditions, making it less suitable for families and often recommending takeaway.
"Hidden Gem of Lucknow – A Must-Try!
Don’t judge this place by its appearance — Idrees Biryani is the perfect example of “never underestimate a book by its cover.” The place may look modest, but the biryani is absolutely mouth-watering and unforgettable.
The rice portion might be on the lighter side, but they more than make up for it with 5 to 6 perfectly cooked, flavorful pieces of meat. The aroma, the spices, the tenderness — everything is just spot on! Truly one of the best biryanis I’ve ever had.
It does get very crowded, so if you’re not comfortable in busy places, I’d suggest getting a parcel and enjoying it at home. One thing to note: their biryani gets sold out fast, so plan your visit early. Also, they’re not available on Zomato or Swiggy, which is a sad— they really should be listed!
Highly recommended to anyone visiting Lucknow. You simply can’t miss this. I’m truly impressed!"
monty wadkar
"Had mutton biryani half (₹180). The biryani was absolutely amazing. The mutton pieces were tender and succulent. The rice was rich in flavor and aroma. The saffron and kewra flavors were clearly visible and amazing. Along with the gravy it was really good!
The service was decent. The ambience however was very bad. With very little seating, small handwash and dirty seating conditions and outside ambience it just looks way too unhygienic to dine in. So probably take away would be a better option. They should definitely improve the ambience."
Akash P
"It is a over hyped place. At first, the behaviour of staffs was very rude and really bad towards their customers. They don't have a proper dining space then also would shout to sit first and then have the biryani plate. Zero hygiene maintenance and cleanliness measures. Half plate mutton biryani costed Rs .200 which was totally waste. You will get coloured rice in a dirty plate just washed with water, with 2 pieces of mutton, having zero taste at all. Would not recommend anyone to go."
ARJUN
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Idrees Biryani is most famous for its authentic and flavorful mutton biryani, often praised for its tender meat and aromatic rice.
Due to limited seating, crowded conditions, and hygiene concerns, it is generally recommended for solo diners or friends rather than families.
It's advisable to visit early, as their popular biryani tends to sell out quickly. Expect crowds, especially during peak hours.
No, Idrees Biryani operates on a cash-only basis. It's recommended to bring sufficient cash for your order.
While biryani is the star, they also offer other Mughlai dishes like Nihari and Korma, which are also popular.
The ambiance is typically described as modest, crowded, and unhygienic by many reviewers, making takeaway a preferred option.
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Best biryani in Lucknow, as picked by the city’s top foodies
I am personally biased towards Abu Bakr the third-generation owner of the shop. The gentleman's commitment towards quality makes his biryani one of the most consistent ones in Lucknow.”—Ranveer Brar, celebrity chef, television host, and authorOpposite Pata Nala, Pata Nala, Raja Bazar, Police Chowki, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226003
On a Mughlai food trail in Lucknow
Set in historic Chowk, this small eatery serves Mughlai flavours like no other. Founded back in the 60s, the place is world-famous for its mutton biryani, which is cooked with milk and saffron.
Savour At The Oldest Restaurants In Lucknow
Lucknow is well-known for its delicious and flavourful biryani, making it a top destination for biryani lovers. The dish has historical significance, being favoured by the Mughals and Nawabs. While there are many restaurants in Lucknow claiming to serve authentic Awadhi biryani, Idrees is where you should head to enjoy the authentic flavour at reasonable prices.
Vintage restaurants in Lucknow that deliver the perfect bite of history
Lucknow is probably among the best places to visit for a plate of indulgent, flavourful biryani. The dish, much favoured among the Mughals and the nawabs, is found at eateries across Lucknow, but among the most popular ones is at Idrees. Indulge in delectable Lucknawi and Awadhi biryani here at affordable prices, and relish the taste of history!
Best restaurants in Lucknow - 12 legendary places
Huge ‘degh’ on chulhas, curries being cooked on an open fire and queues to get their biryani parcelled or grabbing a plate!. The biryani is of course all about the rice, they also have a gravy to go with.Idrees has a cult following and you either love it or don’t. I was in the latter club, but the legendary restaurant is still worth a shot!
10 Best Spots For Biryani In Lucknow, India
A post shared by Dhruv Bhatt (@dhruva.official) on Jan 1, 2017 at 11:11pm PST. This restaurant is located in the Chowk area of Lucknow and it’s an outlet a food lover must visit. With succulent mutton pieces and long rice grains, this spot serves the best mutton biryani in Lucknow.
Discover the Best Non-Vegetarian Food Spots in Lucknow
This 45-year-old shop in Chowk is famous for mutton biryani and chicken biryani. Abu Bakr, the third generation of his family, continues the tradition of delivering delectable biryani. Address: Patanala Chauraha, Opposite Patanala police station, Chowk.
13+ Can't-Miss Food Items (2024)
Idrees Biryani has made a mark among the big names like Tunday Kababbi and Wahid Biryani. Their shop is in the Nakkhas area of Lucknow and looks like a typical shop even today. But it goes far ahead when it comes to the taste of his Biryani.
20 Places To Eat In Lucknow
One of the famous and best biryanis in Lucknow, Idrees Ki Biryani indeed tops the list. This shop was started in 1968 by Mohammad Idrees. This nondescript-looking outlet in Chowk serves excellent biryani!
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