Several renowned chefs in India have made significant contributions to the world of biryani over the years. These chefs have crafted their versions of biryani or have been instrumental in popularizing the dish across the country. Here’s a list of some notable chefs who have curated biryani for many years:

**1. Chef M. Mahboob

• Contribution: Chef Mahboob is a celebrated name in the biryani world. He is the chef behind the famous Hyderabadi Biryani served at Shadab Hotel, one of Hyderabad’s iconic restaurants.
• Background: Chef Mahboob has been a key figure in popularizing Hyderabadi Biryani and has maintained the traditional cooking methods and recipes for years.

**2. Chef Shahnawaz

• Contribution: Chef Shahnawaz is known for his expertise in Lucknowi Biryani, a dish that reflects the royal culinary traditions of the Awadhi region.
• Background: He has worked at Tunday Kababi in Lucknow, where he has been perfecting and preserving traditional biryani recipes for many years.

**3. Chef Pradeep Khullar

• Contribution: Chef Pradeep Khullar is renowned for his skills in crafting Kolkata Biryani, blending traditional recipes with modern techniques.
• Background: He has been associated with several prestigious restaurants and has played a role in popularizing Kolkata-style Biryani outside the city.

**4. Chef Nadeem Khan

• Contribution: Chef Nadeem Khan is known for his expertise in Mughlai Cuisine and has been crafting biryanis that reflect the grandeur of Mughal culinary traditions.
• Background: He has been associated with various fine-dining establishments and is known for his expertise in Mughlai biryani.

**5. Chef Imtiaz Qureshi

• Contribution: Chef Imtiaz Qureshi is a legendary chef known for his work with Awadhi Cuisine, including Lucknowi Biryani.
• Background: He has been a prominent figure in the Indian culinary scene for decades, working with several renowned restaurants and establishing his culinary legacy.

**6. Chef Mohammad Farooq

• Contribution: Chef Mohammad Farooq is a well-known name in the realm of Hyderabadi Biryani, contributing to the legacy of traditional biryani making.
• Background: He has been involved with various biryani ventures in Hyderabad, maintaining traditional recipes and methods.

**7. Chef Sanjeev Kapoor

• Contribution: Chef Sanjeev Kapoor is one of India’s most famous chefs, known for his wide range of recipes, including various biryani styles.
• Background: Chef Kapoor has been a culinary icon for decades, featuring biryani recipes on his television shows and cookbooks.

**8. Chef Kunal Kapur

• Contribution: Chef Kunal Kapur is a prominent chef known for his diverse culinary expertise, including biryani recipes.
• Background: He is a well-regarded chef on television and has authored cookbooks that include recipes for different types of biryani.

**9. Chef Vicky Ratnani

• Contribution: Chef Vicky Ratnani is known for his innovative takes on traditional Indian dishes, including biryani.
• Background: He has been featured on various cooking shows and has introduced new flavours and techniques to biryani preparation.

**10. Chef Rakesh Sethi

• Contribution: Chef Rakesh Sethi is a prominent chef in the Indian culinary scene, known for his expertise in traditional Indian cuisine, including biryani.
• Background: He has worked with several luxury hotels and restaurants, contributing to the biryani tradition through his expertise.

Notable Biryani Restaurants

These chefs are associated with or have been influential in popular biryani restaurants across India:

• Hyderabad:
  • Shadab Hotel (Chef M. Mahboob)
  • Paradise Biryani (Various Chefs)
  • Bawarchi Biryani (Various Chefs)
• Lucknow:
  • Tunday Kababi (Chef Shahnawaz)
  • Idris Biryani (Various Chefs)
• Kolkata:
  • Aminia (Various Chefs)
  • Arsalan (Various Chefs)
  • Zam Zam (Various Chefs)
• Mumbai:
  • Ayub’s (Various Chefs)
  • Bademiya (Various Chefs)
  • Jaffer Bhai’s Delhi Darbar (Various Chefs)

Biryani Cookbooks and Shows

These chefs also have published cookbooks or appeared on television shows where they share their biryani recipes:

• Chef Sanjeev Kapoor: “Sanjeev Kapoor’s Biryani” cookbook, various TV shows.
• Chef Kunal Kapur: “A Chef in Every Home” cookbook, TV appearances.
• Chef Vicky Ratnani: “Vicky Goes Veg” cookbook, TV shows.

Conclusion

These chefs have played a significant role in crafting, perfecting, and popularizing biryani in India. Whether through traditional recipes or innovative techniques, they have contributed to the rich tapestry of Indian biryani culture.

Celebrity Endorsements

In addition to these chefs, the love for biryani is echoed by celebrities who share their favourite biryani spots and personal preferences. The chefs mentioned above have been directly involved in biryani preparation for many years and are influential in the culinary scene.

If you’re interested in exploring their biryani recipes or visiting the restaurants they are associated with, you’ll experience a wide range of biryani flavours and styles!