Biryani, The Most Popular Dishes In South Asia

A pot of biryani, with aromatic basmati rice, cooked chicken, and a variety of spices such as saffron, kewra water, and fried onions known as 'birista', is being prepared at Tehatta, West Bengal, India, on October 15, 2024. The pot is sealed with flour dough to trap the steam, enhancing the fragrance and flavor of the dish. Biryani, a popular South Asian mixed rice dish, is made with Indian spices, rice, and meat, with variations including eggs and vegetables like fried potatoes. Its origins are believed by many historians to trace back to Persia, brought to India by the Mughals. Similar dishes are also made in countries like Iran, Iraq, Myanmar, Thailand, and Malaysia. (Photo by Soumyabrata Roy/NurPhoto via Getty Images)