Biryani, a culinary masterpiece with a heritage spanning centuries and cultures, stands as a testament to the exquisite fusion of a diverse array of components, producing a mesmerizing experience for the palate. With its succulent meat and saffron-infused rice, Biryani boasts an array of captivating narratives to share. But, often we tend to accompany it with Salan and Raita and yes, kebabs maybe. So, have yoiu wondered what role does Raita and Salan play on our plate of aromatic Biryani?


To know this, ABP Live sought the opinion of experts who explained the reason behind such a pairing. Continue reading to know more, for it isn't just a coincidence that resulted in such a pairing.


Why Is Biryani Paired With Salan?


Chef William Lee who is the HoD- Culinary & Head Centre of Excellence in Culinary Arts, at MRIIRS said, "Salan, commonly referred to as curry, is the ideal companion to biryani as it balances the rich and spicy flavours of biryani by offering a milder, tangier profile, often achieved through ingredients like yoghurt or tamarind. This balance ensures that the overall taste of the meal is satisfying without overwhelming the palate."

"Secondly, it contributes to the biryani experience by providing a cooling effect, making it an excellent choice for those who find biryani's spiciness a bit too intense. Whether it's through its yoghurt or tamarind base, salan helps soothe the heat and allows diners to fully savour the biryani. Salan's role as a side dish with biryani lies in its ability to balance flavours and provide a cooling contrast, elevating the biryani meal to a delightful culinary experience," he added.


Benefits For Pairing Biryani With Raita:


Mohsin Khan, who is a Corporate Chef, at The Bar Stock Exchange said the following:



  • Balancing flavours: Biryani is a spicy, rich and flavourful dish, especially due to variety of spices, chilies, and other strong ingredients. The cool and soothing nature of raita helps balance out the heat and spices, providing a refreshing contrast that soothes the palate.

  • Texture contrast: Biryani is a rice dish with a rich and layered texture, often containing succulent pieces of meat, vegetables, and aromatic spices. Raita, with its creamy and smooth texture, adds a pleasant contrast to the overall mouthfeel and mellows down the heat of spices, making the dining experience more balanced and enjoyable

  • Digestive benefits: Yogurt, the main ingredient in raita, contains probiotics and natural enzymes that aid in digestion. Eating raita alongside biryani can help ease any potential discomfort that may arise from consuming a spicy and heavy meal.


Lastly, Pragati Dalal, who is the Vice President Marketing, of Behrouz Biryani by Rebel Foods said, "The combination of biryani with raita and salan isn't just a coincidence; it's a deliberate choice to create a harmonious balance of flavours. With the biryani as the centre-piece, raita provides a cooling contrast, and salan adds a spicy dimension to the meal. The trio harmoniously blends flavours and textures, elevating the biryani experience to a level of culinary excellence that has stood the test of time."