Hotel De Buhari.

Biryani – It’s the taste of celebration; whether it’s Eid, Diwali, Weddings, Birthdays or Sunday lunch at Grandmas, biriyani never gets old.

If it’s an occasion in this part of the world, you’ve just got to have those golden grains of stock cooked rice, savoury boiled eggs, tender pieces of spiced meat and the oh so very essential condiments- a bit of pickle and green coconut sambol to add that spicy sweetness.

Sri Lanka is, of course, a rice and curry nation, and much adulation is doled out to our crispy hoppers, lacy string hoppers, crumbly pittu and fragrant lamprias. However local biryani doesn’t seem to get the attention it deserves.  If you think about it though, those plates of saffron tinged rice are a central part of life for millions of Sri Lankans. For the country’s Muslims and also for many of its Tamils this is the special occasion food of choice- just about everyone in the country appreciates a good Biryani.

Yet finding that special plate of biryani in Colombo isn’t all that easy. While there are various Muslim aunties who supply excellent sawans (large silver salvers laden with rice, eggs and meat) your average lunch-time biryani though is often a disappointment. More often than not you order a plate of biryani wanting a change from the usual and end up wishing you had gone for the dry chicken and fried rice.

Maybe it’s just me, but I find the standard street-side kade biryani such a far cry from the festive Biryani that I love. Again, today I was struck by a sudden craving for it, and without the time and resources to organize a partyt that would justify a sawan, I set out for Buhari Hotel- Colombo’s Biryani institution. What the DBU is to lamprais and Raheemas is for roasted chicken the Buhari hotel is for Biryani.  For generations this has been the go-to place for a plate of golden grains.

Nowadays of course its Maradana location isn’t exactly central Colombo, but its easy enough to reach and the premise retains a bit of faded old world charm.  Not too much seems to have changed in here over the years, but its clean and pleasant enough to eat in.  It’s very likely the calmest and most salubrious spot in the vicinity of the Maradana junction.

The service is attentive and your biryani will appear in just a few minutes. They have huge constantly bubbling cauldrons of stock and rice in their cavernous kitchen so you’ll be plunging you fingers into steaming piles of yellow rice in no time.

Shovelling the rice, sambol, spiced chicken and gravy into your mouth is pretty satisfying but it’s still a long way off from that special sawan you really want. Where’s that rich meaty taste? Where’s the scent of cardamom and saffron, the sweet tang of the pickle, the cooling bit of raita and the dash of shrimp paste that differentiates a real biryani from just yellow rice?

Well they are definitely not at Buhari hotel. Instead you get a reliable plate of flavoured yellow rice, a hunk of masala chicken, passable curry gravy, a nice green-chilli coconut sambol and a flavoursome boiled egg.  For Rs. 400 it’s a nice lunch and a change from the old soya meat curry, but I’ve got to say for the same price a lamprais from Dutch Grocer or DBU just seems a lot better.

A biryani even at lunch time should be better than this.

I just need to find a biryaniari? Biryanserai? Biryaneraunt that agress with me.

Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on whatsapp

Highlights.

Latest.

KAMU.

The Sweetest Valentine’s Treat from The Sweet Room!

by Shamrina Carim February is here and love is in the air—So is the irresistible

Kamu

Sawan for Seven! A Gigantic North Indian Meal from Rosewood Ceylon

By Shamrina Carim If you’re craving an indulgent North Indian meal that brings together bold

Kamu

Culinary Adventure at Long Feng by Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo : The Chinese Food Festival 2025

If you’ve never journeyed to China, a  grand opportunity to immerse yourself in its true

Kamu

Cheers Pub at Cinnamon Grand Colombo: The Ultimate Spot for Great Vibes, Delicious Food, and Fun

By Sharon Nonis Looking for a place that blends great food, refreshing drinks, live music,

Highlights Kamu

Across Borders: A Culinary Bridge Between India and Sri Lanka Through Peshawri’s Timeless Flavors

By Vimasha Vishvadari Peshawri, a renowned restaurant chain, originated from the iconic Bukhara restaurant in

Highlights Kamu

Tenkū – a hidden Gem of the Japanese Cuisine

By Vimasha Weerawansha Ambience  The Kingsbury Rooftop offers a breathtaking panorama of the cityscape and

Highlights Kamu

Trending.

Radisson Hotel Colombo Achieves Hotel Sustainability Basics Certification

Radisson Hotel Colombo proudly announces its certification in Hotel Sustainability Basics, a globally recognized framework

Trending

Celebrate Love This Valentine’s Day at Cinnamon Grand

Indulge in the ultimate romantic experiences this Valentine’s Day at Cinnamon Grand. From an exquisite

Trending

Love This Valentine’s Day at Cinnamon Lakeside

This Valentine's Day, immerse yourself in romance with an array of exclusive experiences at Cinnamon

Trending

Celebrate Valentine’s Day in Style at Cinnamon Red

Indulge in the ultimate romantic experiences this Valentine's Day at Cinnamon Grand. From an exquisite

Trending

Mount Lavinia Hotel Celebrates World Pizza Day with Special Guest Chef Roberto Radoni

Mount Lavinia Hotel’s celebration of World Pizza Day on February 9th was an unforgettable gastronomic

Trending

A Valentine’s Day to Remember at The Kingsbury

This Valentine’s Day, let your love story unfold at The Kingsbury, Colombo. Set against the

Trending

Yamu Guide.

Colombo’s BYOB Gems: 15 Perfect Spots to Pair Your Drink with Delicious Food

by Vimasha Weerawansha Are you on the hunt for dining spots where you can bring

Yamu Guide

14 Romantic Places to Spend  February 14th – Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and if you're looking for the perfect place

Highlights Yamu Guide

Valentine’s Gift Guide for Him 2025

by Fathima Rukaiya Looking for the perfect way to show your special guy how much

Highlights Yamu Guide

9 Valentine’s Day Picks for Her 2025

By Fathima Rukaiya, With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, hearts are filled with anticipation.

Highlights Yamu Guide

New Year’s Eve at The Kingsbury Colombo

Embrace the wonder of Christmas with a world of joy and togetherness this New Year’s

Trending Yamu Guide