This article was updated on the 21st of August 2023 for clarity and freshness.
If you’re wondering what to serve with your biryani, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, I list 15 of the most popular side dishes for biryani.
In a rush? Here’s the short answer.
The best side dishes to serve with biryani are mint chutney, mirchi ka salan, tomato rasam, and aloo baingan. Try pineapple raita, sprouted mung bean salad, kachumber, or Indian pickled onions for a more refreshing accompaniment. Don’t forget onion bhajis or hariyali kebabs for some added crunch.
For each side dish, I’ve provided alternative options to cater to various diets and lifestyles, including vegan, quick and easy, and health-conscious options.
Condiments and Sauces
Biryani is a dry Indian dish, so one great way to spruce it up is with a sauce. You can go for something cooling like a raita, or something to add extra heat like a tomato rasam. Or a combination of both.
And if you don’t fancy a sauce, a sharp and tangy pickle is also a great option.
Mint Chutney
4.9 ⭐️ (70 ratings) | 5 mins
Everything tastes better with some relish (or in this case chutney)! And if you want to serve your spicy biryani with something refreshing, mint chutney is the way to go.
It has a sweet-tangy, herbaceous flavor and a lingering cooling effect on your tongue that can save things from getting too heated.
The best part is how easy this is to make. There’s no cooking involved – you just have to blitz everything in a food processor and you’ll be good to go.
Pro-tip: this chutney is best served chilled.
What readers are saying…
“So flavorful… I would hands down make this for my foodie friends.”
“Omg. Delicious. Fragrant. Quick! We Loved this sauce! Thank you! I have so much mint growing and was running out of ideas as to what to do with it all short of mojitos! Yum yum!”
“I CANNOT BELIEVE how delicious this is. It tastes so vibrant and complex! I followed the recipe to a t. Perfect. Wouldn’t change a thing. Now I want to put it on everything!!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Pineapple Raita
5.0 ⭐️ (3 ratings) | 25 mins
If you enjoy a fiery biryani but realize that eating it leaves you sweating, fear not!
Raita is what you need. It’s an all-encompassing term for a yogurt-based dip mixed with vegetables, or sometimes fruit.
There are endless varieties of raita, but I like pineapple raita. The yogurt base is slightly sour, and the pineapple adds a hint of sweetness that helps cut through your biryani’s bold flavors.
What readers are saying…
“Very tasty looking combination.”
“Wow, just an awesome recipe.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Mirchi Ka Salan
5.0 ⭐️ (4 ratings) | 40 mins
Mirchi ka salan is a traditional side for Hyderabadi biryani, but it will work with any biryani.
The warming blend of spicy, sour, and coconut-y flavors will add a punch to your biryani. And the rice will soak up all the sauce so the plates will be clean!
Worried it will be too pungent? Use a milder variety of chilies or remove the seeds from the fiery green ones for a more palatable mirchi ka salan.
What readers are saying…
“Wow, what great flavors. I just love peppers and this has so much going on to make this over-the-top fabulous!”
“This Mirchi Ka Salan is so incredibly flavorful! Our family loves it.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Indian Pickled Onions
4.7 ⭐️ (30 ratings) | 1 day 10 mins
Sirka pyaz (Indian pickled onions) is an excellent accompaniment to your biryani.
The brine gives the onions a bright, tangy flavor that will cleanse your mouth of all the biryani’s bold spices and make sure your taste buds don’t get too overwhelmed.
Plus, they’re a breeze to make. There’s barely any cooking involved, although you do have to let the onions sit in the brine for about a day before digging in. And they last up to 10 days so you can make them way ahead of time.
What readers are saying…
“It’s easy and delicious.“
“Awesome recipe. Ditto restaurant style… Thank u so much.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Tomato Rasam
4.9 ⭐️ (76 ratings) | 30 mins
Tomato rasam is a South Indian soup made with tomatoes (duh) and lots of bold spices.
This recipe provides two versions of tomato rasam: the first one leans more sour and tangy, while the second packs a more prominent spicy kick.
Whichever you choose, you’re guaranteed a warm, hearty meal when you pair this with biryani.
What readers are saying…
“This is absolutely divine !!!! I have tried and made different rasam recipes.. but this one is simply the best and healthy recipe I have come across. Everyone should try this out. Cheers!”
“My rasam is always a hit or miss. But this recipe turned out an absolute hit.”
“I tried this tomato rasam and it turned out too good!! since all had cold at home they liked the taste more!!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Veggies and Salads
Biryani has lots of carbs and protein, but it can be lacking in vegetables. Veggie sides are great when you feel like you need something extra, but don’t want things to be too heavy.
And salads are perfect in the summer to provide a cooling contrast to your meal.
Cabbage Stir-fry
4.9 ⭐️ (40 ratings) | 20 mins
Complete your biryani with this healthy cabbage stir fry.
Also called Patta Gobhi Ki Sabzi, the humble cabbage is elevated with the help of spices like cumin, turmeric, and red chili powder.
You can whip this up in an Instant Pot, but I prefer the stovetop method — it’s a no-fuss way that’ll get this side dish to your table in 20 minutes.
Psst… want to make it even more nutritious? You can easily add other vegetables like carrots, peas, or corn. You can also add mung dal to make this dish heartier.
What readers are saying…
“Super easy recipe, great for weeknights when you want a quick filling nutritious meal.”
“Yummmy and easy…..made this often with variations.“
“I love the colors and the warming flavors.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🍄 Fried Cabbage and Mushrooms
🇩🇪 Braised Red Cabbage (Rotkohl)
🍎 Apple Cider Vinegar Coleslaw
Sprouted Mung Bean Salad
4.6 ⭐️ (11 ratings) | 10 mins
Are you pressed for time? Relax. I’ve got you covered with this 10-minute recipe.
Refreshing, delicious, and bright – that’s how I’d describe this salad. It features a mixture of red onions, cucumbers, carrots, and a dash of lime juice, giving you a crisp, acidic bite.
This flavor profile is exactly what you need to contrast your biryani’s bold, complex flavors. Yum!
What readers are saying…
“It was quick to make, no cooking involved, and was delicious.”
“Yum! Love this healthy salad.“
Deliciously different alternatives…
🥘 Curried Mung Beans
🥗 Bean Sprout Salad
🕰 Bean Sprout Stir-fry
Kachumber
5.0 ⭐️ (26 ratings) | 15 mins
Kachumber is an Indian salad that’ll remind you of pico de gallo.
The classic recipe includes tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions, all tossed in a lemon dressing. But this version from Vegan Richa adds radishes for extra texture.
The combination of the crunchy veggies and the acidity from the dressing and tomatoes will balance out the heavier biryani dish with a delightful crunch and tang.
I also like adding chopped mint for an extra burst of freshness, but you can also try cumin powder or even a pinch of chaat masala for added tartness.
What readers are saying…
“Loved this. Served as a side dish to a South Asian-themed meal. Very refreshing with the other spicy dishes...”
“I love this salad! Usually have it with a lemon juice or vinegar-based dressing.”
“I can’t stop eating this – it’s so simple and so good!!! I made it on Monday night and three days later, it’s still crunchy and delish – although a little pink from the radish.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🥒 Creamy Cucumber Salad
🥕 Bombay Carrot Salad
😎 Mooli Lachha (Grated Radish Salad)
Roasted Curry Cauliflower
4.5 ⭐️ (32 ratings) | 45 mins
Even if you’re not a cauliflower fan, you need to try this dish.
The cauliflower florets are flavored with lemon zest and warming spices like Garam masala, ground cardamom, and chili flakes before being roasted. Under the oven’s high heat, they’ll develop irresistibly crisp edges that give the cauliflower some crunch.
Serve these lightly crisp roasted cauliflower florets with your biryani for a complete and nourishing meal.
What the chef says…
“I wouldn’t recommend freezing cauliflower because the texture can be very watery once thawed. Roasted cauliflower can be kept in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container. To reheat the cauliflower, toast in a hot pan until warmed through and crispy around the edges.“
Deliciously different alternatives…
🤩 Whole-roasted Cauliflower with Tahini Sauce
🌱 Mashed Cauliflower
🥘 Cauliflower Curry
Aloo Baingan
5.0 ⭐️ (43 ratings) | 55 mins
Aloo baingan is a traditional North Indian vegan curry made with eggplants and potatoes. It’s super easy to make because everything gets cooked in one pan.
Another great thing about this dish is you can easily switch up the recipe just by adjusting the cooking time. If you prefer your eggplant chunks to be more intact, you’ll have to add them about 15 minutes after the potatoes. But if you prefer a silkier curry, you can add them with the potatoes so they cook and turn mushy.
Spoon a dollop of flavor-packed aloo baingan over a tasty biryani for a filling meal.
What readers are saying…
“This was delicious! Made it for my mom when she was coming over, quick and easy!”
“This is my first time trying your recipes and it came out SO CLOSE to my mom’s (huge compliment!).”
“This was absolutely delicious! I added some fried mustard seeds for added texture and flavor.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🥥 Aubergine and Coconut Curry
🌿 Aloo Palak (Potato and Spinach Curry)
🏃♀️ Easy Chickpea Curry
Steamed Broccoli
5.0 ⭐️ (11 ratings) | 10 mins
If you’re just looking to add something green to your plate of biryani, you can’t go wrong with steamed broccoli.
Sure it sounds boring, but this recipe jazzes up the florets with sauteed garlic and lemon zest, adding a subtle brightness that pairs well with your biryani’s rich flavors.
Plus, the florets are jam-packed with vitamins and nutrients that you need for a complete meal.
What the readers are saying…
“I love the recipe, going to substitute broccoli for Brussels sprouts. Going to give it a try!
“I agree with other comments that it was amazing what a difference lemon zest made… the sauteed garlic and lemon zest takes it to another level.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🕰 Easy Weeknight Broccoli
🍄 Broccoli with Balsamic Mushrooms
🥗 Summer Broccoli Salad
Indian Snacks
One thing I love about Indian cuisine is the variety of snacks available. And how these snacks work as sides for practically everything.
Think about it. There’s no Indian dish that wouldn’t benefit from an onion bhaji on the side. We don’t really have an equivalent in Western cuisine (except maybe garlic bread).
Vegan Hariyali Kebab
4.5 ⭐️ (20 ratings) | 35 mins
If you’re having trouble pairing your biryani, why not try hariyali kebabs?
These little balls of goodness are filled with grated and mashed vegetables and pack a TON of flavor. They’ll definitely be able to hold their own against a bold biryani.
Traditional recipes involve deep or shallow frying these morsels, but this recipe uses an appe pan (a special pan with round molds) to avoid using lots of oil. I don’t have this specific equipment, so I use my air fryer instead and my kebabs turn out perfect every time.
What the readers are saying…
“Thank you for a no-fry version, this is a genius recipe. My mil and husband both were surprised and we all loved the way it turned out.”
.”What an excellent recipe. Made it for a potluck and no one could believe it isn’t fried. A keeper.”
“I make these kebabs quite regularly and always a hit!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🧆 Falafels
🥘 Curried Falafel
🇮🇳 Indian Ambode
Onion Bhajis
4.4 ⭐️ (70 ratings) | 40 mins
No Indian-themed feast would be complete without a few onion bhajis.
You can serve them as a starter or as a side dish – just remember the dipping sauce (I like tamarind chutney). But be warned, don’t put too many on the table or your guests might not have any room left for the biryani!
Tip: if you want to avoid using too much oil, try cooking the bhajis in an air fryer instead of deep-frying them.
What the readers are saying…
“I too loved these! I added my own spices, coriander, ginger, paprika, curry powder, and fenugreek, it was delicious.”
“Beautiful spirals! I love onion bhaji and hadn’t the faintest idea on how to make them so thanks for making them so approachable!”
“Oh wow. Just made these – first-ever attempt at onion bhajis – and they were incredible! Such a great recipe, my boyfriend and I both loved them.“
Deliciously different alternatives…
😋 Indian spiced pea fritters
🤩 Sweet Potato Samosas
Paneer Tikka
4.9 ⭐️ (48 ratings) | 1 hr 35 mins
If you’re cooking for a crowd, paneer tikka skewers are the way to go.
Each stick is loaded with cubes of paneer and veggies that have been marinated, making them extra tasty. Traditional recipes involve grilling, but this recipe cooks the skewers in the oven instead. You won’t get as much smoky flavor with this method, but it’s great for days when it’s too cold or windy to set up the grill.
Like with onion bhajis, you can serve them as an appetizer, but I like enjoying them alongside my biryani.
What the readers are saying…
“Used this recipe several times and it’s my wife’s favorite paneer dish. It’s just simply delicious.”
“Made these for the first time and earned rave reviews from hubby who absolutely loves paneer tikka!! This recipe is a keeper for sure.”
“Tried this recipe along with the cilantro chutney today! Turned out soooo good! Much better than I’ve ever had from a restaurant!“
Deliciously different alternatives…
🍍 Grilled Pineapple Skewers
🔥 Grilled Vegetable Tofu Skewers with Chimichurri
🤩 Paneer Pakora
Dahi Puri
4.2 ⭐️ (42 ratings) | 1 hr 10 mins
Dahi puri is a popular street food from Bombay featuring fried spheres of dough filled with potato cubes and three different kinds of chutney.
It’s typically enjoyed as a snack, but I love serving it as an appetizer for main dishes like biryani. The mixture of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors is a tasty warm-up for biryani’s bold spices.
Just be careful, though — these are highly addictive!
What the readers are saying…
“I made this recipe last week. Came out very well. My kids loved it. Thank you.”
“I made the dahi batata puri. The taste was very good. Thank you. I admire the way you explain recipes step by step with beautiful & related photos.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🇮🇳 Pani Puri
💃 Party Pani Puri
Read next: How To Reheat Biryani
What To Serve With Biryani
Ingredients
- 1 portion mint chutney
- 1 portion paneer tikka
- 1 portion indian pickled onions
- 1 portion tomato rasam
- 1 portion aloo baingan
- 1 portion pineapple raita … and more
Instructions
- Prepare your biryani according to your favorite recipe.
- In the meantime, choose one of the following sides to serve alongside it.
- Side dishes include: mint chutney, vegan hariyali kebab, sprouted mung bean salad, pineapple raita, kachumber, onion bhajis, mirchi ka salan, indian pickled onions, aloo baingan, stir-fried vegetables, and tomato rasam.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
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