What is dum cooking and why does it matter for biryani?

Dum (slow cooking in a sealed pot) traps steam and aromas, allowing the rice to absorb the chicken’s juices and the perfume of saffron, mint, and whole spices. Without this method, biryani is just rice and curry layered together – dum is what makes it a true biryani.

Why is the chicken marinated overnight?

Overnight marination tenderises the chicken and allows the spices to penetrate deeply. It also means the juices released during cooking flavour the rice above, creating the rich, aromatic layers that define Hyderabadi biryani.

What should I serve alongside this biryani?

Traditionally, biryani is paired with raita (yoghurt sauce) to cool the palate and Indian pickle (achar) for a sharp, tangy kick. Together they balance the richness of the rice and chicken, completing the authentic experience. If your at home simply use yoghurt and a store bought Indian pickle to recreate the experience.

Umesh's Chicken Biryani (Serves 2-4) - FoodSt

Umesh's Chicken Biryani

Name: Umesh's Chicken Biryani
Brand: Umesh
Price: 33.0 AUD
Availability: InStock

$33.00

An authentic taste of India’s most famous rice dish

Umesh’s Hyderabadi chicken biryani is prepared the traditional way – a dish that takes time, patience, and true craft. The chicken is marinated overnight in yogurt and spices, then layered with half-cooked basmati rice, caramelised onions, saffron-infused milk, and fresh mint and coriander. The pot is sealed and slow-cooked dum-style, so the steam and aromatics infuse every grain of rice. The result? Fragrant, golden biryani where the chicken and rice become one deeply layered dish rather than sitting side by side.

This portion serves 2–3 people as a part of a shared Indian spread. It’s mildly spiced, aromatic and complex without overwhelming heat, making it perfect for those who want true Hyderabadi flavour that’s accessible to all. Best served with cooling raita and tangy pickle, this biryani fills the kitchen with the unmistakeable aroma of saffron, spices, and herbs. It’s a dish that few have time to make from scratch, but one taste will show why it has been celebrated for centuries.

Cooked with ❤ by Umesh

Preparation Instructions

Step 1 - Defrost in the fridge overnight or in microwave
Step 2 - Decant into a microwave safe bowl
Step 3 - Microwave until heated through

Ingredients & Allergens

Ingredients: Chicken Thigh fillets, Yoghurt, Cumin Powder, Coriander Powder, Cinnamon stick, Mace, Cardamom, Bay Leaf, Cloves, Black peppercorn, Onion, Coriander Leaves, Mint leaves, Saffron strands, Vegetable Oil, Ghee

Contains: Milk

Serving Size, Spice & Suggestions

This is a 700g serving, serves 2-3 as a side and 2 as a main.

🥗 Best served with raita and Indian pickle

🌶️ Spice Level -Mild

About Your Cook

My passion for food has come from my mother, she is a great cook and has won many awards for cooking in India. When I was small, around 15 or 16 years of age, I used to type out her recipes on a typewriter so that she could mail them to the magazines for competitions. Once when she was not there, I looked up her recipe book and made chilli chicken and fried rice and I was thrilled at my achievement.

Discover more about Umesh's meals

Storage & Delivery

This dish has been handmade with love in small batches by Umesh, before being freshly frozen for your convenience.

Keep frozen for up to 2 months from purchase, once thawed keep refrigerated and serve within 48 hours.

We deliver across NSW, VIC, SA, ACT and QLD. To check if we deliver to you enter your postcode and suburb in the delivery checker at the top of our page. ☝🏻

Perfect For....

Anyone craving authentic Hyderabadi biryani cooked dum-style
Entertaining guests with an aromatic centrepiece that serves 2–4
Indian food lovers who want proper overnight marination and layering

Handmade with Love by Accredited Local Cooks

Freshly Frozen for Your Convenience

Delivering to NSW, ACT, SA, VIC, QLD

: Dum (slow cooking in a sealed pot) traps steam and aromas, allowing the rice to absorb the chicken’s juices and the perfume of saffron, mint, and whole spices. Without this method, biryani is just rice and curry layered together – dum is what makes it a true biryani.
: Overnight marination tenderises the chicken and allows the spices to penetrate deeply. It also means the juices released during cooking flavour the rice above, creating the rich, aromatic layers that define Hyderabadi biryani.
: Traditionally, biryani is paired with raita (yoghurt sauce) to cool the palate and Indian pickle (achar) for a sharp, tangy kick. Together they balance the richness of the rice and chicken, completing the authentic experience. If your at home simply use yoghurt and a store bought Indian pickle to recreate the experience.

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Delivery Information

We proudly deliver across NSW, ACT, VIC, SA and QLD. All orders are delivered in Eco-friendly Silversheen Liners and Recyclable Boxes with ice packs.

Delivery dates and rates are dependant on your location. Please check your delivery dates int he delivery checker at the top of the page.

We proudly deliver across NSW, ACT, VIC, SA and QLD. All orders are delivered in Eco-friendly Silversheen Liners and Recyclable Boxes with ice packs.

Delivery dates and rates are dependant on your location. Please check your delivery dates int he delivery checker at the top of the page.

Umesh's Chicken Biryani

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Umesh's Chicken Biryani

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