If you're craving a local dish that's filling and hearty, there's nothing that can beat a plate of spicy, smoky briyani. ? We're already drooling thinking of fluffy spiced rice topped with generous servings of mutton, chicken, or beef - and drizzled over with dahl gravy or paired with sweet-and-sour achar at the side. Whether you're treating yourself to a mega meal or sharing a platter with your best friends, these are the top 8 briyani eateries in Singapore to try next!

1. Allauddin's Briyani

Located in Little India's Tekka Market, Allauddin's Briyani is a hawker stall whose humble appearance belies its delicious dishes. It's even made it into the Michelin Guide Singapore's 2019 edition! Their briyani comes with a plate of fluffy yellow rice, served with a generous and tender chunk of mutton or chicken meat drenched in gravy. They also have a 2nd stall in Tekka Market selling Indian Muslim staples like mee goreng, prata, and murtabak. ? Halal status: Muslim-owned Average price: $6 Opening hours: Open daily; 9AM - 8PM Address: 665 Buffalo Rd, Tekka Centre #01-232, Singapore 210665 Contact: +65 62966786 (Delivery hotline)

2. Cafe Mariam

Cafe Mariam is helmed by chef Hassan who has worked in some of the finest restaurants around the world and has now taken over the store from his father and grandfather. With only Nasi Briyani and Nasi Mandi on the menu, it's the little details (like homemade condiments and yogurt) that have made them a popular spot. The meat has a rich and smoky flavour, and the rice is fluffy while still being well-spiced! ? Halal status: Muslim-owned Average price: $8 Opening hours: Mon-Thurs; 11AM-3PM, Fri; 10AM-12PM, 2PM-4PM, Sat; 11AM-3PM, Sun; 11AM-2PM Address: 116 Changi Rd, Singapore 419718 Contact: +65 93698564 Facebook | Instagram

3. Bismillah Biryani

Bismillah Biryani is another briyani spot that's made it into the Michelin Guide Singapore 2019! ? Their dry-style briyani is slightly different from the briyani you may have had before, but the flavourful pieces of meat go nicely with the spiced long-grained rice. Chicken Dum Biryani, Lamb Shank Biryani, and Young Mutton Biryani are the must-try dishes. ? Add on some Chicken Nihari stew or Butter Chicken Masala and you've got your next feast ready to go! Halal status: Muslim-owned Average price: $9 Opening hours: Open daily; 11.30AM - 9PM Address: 50 Dunlop St, Singapore 209379 Delivery via:Online, GrabFood, foodpanda, Deliveroo Contact: +65 69351326 Website | Facebook | Instagram

4. Yakader Muslim Food

Yakader Muslim Food is another famous briyani spot located in Tekka Market. Their Chicken Dum Briyani is rich and flavourful, but the real star is the Mutton Briyani. It's hard to cook mutton perfectly, but Yakader comes close! The mutton is soft and tender, peeling away from the bone without any effort. ? Drizzle over some of the dahl gravy that accompanies your plate, and it'll truly be a meal you won't forget! Halal status: Muslim-owned Average price: $6 Opening hours: Open daily; 9AM - 6.30PM Address: 665 Buffalo Rd, Tekka Centre #01-259, Singapore 210663

5. Islamic Restaurant

Islamic Restaurant is definitely one of the most famous and most acclaimed briyani restaurants in Singapore, with almost 100 years of history! Founded in 1921, it's now being run by the grandson of the founder and has entertained dignitaries including the late Yusof bin Ishak and the late Lee Kuan Yew. The briyani has a rich and heavy taste, and the meat is tender and soft. No wonder it's stayed so popular for so long! Halal status: Muslim-owned Average price: $11 Opening hours: Open daily; 10AM - 10PM Address: 745 North Bridge Road #01-01, Singapore 198713 Reservations: Call +65 62961161 or Whatsapp +65 84991921 Website | Facebook

6. Azizah Hyderabadi Dumm Briyani

Credit: Azizah Briyani - Hjh Azizah Wedding Services on Facebook One of the most popular areas where you can find a selection of briyani stalls is the Geylang Serai market. But out of all the stalls there, there are a few that stand out - one of those is Azizah Hyderabadi Dumm Briyani! With over 20 years of experience, their briyani uses healthier ingredients (such as substituting ghee with yogurt) resulting in a lighter taste overall. Their achar is also homemade, adding a sour punch that complements the smokiness of the meat. ? Perfect for indulging without falling too deep into a food coma! Halal status: Muslim-owned Average price: $6 Opening hours: Tues-Sun; 10AM-3PM (Closed Mondays) Address: Geylang Serai Market #02-127 Contact: +65 98394291 Facebook

7. Ali Nachia Eating House

Now Ali Nachia Eating House is one eatery with an interesting history! Originally located at the now-defunct Tanjong Pagar railway station, ownership of the stall has passed down to the founder's son - ex-footballer and drummer Rafi Ali! The eatery's signature dish continues to be briyani (the original rempah recipe is still used!) and their Lamb Shank Biryani is truly a foodie feast. The bone-in Australian lamb is steamed together with the rice, leaving each bite full of flavour and spices that will have you drooling in no time. ? Halal status: Muslim-owned Average price: $6 Opening hours: Mon-Sat; 10.30AM - 2.15PM (Closed Sundays) Address: 9 Hoe Chiang Rd, Pin Xiang Eatery, Singapore 089314 Delivery via: Whatsapp +65 90264460 or +65 93669808 Facebook | Instagram

8. Saffrons

If you're looking for briyani that's affordable yet delicious, then you've got to visit Saffrons! This popular Indian Muslim restaurant in Tampines authentically cooks their briyani on banana leaves, which also adds a subtle flavour to the dish. The mutton briyani is definitely a must-try - tender, well-spiced, yet balanced in its flavours. Their murtabak and prata are also huge favourites! Halal status: Muslim-owned Average price: $7.50 Opening hours: Open daily; 24 hours Address: 201D Tampines St 21 #01-1163, Singapore 524201 Delivery via: GrabFood, Deliveroo Website | Facebook | Instagram These amazing plates of briyani are worth the cheat day ?

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