In India, biryani is more than just food; it is a dish that unites diverse flavors, cultures, and traditions. From the fiery Hyderabadi biryani to the aromatic Kolkata style, it stands as a symbol of the country’s rich culinary heritage.
The popularity of this dish is evident from Swiggy’s 2024 data, which recorded an impressive 83 million biryani orders—equivalent to 158 orders per minute.
This overwhelming demand highlights biryani’s transformation from an occasional delicacy into an everyday comfort food.
The biryani market in India, valued at $4 billion, is expanding rapidly, driven by changing consumer preferences and the rise of food delivery platforms. Meanwhile, the cloud kitchen segment—valued at $969.5 million in 2023—is projected to grow to $2.9 billion by 2032, signalling significant opportunities for brands entering the space.
Recognizing this growing demand, many startups are entering the market to offer their unique take on biryani. Among them, House of Biryan (HOB) stands out, founded by Mohammed Bhol (CEO & Co-founder) and Chef Mikhail Shahani.
A Shared Vision: Elevating Everyday Biryani
The foundation of HOB was laid during a casual dinner where the two co-founders first met.
Mohammed, deeply rooted in biryani traditions through his family’s Bohri Biryani business since the 1950s, brought a strong understanding of authentic flavors. In contrast, Mikhail, a chef aspiring for global culinary recognition, introduced an experimental, modern approach.
“We realized we could transform biryani from an occasional treat to something people could enjoy daily,” recalls Mohammed.
This shared passion marked the beginning of HOB, blending traditional authenticity with contemporary innovation.
For Mohammed, biryani was an inherited passion. Growing up in a family devoted to preserving Bohri biryani traditions, he developed a deep understanding of this iconic dish’s art and nuances.
Chef Mikhail’s journey, however, revolved around pushing culinary boundaries. With a background as a professional chef, his goal was to reinvent recipes while maintaining their core essence, making them appealing to evolving customer preferences.
Their partnership bridged two worlds, bringing together traditional expertise and modern creativity under one brand—House of Biryan.
Navigating Challenges and Early Growth
Like any new business, the brand faced initial challenges. Maintaining consistency in flavor across outlets while operating within a crowded market demanded precision and effort.
“We focused on consistency and customer experience, and that’s what brought us success,” says Chef Mikhail.
Social media and collaborations with food influencers played a key role in enhancing the brand’s visibility. Delivery platforms like Swiggy and Zomato contributed to 85% of their orders, while efforts to promote direct orders through their app and website have steadily gained traction.
They operate as a cloud kitchen, prioritizing efficiency without compromising on quality. Using pre-portioned ingredients, advanced packaging, and tech-driven processes, the founders ensures fresh, flavorful meals.
With over 20 outlets across Mumbai and Delhi NCR, the brand fulfills thousands of daily orders, promising a swift 30-minute delivery.
“Our strength lies in blending traditional flavors with the convenience of modern dining,” says Mohammed.
Their menu features signature dishes like Kepsa Biryani and Afghani Chicken Biryani for traditionalists. For vegetarians, options like Paneer Kepsa Biryani and Jackfruit Biryani offer exciting alternatives.
Their standout offering, “Meri Wali Biryani,” allows customers to personalize their meals, tailoring spice levels, proteins, and toppings for a unique experience. Beyond biryani, they also have Mughlai dishes, kebabs, and curries, ensuring a wider appeal.
In just 2 years, HOB has made a mark in the biryani market, becoming a go-to choice for enthusiasts. However, the founders are clear that this is only the beginning.
The brand has ambitious plans to expand to 40 outlets within the next 18 months and aims to enter international markets like the Middle East.
They are also exploring offline expansion with dine-in restaurants, aiming to establish a multi-channel presence while staying true to their core identity.
“The aim is to create a multi-channel presence while staying true to our roots,” says Mohammed.
Across India, biryani is more than food—it’s a cultural phenomenon. As tastes evolve and food delivery platforms transform habits, the cloud kitchen market continues to expand. Brands like HOB, with their mix of tradition, innovation, and convenience, are perfectly positioned to thrive.
