In the heart of Tondo, Manila, a south-asian dish made noise among locals and visitors. Amidst the bustling streets and vibrant atmosphere, a humble street vendor emerged, offering a simple yet aromatic dish – Biryani Chicken. Little did the locals know, this modest stall would soon become the beloved dish known as Biryani King. Abdullah, an Egyptian cook, is the brainchild of Biryani King. Because of his financial struggles living in the Philippines, he decided to open up a small business that soon won over the hearts and taste buds of the locals. He was a humble street vendor in the first quarter of 2023 in Tondo, initially serving 200 to 300 tubs or ala carte orders of Biryani Chicken daily. This dish later on became very successful, leading them to open an eatery in Divisoria. His expertise combined with his dedication, has driven him to soar to greater heights.
Due to the overwhelming popularity of its delicious and affordable offerings, Biryani King has successfully expanded with two branches. The dish became trending on social media platforms, being featured by multiple food bloggers. Originating from the Middle East, Biryani is a fragrant rice dish cooked with spices and meat. Biryani King’s version is a symphony of flavors. Each grain of basmati rice is infused with aromatic spices and juicy chicken. Priced at an affordable Php 300 per bilao, it’s the perfect choice for groups looking to indulge in a hearty and satisfying meal. Even if you’re a heavy eater, you might still need to share with one or two people with its generous portions. Furthermore, bilao is a large, round tray commonly used in Filipino culture for serving and presenting food. It is typically made of woven bamboo or rattan and has a flat surface with raised edges.
What else to know?
While Biryani steals the spotlight, they also offer a diverse menu showcasing other Middle Eastern favorites. From crispy Falafel to juicy Beef Kebabs, creamy Hummus, and fluffy Kubos, there’s something to suit every palate at Biryani King. It is conveniently located at 49 Dagupan Street, Tondo Manila. This Biryani King’s larger and second store provides a cozy and inviting atmosphere for diners. Situated near the Dragon 8 Shopping Centre in Divisoria, this branch can accommodate up to 50 diners at a time, ensuring everyone can enjoy the flavors of Biryani King in comfort. With its growing popularity, Biryani King has set its sights on expansion. Currently open from 5 PM to 10 PM daily, plans are underway to extend operating hours to 24/7. This flexible schedule change will ensure that Biryani enthusiasts can satisfy their cravings at any time of day.
Whether you’re a resident or a curious foodie exploring Tondo’s culinary scene, a visit to Biryani King promises an unforgettable dining experience that will keep you coming back for more.
Recommendation
If you’re looking for more food places to try, you should check:
- Flame & Flavors; New and Trending Putok Batok Tower in Manila!
- Elcep’s Budbod; Famous Fried Rice with a Twist in Quezon City
- Emriz Bulalohan at Tapsihan – P85 ($1.50) Healthy Breakfast Buffet
How to get there
Via Public Transportation
- Determine the nearest LRT station to your location. The LRT Line 1 serves areas in Manila, including Tondo.
- Once you’ve identified the nearest LRT station, head to that station and purchase a ticket for your journey. Make sure to check the operating hours of the LRT to ensure it aligns with your planned visit to Biryani King.
- Board the LRT train heading towards Baclaran if you’re coming from the north or Monumento if you’re coming from the south. Tondo is generally closer to the Monumento side.
- Ride the train until you reach the Blumentritt Station. This station is one of the nearest to Tondo.
- Upon arriving at Blumentritt Station, exit the station and head towards the designated exit.
- From the station, you can take various modes of transportation to reach Biryani King, such as a jeepney, tricycle, or taxi. You can ask the locals or use a navigation app for the best route.
- Navigate to 49 Dagupan Street, Tondo Manila, where Biryani King is located. It’s nearby Dragon 8 Shopping Centre in Divisoria.
