Burmese Biryani

Burmese Biryani 

Burmese Biryani, locally known as Danbauk, is a lesser-known yet culturally rich variation of biryani that reflects Myanmar’s (Burma’s) centuries-old culinary connection with the Indian subcontinent. This dish is particularly popular among the Muslim communities in Yangon and Mandalay and is often enjoyed during weddings, festivals, and special gatherings. Commonly featured in traditional Burmese food recipes, this biryani is milder in spice compared to its Indian counterparts and incorporates distinct Southeast Asian elements like sweet-sour touches and caramelized onions. It is often served with a side of pickled mango, cucumber salad, or boiled egg.

What sets Burmese Biryani apart is its gentle use of aromatics like cinnamon, star anise, and cardamom, paired with golden-hued rice and tender chicken or mutton that’s slow-cooked until richly flavored. The rice is usually cooked separately and layered with the meat curry before being steamed (dum-style). It has a beautiful balance — not too oily or spicy — making it accessible to many palates. The use of rose water or kewra, a squeeze of lime, and accompaniments like spicy mashed potato (a local specialty) make Danbauk a satisfying fusion of Indian, Persian, and Southeast Asian culinary influences.

Burmese Chicken Biryani (Danbauk) Recipe (Serves 4)

Ingredients:

For the rice:

• 2 cups basmati rice (soaked for 30 minutes)
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 cloves
• 2 green cardamoms
• ½ cinnamon stick
• Salt to taste
• Water (to boil rice)

For the chicken masala:

• 500g chicken (bone-in preferred)
• 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1½ tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• ½ cup yogurt
• ½ tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• ½ tsp garam masala
• 1-inch cinnamon stick
• 2 star anise
• 2–3 cloves
• 2 cardamoms
• ½ tsp sugar
• ½ tsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp rose water or kewra water
• ¼ cup chopped mint leaves
• ¼ cup chopped coriander leaves
• 3 tbsp oil or ghee
• Salt to taste

Optional garnishes:

• Boiled eggs
• Fried onions
• Lime wedges
• Pickled cucumber or mango

Instructions:

1.   Prepare the rice:

• Boil water with bay leaf, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, and salt.
• Add soaked basmati rice and cook until 70–80% done. Drain and keep aside.

2.   Cook the chicken masala:

• Heat oil or ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan. Add whole spices (cinnamon, star anise, cardamom, cloves).
• Add sliced onions and cook until golden brown.
• Add ginger-garlic paste; sauté for a minute.
• Add tomatoes, turmeric, chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Cook until oil separates.
• Add yogurt and sugar; mix well.
• Add chicken pieces and cook until tender and well-coated in the masala.
• Add garam masala, mint, coriander leaves, lemon juice, and rose/kewra water. Simmer for 2 minutes.

3.   Layer and steam:

• In a heavy pot or Dutch oven, add half the rice. Spread the chicken masala evenly over it.
• Top with remaining rice. Drizzle a bit more rose water or lemon juice, and add fried onions if desired.
• Cover tightly and steam (dum) on very low heat for 15–20 minutes.

4.   Serve:

• Let rest for 10 minutes. Fluff gently.
• Serve hot with boiled eggs, cucumber salad, or pickled mango.

FAQs – Burmese Biryani (Danbauk)

Q: What is the main difference between Burmese Biryani and Indian Biryani?
A: Burmese Biryani is milder and less oily, with subtle flavors. It often includes rose water and is served with Southeast Asian sides like pickled vegetables or cucumber salad.

Q: Can I use mutton or beef instead of chicken?
A: Yes. Mutton is commonly used in traditional versions. Adjust cooking time for tenderness.

Q: Is rose water essential?
A: It's not mandatory but adds a unique floral note that complements the spice and gives it an authentic aroma.

Q: What are the best sides for Burmese Biryani?
A: Boiled eggs, pickled mango, cucumber-onion salad, and a lightly spiced mashed potato are traditional accompaniments.

Q: Can it be made vegetarian?
A: Absolutely. Substitute meat with potatoes, carrots, and beans. Use the same masala base for flavor.

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