Zaheer Iqbal: Best biryani is served at Salman Khan and Huma Qureshi's house
For some, biryani is a special occasion delicacy, a dish reserved for festivals or dinner parties—but for him, it's just food. On National Biryani Day today, Zaheer Iqbal, talks about his love for the flavourful dish, saying, 'In China, what we call 'Chinese food' is just called food—because it's part of everyday life.
That's exactly what biryani is for me. It's not a special dish; it's just food. For 35 years, every single Friday, biryani has been a constant on our table. It's a tradition, a staple—just the way things are in my house.'
At the heart of this culinary continuity is Usha, the family's long-time domestic help, whose mastery over biryani goes far beyond following a recipe. 'She knows exactly the kind of biryani I need for different occasions.
On Eid, it's a masala-daar biryani—rich, intense, unapologetically indulgent. But when I'm on a stricter diet, she'll prepare it with less oil, lighter masala, and more protein.'
But not all memorable biryani is homemade. One standout meal came far from home, in Brighton, UK. 'I wish I could remember the name of the restaurant,' he says, thinking aloud, 'but they served these incredible thalis, and the biryani that came with it was honestly the best I've had abroad.'
It's the kind of unexpected memory that lingers, tucked between long flights and hotel check-ins.
Back home, though, he's quick to admit he's never tried making biryani himself. 'Making biryani is not everybody's cup of tea,' he says firmly. 'That's why Sonakshi and I have never even attempted it. It takes real patience and serious talent—not to mention time. So, we leave it to the pros,' says Zaheer who also endorses a biryani brand.
When the conversation turns to the Bollywood biryani circuit, he doesn't hesitate. 'The best biryani—well, I think everyone in the industry, and honestly everyone in India, knows it's Galaxy (Salman Khan's house). But for me, it's a tie with Huma and Saqib's house biryani. Considering Salim's legacy, Galaxy is definitely up there. So, it's a tie.'
And if there ever were to be a biryani party hosted by him and Sonakshi, the guest list would comprise of? 'If we were to host a biryani party, the celeb guests would be all our closest friends who are like family. So, it would be Huma, Saqib, Aayu, Sharbita, basically the entire Khan family, and everybody who we are really close to because biryani is meant to be devoured and it's fun when you stuff your face with as much biryani as you can with people you love and be messy if you have to.
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