Introduction
Ambur Dum Biryani is a legendary Tamil Nadu specialty known for its minimal spices, seeraga samba rice, and slow dum cooking. Unlike other biryanis, it focuses on flavour from meat stock, curd, and chilli paste rather than heavy masalas.
This recipe is designed for both home cooks and catering professionals, with precise scaling for single serving and 100 covers, ensuring consistency, cost control, and authentic taste.
Quick Facts
| Cuisine | Tamil Nadu (Ambur) |
| Prep Time | 30 minutes |
| Cook Time | 60 minutes |
| Difficulty | Medium |
| Cost per serving | ₹120–₹160 |
Nutrition Per Serving
| Calories | 680 kcal |
| Protein | 32g |
| Carbohydrates | 75g |
| Fat | 28g |
| Fibre | 3g |
| Sodium | 780mg |
Allergen Information
Contains: Dairy (curd). Possible trace: Peanuts, Mustard. Free from: Gluten, Eggs, Fish, Soy, Tree nuts, Sesame.
FSSAI Label
Non-Vegetarian | 680 kcal per serving | Contains dairy | Prepared under hygienic conditions as per FSSAI guidelines.
Food Cost Analysis
| Ingredient | Qty | Rate INR | Cost INR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seeraga Samba Rice | 100g | ₹100/kg | ₹10 |
| Chicken (bone-in) | 150g | ₹240/kg | ₹36 |
| Onion | 80g | ₹30/kg | ₹2.40 |
| Tomato | 50g | ₹25/kg | ₹1.25 |
| Curd | 40g | ₹60/kg | ₹2.40 |
| Oil + Spices | — | — | ₹10 |
| Total per serving | — | — | ₹62–₹70 |
| Total per 100 covers | — | — | ₹5,700–₹6,500 |
Catering Guide (50–100 Covers)
- Use batch cooking — 25 pax per vessel for even dum
- Maintain rice to water ratio strictly at 1:2.5
- Pre-cook chicken gravy 80% before service
- Stagger dum timing to avoid holding losses
- Serve within 2 hours for HACCP compliance
Storage and Shelf Life
- Refrigeration: up to 24 hours
- Reheat: steam or sprinkle water and heat covered
- Do not reheat more than once
- Bulk storage: maintain above 65°C for hot holding
Nutrition Tips
- Use less oil to reduce fat load
- Replace half rice with millet once a week
- Add boiled egg for higher protein option
- Serve with onion raita for gut balance
- Use fresh mint for antioxidant boost
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Ambur biryani different from other biryanis?
It uses chilli paste and minimal whole spices, giving a unique red colour and clean flavour.
Can I use basmati rice instead of seeraga samba?
Not recommended for authentic results — seeraga samba has better flavour absorption and texture.
How do I avoid mushy rice?
Control your water ratio precisely at 1:2.5 and monitor dum timing carefully.
Can this be made vegetarian?
Yes — replace chicken with mushrooms or paneer for a vegetarian version.
How much does Ambur biryani cost per plate for catering?
Food cost is ₹62–₹70 per plate. Selling price for catering typically ranges ₹120–₹160.
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