While I walked into Delhi Darbar in Colaba and noticed something interesting even before sitting down. Right at the entrance and on the menu, the restaurant boldly declares that it serves Mumbai’s Best Biryani. That’s a big claim in a city crowded with legendary biryani joints. Naturally, I had to find out myself.
Best Mutton Dum Biryani in Mumbai?
Located just a short walk from Regal Cinema in Colaba, Delhi Darbar has been one of Mumbai’s most celebrated Mughlai restaurants for decades. The restaurant is almost always packed, whether it’s lunch or dinner. As you look around, you’ll notice families, office-goers, tourists and plenty of diners from the Middle East enjoying the rich Mughlai spread. Their kebabs, curries and tandoori dishes have built a loyal following, but it’s the Mutton Dum Biryani that continues to be their hero dish.
Priced at ₹510, this isn’t a biryani that can comfortably feed two people. It’s a satisfying portion for one, served exactly as it is—no raita, no salan and no gravy. Just one generous plate of biryani.
The rice, however, left me with mixed feelings. There’s no denying that the quality of the basmati is excellent, but the characteristic aroma of a dum biryani is surprisingly missing. Some of the rice tastes like it has come straight from the dum-cooked degh, having beautiful flavour. While the rest of the rice feels slightly cold, almost as if it had been taken out from the refrigerator before serving. A few grains are also a bit overcooked.
Rice Verdict: 7/10
Thankfully, the mutton more than makes up for it. Every piece is beautifully cooked, tender and juicy, with that lovely pink interior that shows perfectly done meat. There are very few bone pieces, meaning you get far more meat than you’d normally expect. The masala is intentionally restrained, with almost no chilli heat. Considering the restaurant’s international clientele, the spices seem designed to let the quality of the meat stand out. It’s also quite light on oil and ghee, making the biryani feel rich without becoming heavy.
Meat & Masala Verdict: 10/10
And then comes its strongest point—the meat-to-rice ratio. This plate is loaded with over six or seven generous pieces of mutton, including a delicious nalli piece in mine. Every spoonful of rice gets paired with meat, something that’s rare in most biryanis.
Meat to Rice Ratio: 10/10
And yes, there’s a potato too. Some people may dismiss it as an “aloo wali biryani,” but I’d happily disagree. By the time it reaches your plate, the potato has soaked up all the juices, spices and flavours of the biryani.
If you’re someone who enjoys heavily spiced, fiery biryanis, Delhi Darbar’s version may disappoint you. This is a more elegant, meat-first biryani where premium mutton leads the story. The rice could certainly be more fluffy & aromatic. But the outstanding quality of the mutton makes this one worth experiencing, at least once.
