General Bilimoria's Canteen - Chingford

A biryani is rice and meat cooked together in one sealed pot, so the rice takes its flavour from the meat as it steams — not a curry served next to rice, which is the most common confusion about the dish.

The Nizami comes from the Hyderabadi court tradition, richer and more heavily spiced than a standard biryani. Alongside it: chicken, lamb, chicken tikka, lamb tikka, prawn, king prawn, mushroom and vegetable — eight more, covering every protein and a vegetarian option.

The menu splits into two sections most kitchens don't bother separating. Traditional is the familiar curry-house list — the dishes you already know how to order. Signature is the kitchen's own recipes, built to be different rather than safe. Knowing which is which makes it easier to pick.