Biriyani

If you like well-spiced and extremely generous portions of rice and meat (ok who doesn't?), then Blue Diamond will hit the spot with its heady masala. They cook their chicken and mutton briyanis traditionally in a dum style, which flavours the rice immensely. Also try their Kottu Roti here, a Sri Lankan dish of chopped up prata fried with onions and meat, almost like a murtabak. Finish off with a nice cup of masala tea! Photo by Jeremy Tan

While some feel the briyani here is overpriced ($8 for chicken, $10 for mutton), and the place is a little run down, it is definitely worth a visit. This dum briyani is cooked and served traditionally, without any curry, but every bit aromatic. It's also healthier with the omission of ghee, so you can feel a tiny bit less guilty. If you're there on a Sunday, Monday or Thursday, opt for the kid goat briyani, tender meat without gamey flavour, under a pile of fragrant rice and fried onions. Photo by Michel Lu

Open since 1921 and known as the best briyani restaurant for many years past, Islamic Restaurant has a long history. Having moved down the street, the restaurant retains its old world charm with photos of famous patrons over the years, and allows you to dine comfortably in air-con. Go for the mutton over the chicken briyani, tender meat with beautifully light, fragrant, high-quality basmati rice. The fish and prawn briyani are good too. While it is arguably no longer the best, it is an excellent briyani. Photo by Jayne Tan

With no distinct signboard and a snaking long queue under a HDB block, you know you've found something special. Having taken over from their father's stall, these brothers run a tight ship at Blk 17 Beach Rd, doling out packet after packet of briyani as people order takeaway in the dozens. If you've got the time, sit and enjoy your tender mutton and amazing gravy... this is a serious briyani. Photo by Jayne Tan

Housed in the sprawling ABC Brickworks Market & Food Centre, YRA serves some of the best tandoori chicken around, putting some high end restaurants to shame. This humble hawker establishment serves fresh chappatis and naans, and incredibly fragrant briyani rice. The rice is lightly spiced but well flavoured with chicken parts cooked with the rice. Next time you're at ABC, be sure to give this a try. Photo by Jayne Tan