Hyderabad, June 17 -- In the bustling, spice-scented lanes of Hyderabad, where history whispers from every corner and food is practically a religion, one dish rules them all, Hyderabadi Biryani. It's not just a meal; it's a layered love letter to the senses. But where did this royal dish come from, and how did it go from regal banquets to takeout boxes across the globe?

Let's dig into this deliciously complex story.

What's in a name? The Word "Biryani"

The word Biryani likely comes from the Persian words "birinj" (rice) and "biryan" (to fry or roast). While there are hints of Persian and even Central Asian roots, especially given that the Mughals were from Uzbekistan (Central Asia and not from Persia or Iran), the dish traveled through...