Ask anyone in Geelong what they order when they want a proper Indian meal in one dish, and biryani comes up again and again. Fragrant basmati, warm spices, tender chicken or vegetables, all cooked together until every grain carries the flavour. At Eastern Spice on the Eastern Beach waterfront, biryani is one of the dishes we're proudest of, whether you eat it by the bay, take it home or order a tray for a party.
Here's our guide to biryani in Geelong: what makes a good one, what to order with it, and the easiest ways to get it.
What is biryani?
Biryani is a layered rice dish made with long-grain basmati, spices and meat or vegetables. It has a long history across India, and almost every region has its own version, from the coast to the north. Some are rich and buttery, some are lighter and full of fresh herbs, and families argue about which one is best.
What they all share is that biryani is a whole meal, not a side of rice. A good biryani is fragrant before it reaches the table, the rice is fluffy and separate rather than sticky, and the spices are warm and layered rather than simply hot.
Our kacchi-style biryani
At Eastern Spice we cook our biryani kacchi-style. "Kacchi" means raw: the marinated chicken or vegetables and the rice cook together in the same pot, instead of the curry and the rice being made separately and mixed at the end. It takes longer and needs more care, but the result is worth it. The rice soaks up the spices and juices as it cooks, so every spoonful tastes like the whole dish.
There are two biryanis on our dine-in and takeaway menu:
Chicken Biryani: kacchi-style chicken, spices and rice. Gluten-free.
Veg Biryani: kacchi-style vegetables, spices and rice. Gluten-free and vegetarian.
Like our curries, biryani is made in our kitchen from scratch, and all our chicken comes from halal suppliers. If you'd like it milder or with more heat, just ask.
See the full menu and current prices →
What to order with biryani
Biryani stands on its own, but a few dishes make it even better:
Raita: cool yoghurt with gram pearls, the classic partner for biryani. It balances the spices and is a must if you're sharing with kids or anyone who prefers it mild.
Masala Onion Salad: onion, chaat masala, black salt and coriander for a fresh, sharp crunch.
House Black Daal: our signature black lentils, slow-cooked for 24 hours. Biryani and daal is one of the most comforting dinners we know.
A curry to share: if you're a group, add a creamy dish like Punjabi Butter Chicken or Palak Paneer alongside the biryani, so everyone gets a bit of both.
A starter from the tandoor: Chicken Tikka or Paneer Tikka, cooked in our clay oven, is a great way to start.
You don't need extra rice with a biryani, so for two people one biryani plus a curry or daal, a raita and a naan is a generous dinner.
Eat biryani by the bay at Eastern Beach
Our restaurant is at 1 Bellerine Street, right on the Geelong waterfront at Eastern Beach, looking over Corio Bay. In the warmer months, ask for a window table and time your dinner with the sunset. It's a relaxed spot for a weeknight dinner, a date or a family meal, and you can bring your own wine for $5 a person corkage.
We're open Monday and Wednesday to Sunday from 5:00pm to 9:30pm, and closed on Tuesdays. Weekends get busy, so it's best to book a table. For more ideas for an evening on the foreshore, see our waterfront restaurant page.
Coming as a group of four or more? Our Chef's Table Banquet is $69 a person for the whole table and gives everyone a taste of our favourites, from starters to dessert.
Biryani takeaway in Geelong (with 10% off)
Biryani is one of the best dishes for takeaway. It holds its heat, travels well and reheats beautifully the next day. Call us on (03) 5221 9544 to order for pickup and you'll get 10% off phone orders on Mondays and Wednesday to Saturday (the discount doesn't apply on Sundays, Tuesdays or public holidays).
Order ahead on Friday and Saturday nights and tell us what time you'd like to collect. Delivery is available through the delivery apps. For more on what to order, see our Indian takeaway page.
Biryani trays for parties and events
Feeding a crowd? Biryani is the dish that makes party catering easy, because it's a complete meal in one tray. Our bulk orders include Veg Biryani, Chicken Biryani and Goat Biryani in 2 kg, 4 kg and 5 kg trays, alongside curries, starters and desserts. Pick it up and serve it at home, at the office or at a family celebration.
For a bigger event, Curry Queen Catering Co. runs full buffet packages from $29 a person for 25 or more guests, with live food stations available for weddings, corporate functions and parties. See our catering packages to plan your menu.
Frequently asked questions about biryani in Geelong
Where can I get biryani in Geelong?
Eastern Spice at 1 Bellerine Street, Eastern Beach serves Chicken Biryani and Veg Biryani for dine-in and pickup, Monday and Wednesday to Sunday from 5:00pm. You can also order biryani in party trays through our bulk orders.
Is your biryani gluten-free?
Yes. Both our Chicken Biryani and Veg Biryani are marked gluten-free on the menu. Please tell us about any allergies when you order. Our vegan and gluten-free guide has more options.
Is the chicken in your biryani halal?
All the meat we use, including the chicken in our biryani, comes from halal suppliers. Read more on our halal food page.
Is biryani spicy?
Biryani is fragrant and aromatic rather than fiery. If you prefer it mild or extra hot, let us know when you order, and add a raita to keep things cool.
How do I get 10% off biryani takeaway?
Call (03) 5221 9544 and order for pickup. Phone pickup orders get 10% off on Mondays and Wednesday to Saturday, excluding Sundays, Tuesdays and public holidays.
Plan your visit to Eastern Spice
Book a table · Order pickup by phone (10% off) · Catering · Party trays · See the full menu and current prices →
Indian restaurant for all of Geelong: Armstrong Creek · Barwon Heads · Bell Park · Bell Post Hill · Belmont · Charlemont · Clifton Springs · Curlewis · Drumcondra · Drysdale · East Geelong · Geelong West · Grovedale · Hamlyn Heights · Herne Hill · Highton · Lara · Leopold · Manifold Heights · Marshall · Newcomb · Newtown · North Geelong · Ocean Grove · Rippleside · South Geelong · St Albans Park · Thomson · Torquay · Waurn Ponds · Whittington · All areas we serve