House of Biryan Raises ₹32 Crore with MS Dhoni on Board: Can It Become India’s First Global Biryani Brand?

In India, if there’s one dish that unites people across states, languages, and traditions, it is biryani. From Hyderabad’s smoky dum to Kolkata’s aromatic Awadhi style, this dish has become more than just food; it’s an emotion. Capitalizing on this deep cultural connection and a booming appetite for delivery-first premium cuisine, House of Biryan (HoB) has emerged as a standout player in India’s food-tech ecosystem.

The brand recently made headlines by securing a ₹32 crore (approx. $3.66 million) funding round led by Bestvantage Investments, with legendary cricketer MS Dhoni, entrepreneur Al Siraj, and others joining in as investors. The move signals a major vote of confidence in HoB’s potential to build the world’s first truly global biryani brand.

So, what does this funding mean, what makes House of Biryan unique, and where is it headed next? Let’s dive into the full story.

The Origin: Two Chefs, One Dream

House of Biryan was founded by chefs Mohammed Bhol and Mikhail Shahani, both culinary experts with a passion for scaling India’s diverse food culture. Unlike many cloud kitchen startups that simply focus on operations and distribution, HoB built its identity around being chef-led.

Their mission was bold: to create a brand that takes biryani — India’s most loved and most ordered dish — and position it for global recognition, just as Domino’s did with pizza or Starbucks did with coffee.

From day one, there was equal focus on quality and scalability. The founders built HoB on four pillars:

1. Authenticity of Recipe: Each kitchen brings out the specific flavors of Hyderabadi, Lucknowi, and Kolkata-style biryanis with respect to tradition.

2. Premium Ingredients: Use of high-quality rice, spice blends, and meats to differentiate from low-cost “fast-food” models.

3. Tech-Enabled Kitchens: Built for efficiency, quick turnarounds, and consistent flavor in delivery-first models.

4. Customer-Centric Experience: Packaging and portioning that retains aroma, warmth, and freshness when delivered.

The Scale: From 22 Kitchens to Global Aspirations

In a short span, HoB has grown rapidly with 22 kitchens spread across India and one in Dubai. What sets them apart is that the company is already profitable in its core domestic markets.

In a world where most foodtech startups burn cash to scale, House of Biryan’s ability to maintain healthy unit economics while growing shows that it has cracked the right balance between demand and operational efficiency.

With the fresh infusion of ₹32 crore, the brand now has clear expansion plans:

• Scale from 22 kitchens to 150+ outlets globally within the next few years.

• Enter more Tier-1 and Tier-2 cities in India while growing in Dubai and the Middle East.

• Optimize technology-driven logistics without compromising authenticity.

• Achieve a staggering revenue target of ₹550 crore in the mid-term horizon.

The Investors: MS Dhoni’s Star Power & More

A big part of the buzz comes from MS Dhoni’s participation. Known for his calm leadership and trusted persona, Dhoni’s entry as an investor adds immeasurable brand trust and aspirational value. His association will likely boost HoB’s visibility across India, where his image resonates strongly with young consumers, families, and professionals alike.

Backing of Bestvantage Investments gives HoB both capital and strategic advisory depth, while Al Siraj’s involvement signals strong entrepreneurial and potentially cross-border scaling opportunities. This mix of celebrity trust + institutional guidance + entrepreneurial support is the kind of investor cocktail that most consumer brands dream of.

Why House of Biryan Matters in the Food Startup Space

The success story of HoB is not just about one brand — it reflects broader shifts in India’s food startup ecosystem.

1. India’s Biryani Boom: For seven consecutive years, biryani has been the most ordered dish on food delivery apps like Swiggy and Zomato. House of Biryan is tapping into a trend with endless, recurring demand.

2. Cloud Kitchen Model Validation: Post-pandemic, cloud kitchens have proven more resilient compared to traditional dine-in concepts. HoB’s profitability validates this approach on a larger scale.

3. Cultural Export Potential: Just as tacos, ramen, and pizza became international sensations, biryani is poised to go global. HoB aims to position itself as the flagbearer of Indian cuisine worldwide.

4. The Celebrity Investor Effect: More food brands are realizing the impact of having celebrities not just as ambassadors but as equity investors. Dhoni’s involvement ensures higher consumer trust, which is crucial in the food sector.

The Road to ₹550 Crore: Challenges & Opportunities

While the vision is ambitious, HoB’s journey is not without challenges:

• Consistency at Scale: Maintaining the same flavor and quality across 150 outlets will require robust training and technology.

• Global Market Dynamics: Preferences abroad may differ; smart menu localization will be key.

• Competition: India has seen several biryani-focused brands (like Biryani by Kilo and Behrouz Biryani), all vying for the “national brand” crown. HoB will need to carve a distinct identity as the chef-driven, premium option.

On the other hand, the opportunities are immense:

• Rising middle-class spending in India and overseas demand for authentic Indian cuisine.

• Growing consumer willingness to pay for quality + authenticity rather than just low-cost meals.

• Expansion into catering, corporate tie-ups, and high-volume festival demand channels.

Looking Ahead: Could HoB Become the “Domino’s of Biryani”?

House of Biryan’s story is still in its early chapters, but this funding round represents more than just money in the bank. It shows that:

• Investors believe in biryani’s global appeal.

• The brand has already struck the right profitability formula.

• With Dhoni as a partner, HoB could achieve a trusted household status sooner than others.

If execution matches ambition, House of Biryan could become to biryani what Domino’s is to pizza — an iconic global chain born out of local culinary passion.

For now, with fresh capital, celebrity endorsement, and an unstoppable dish at its core, House of Biryan has all the right ingredients to take Indian cuisine to the world stage.