Craving a culinary adventure in the heart of New York City? Then get ready, because snagging a taste of James Beard Award-winning chef Chintan Pandya's famous nalli biryani at Kebabwala in Time Out Market New York is a mission! But here's the catch: it's a dish so exclusive, it's served in extremely limited quantities.
Written by Morgan Carter, Food & Drink Editor, on November 17, 2025.
New Yorkers are known for their dedication to the best food, and they'll go to great lengths for limited-edition treats. Think lines around the block for one-day-only sneaker sales, or overnight queues for free Shakespeare in the Park. This same fervor applies to the city's food scene, where the quest for the perfect meal can lead to anything from chasing down limited-edition smoothies to hunting down the ultimate Wagyu burger.
Kebabwala, located in Time Out Market New York, Union Square, is where you'll find Chef Pandya's renowned nalli biryani. This isn't your average quick bite; it's a labor of love, a slow-cooked lamb dish infused with layers upon layers of aromatic spices.
Chef Pandya's approach to the nalli biryani is anything but casual. He uses bone-in leg and chicken thigh pieces for the biryani at the market, explaining that they “hold up beautifully during the slow cooking and release their flavor into the rice.” The dish is a traditional dum-style biryani, with close to sixteen components, including marinated chicken, rice, fried onions, herbs, ghee, and saffron milk. The process is time-consuming, but the result is a fragrant, rich, and complete dish.
But here's where it gets controversial... you have to be strategic to get your hands on it. Kebabwala serves this culinary masterpiece only twice a day: once at 10 am when the restaurant opens, and again at 3 pm. And the truly jaw-dropping detail? There are only ten orders available during each time slot. Once they're gone, they're gone!
Chef Pandya isn't about creating artificial scarcity, though. He explains that “Making a proper dum biryani demands precision, space and time.” He wants to ensure that every serving meets his high standards.
So, if you're up for the challenge, set your alarms and head to Time Out Market New York, Union Square, early.
Are you ready to join the biryani hunt? Have you tried this dish, or are you planning to? Share your thoughts in the comments below! What are your favorite exclusive food finds in NYC? Let's discuss!
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