Forget the Taj Mahal. For one food writer, the Mughal Empire's greatest gift to the world is the fragrant, spiced rice dish known as biryani. But can you find a decent version among the ready meals on British supermarket shelves? Stewart Carr put four popular options to the test in a head-to-head culinary clash.
The Contenders: A Range of Prices and Promises
The taste test, conducted in January 2026, featured biryani ready meals from four major UK retailers: Sainsbury's, Iceland, Waitrose, and Marks & Spencer. The dishes ranged in price from a budget-friendly £2.50 to a premium £8.00, offering a snapshot of what's available for a quick Indian-inspired dinner.
Sainsbury's Chicken Tikka Biryani (£3.50): A Sweet Misstep
Starting with Sainsbury's offering, the reviewer found it to be a confusing dish. While it contained a good portion of chicken in a subtle curry sauce, the promised aromatic basmati rice lacked any discernible fragrance. The addition of sweet, squidgy fried onions and a random sprinkle of garden peas seemed at odds with the traditional concept of a biryani. It was deemed unremarkable and not worth a repeat purchase, earning a disappointing 2 out of 5 rating.
Iceland Takeaway Chicken Biryani (£2.50): The Budget Dark Horse
Priced at just £2.50, Iceland's entry was the cheapest and a complete surprise. Defying low expectations, the chicken was well-marinated with a reddish hue, and the rice was packed with strong, authentic flavours of tomato, garlic, and ginger. It had a proper spicy kick and no runny sauce, ticking key boxes for a genuine biryani experience. Proving Iceland's prowess in the frozen food aisle, this meal scored a highly respectable 4 out of 5.
Waitrose Chicken Biryani (£5.30): The Imperial Champion
Waitrose lived up to its reputation for quality with its Chicken Biryani. It featured a rich, dreamy tomato and paprika sauce with a significant spicy kick. Lashings of mint, garlic, and ginger gave the rice incredible depth, and the chicken was perfectly marinated. The reviewer finished the dish with a sense of longing, declaring it the closest one could get to a Mughal emperor's feast from a supermarket. It was awarded a top score of 5 out of 5.
M&S Royal Lamb Biryani (£8.00): Style Over Substance
Marks & Spencer's offering was the most expensive at £8 for a 650g pack meant for two. It certainly impressed visually, with fragrant rice and lamb so tender it fell apart. However, the taste did not live up to its dazzling appearance. The rice was bland and the dish was dry, lacking a discernible sauce to bring it all together. For its premium price, it was a let-down, receiving a middling 3 out of 5.
The Verdict: A Crown for Waitrose, Praise for Iceland
In conclusion, Waitrose claimed the crown with a ready meal described as a real imperial delight that could challenge a high-street Indian restaurant. The shock of the test was the strong performance from Iceland, which secured a worthy second place with its delicious and incredibly affordable take on the dish. For those seeking a quick, tasty, and authentic biryani fix, Waitrose offers a premium experience, while Iceland provides astounding value for money.
