LA Times 101 · Pakistani and Bangladeshi · Koreatown
By Monty Khas, Anonymous Critic. Pays every bill.
There are fancier places to eat biryani in Los Angeles, but few that people talk about as fondly as Biriyani Kabob House. This small, plainly decorated restaurant on Third Street sits in Little Bangladesh, the cluster of South Asian groceries and restaurants on Koreatown's eastern edge, and it has built a devoted following one plate of rice at a time.
The people
The owner, Karim, has a story as layered as his biryani. He was born in Karachi, lived in Bangladesh and Germany and moved to Los Angeles in 1981, where he spent about 30 years as an aeronautical engineer before opening the restaurant. He's often in the dining room, chatting with regulars and sometimes sending out a little rice pudding on the house.
The vibe
Don't come for the decor. This is a counter-service spot with a handful of tables, and plenty of customers take their food to go. Come for the cooking, and for the feeling that you've found one of the city's true neighborhood institutions.
What to eat
Biryani is the name of the game. There are eight versions, but the Hyderabadi lamb biryani is the bestseller and the one to order. The rice is fragrant and fluffy, the lamb tender and the spice level high enough to wake you up. Purists may note that it leans closer to a pulao, cooked with the meat rather than layered, but nobody's complaining. The owner will tell you that Bangladeshi-style biryani is a little sweeter and less spicy, if you'd like to compare.
The curries are just as strong. Nalli nihari, the slow-cooked shank stew of Old Delhi and Karachi, is rich and satisfying, and the lamb shank curry is a meaty, deeply spiced alternative. Chicken karahi is dependable, and saag paneer keeps vegetarians happy. Start with a couple of samosas, add a mango lassi and finish with the rice pudding. The kebabs are the weakest part of the menu, so put your appetite toward the rice and curries instead.
Before you go
Biriyani Kabob House is at 3525 West Third Street, open from late morning until late at night. Parking can be tight, so consider takeout if you're in a rush.
Why it matters
The LA Times put Biriyani Kabob House on its 101 Best Restaurants list in 2025, but the real proof is the line of regulars who've been coming for years. It's a reminder that some of the city's best South Asian cooking still happens in its humblest dining rooms.
The Quick Fix
What to order: Hyderabadi lamb biryani; nalli nihari; lamb shank curry; chicken karahi; saag paneer; samosas; mango lassi; the rice pudding (if the owner offers)
Pricing: Budget. One of the best-value meals on this list.
Best for: Biryani pilgrims, cheap eats, takeout nights, late lunches and anyone exploring Little Bangladesh
How it compares: LA's go-to for biryani; more casual than Khan Saab, more central than Al-Noor; skip the kebabs and stick with the rice and curries
See where Biriyani Kabob House ranks: The Best Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi Restaurants in Los Angeles: Our Top 10 for 2026
The food was always this good. We're just paying attention.