BY VEENA RAO
When a restaurant boldly promises authentic regional Indian cuisine, expectations are high. At the newly opened House of Biryani & Kebabs (HBK) in Johns Creek, authenticity isn’t just a marketing buzzword—it’s the philosophy behind every dish that leaves the kitchen.
“House of Biryani & Kebabs is for anyone who craves authentic Indian flavor,” co-founder Mahender Reddy told NRI Pulse. “We want people to experience biryanis, kebabs, and regional specialties as they’re prepared in their places of origin.”
The choice of Johns Creek was no accident. Reddy, who launched House of Biryani & Kebabs with co-founder Ameya Nambala in 2016 after years in the restaurant business, said they saw tremendous potential here.
“The community is well established and appreciates authentic food,” he said.
Reddy felt the area lacked a destination for authentic Hyderabadi biryani and kebabs, and envisioned something beyond the typical neighborhood Indian restaurant. The Johns Creek location—with its spacious dining room, contemporary décor, and soon-to-open bar—is designed to blend authentic regional cuisine with the ambiance of a modern sports bar and casual fine-dining restaurant. “We wanted to do it the right way,” he said.
The concept has clearly resonated. From its first restaurant in Philadelphia, House of Biryani & Kababs has grown to more than 35 locations in the U.S. and the U.K. Reddy credits that growth to their focus on customers, even during the pandemic. “We never closed a single location,” he said. “Even when dining rooms were shut, we made sure no customer was turned away.”
That commitment has already earned the brand a loyal following elsewhere. The Johns Creek location is owned by a local franchise group that includes Manoota LLC.
“I used to live just a couple of miles from one of their restaurants,” a representative from Manoota LLC recalled. “I became friends with the founders because I’d stop by often to pick up curries. It’s funny how life comes full circle. That restaurant was two miles from my home in Philadelphia. Today, this one is less than a mile from my house.”
The Johns Creek location, housed in the former Broken Egg Café building, has been completely transformed from the ground up. The owners gutted the interior, rebuilt the kitchen and dining room, added new restrooms, and created one of the most spacious Indian restaurants in the Johns Creek area. With an approved capacity of nearly 270 guests, the restaurant is well suited for birthday parties, family celebrations, corporate gatherings, and other private events. The owners say the flexible layout allows tables to be rearranged to accommodate large groups, making it as much an event venue as a neighborhood restaurant.
A Live Kitchen—and Fresh Kebabs
One of HBK’s biggest selling points is its live kitchen, where diners can watch kebabs being grilled to order.
“Many restaurants prepare their kebabs a day or two in advance,” the manager explained during my visit. “We make ours fresh. People can actually watch them being cooked.”
That freshness is evident.
I sampled the Gongura Chicken Tikka Kebab, one of the restaurant’s signature offerings. Smoky from the grill, tender, and infused with the tangy flavor of gongura leaves, it was an excellent introduction to the restaurant’s kebab selection.
The kebab menu is impressively extensive, featuring everything from Tandoori Pomfret and Tandoori Jhinga to a Whole Tandoori Chicken, alongside a wide assortment of chicken, lamb, seafood, and vegetarian kebabs.
Beyond Biryani
Despite its name, House of Biryani & Kababs offers far more than biryani.
The menu celebrates regional Indian cuisine with dishes that are rarely seen in metro Atlanta. The manager enthusiastically recommended specialties such as Mutton Rara, Naatu Kodi Soup, Malai Paya, and Goat Paya, noting that these traditional dishes are difficult to find elsewhere in the city.
I took his advice and ordered the Mutton Rara, and it turned out to be one of the standout dishes of the meal. Rich, creamy, and deeply flavorful, the slow-cooked mutton was tender and beautifully infused with aromatic spices. I’d happily order this dish again.
Other regional favorites include Raju Gari Mamsam Vepudu, Guntur Kodi Vepudu, Haleem, Naatu Kodi Pepper Fry, and Andhra Fish Fry.
The menu also features a dedicated Hyderabadi Specials section with street-food favorites such as Shawarma, Kheema Pav, Kheema Burji, and Corn Masala Vada.
Thirty Varieties of Biryani
As expected, biryani remains the restaurant’s centerpiece.
The menu offers nearly 30 varieties, ranging from traditional Hyderabadi preparations to regional specialties.
I sampled the Veg Kheema Biryani, a creative vegetarian interpretation of a classic, and the Guthi Vankaya Pulav, fragrant with spices and tender stuffed baby eggplants. Both dishes showcased perfectly cooked rice and well-balanced flavors without overwhelming the palate.
One thoughtful touch is that diners can customize the spice level of nearly every dish, choosing from mild, medium, spicy, or extra spicy.
Something for Everyone
The Ethnic Entrées section includes comforting favorites such as Aloo Palak, Veg Hyderabadi Dalcha, Angara Chicken, Nellore Fish Curry with Mango, and Ramba Chicken.
Those craving Indo-Chinese cuisine will find familiar favorites including Burnt Garlic Chili Noodles and Street-Style Fried Rice, each available in vegetarian, egg, or chicken versions.
The owners also plan to introduce combo meals soon, offering convenient options for lunch and quick dinners.
Sweet Endings
Dessert lovers will appreciate the Hyderabadi classics on offer, including Qubani ka Meetha, Kaddu ka Kheer, and Double ka Meetha.
I wrapped up the meal with a fragrant cup of Irani Chai, whose aromatic spices and comforting warmth made for a fitting conclusion.
A Place to Gather
Beyond the food, House of Biryani & Kababs has been designed with families and community gatherings in mind.
In addition to its expansive indoor dining room, the restaurant offers outdoor seating, making it an appealing option on pleasant Georgia evenings. The spacious layout also gives children more room to move around than is typical in many restaurants, allowing parents to enjoy a leisurely meal while little ones stretch their legs.
Combined with its ability to accommodate large groups, the restaurant is well positioned to become a venue for birthday parties, anniversary dinners, graduation celebrations, and other community events.
Another thoughtful touch is the restaurant’s commitment to sustainability. Every dish is served in eco-friendly, compostable tableware, reflecting the owners’ effort to reduce the restaurant’s environmental footprint.
A Worthy Addition to Johns Creek
Metro Atlanta has no shortage of Indian restaurants, but House of Biryani & Kababs distinguishes itself by venturing well beyond the familiar butter chicken-and-naan formula. Instead, it celebrates the remarkable diversity of Indian regional cuisine—from Andhra and Telangana specialties to Hyderabadi classics and freshly grilled kebabs prepared in a live kitchen.
The generous dining space, outdoor seating, family-friendly atmosphere, and event-ready layout further set it apart from many of its competitors.
For adventurous diners eager to discover dishes they won’t find elsewhere in Atlanta—and for families looking for a comfortable place to gather over a leisurely meal—House of Biryani & Kababs is a welcome and flavorful addition to Johns Creek.
