http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biryani
Biryani, biriani, or beriani (Nastaliq script: بریانی) is a set of rice-based foods made with spices, rice (usually basmati) and meat, fish, eggs or vegetables. The name is derived from the Persian word beryā(n) (بریان) which means "fried" or "roasted".[1]
The Biryani originated in the Indian Subcontinent. Biryani is popular not only in South Asia but also in Arabia and within various South Asian communities in Western countries. The dish has many local variants.