Only in India - Corn Puffs Pretending To Be Hyderabadi Veg Biryani

Image source - Open Food Facts

Ever picked up a snack packet and laughed at the name? 

One brand decided to call its mix of corn meal, oil, gram flour, salts, powdered spices, milk solids, citric acid, and the ever-present flavor enhancer (INS-621 or monosodium glutamate)… “Hyderabadi Veg Biryani.”

Now, anyone who has had real Hyderabadi biryani knows it’s an elaborate affair of rice, vegetables (or meat), herbs, slow cooking, and aroma that lingers across the neighborhood. What you get here instead is a powdered shortcut, an unscrupulous seller's remix of pantry staples designed to taste like the idea of biryani.

It’s a funny reminder of how processed foods borrow the names of beloved dishes to market themselves. “Veg Biryani” in this case is more about flavor dust than dum cooking. Next time you see such labels, remember—it’s not biryani, it’s branding.

👉 Real takeaway: always check the ingredients list, not just the fancy name on the packet.