Khalil Biryani House: Cheap Bangladeshi Comfort Food in Jackson Height
Quick Summary
- 📍 Location: 74-10 Broadway, Jackson Height, NY 11373
- 🚇 Nearest Subway: A short walk from Jackson Heights–Roosevelt Avenue Station (E, F, M, R, 7)
- 🍛 Cuisine: Bangladeshi
- 🥩 Halal: Yes
- 💰 Price Range: $ (Very budget-friendly)
- ⭐ My Rating: 7.5/10
- 👍 Must Try: Roast Polao
- 👨👩👧 Best For: Anyone looking for affordable, authentic Bangladeshi comfort food.
- 👎 Skip If: You're expecting a fancy dining experience with full table service.
- 📅 Visited: Mid 2025 and June 2026
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My Khalil Biryani House Video Review
If you'd rather watch than read, here is a quick 60-second look at my dining experience at Khalil Biryani House:
I've passed by Khalil Biryani House several times whenever I'm in Jackson Height Roosevelt Avenue, and I've always been curious to try it. Since I enjoy exploring different cuisines across Queens in New York, I finally decided to stop by and see what authentic Bangladeshi food was all about.
Getting here is simple. If you're taking public transportation, the restaurant is located steps from the Elmhurst Av Station (served by the M and R trains). Alternatively, it's just a short 5-6 minute walk down Broadway from the major Jackson Heights–Roosevelt Avenue hub (E, F, M, R, and 7 trains).
The Ambiance: What It’s Like Inside
When I walked inside, I immediately noticed that it felt more like a casual cafeteria than a traditional sit-down restaurant. Most of the food was already prepared and displayed behind glass counters. You simply point to the dishes you want, and the staff reheats them before serving.
While the steam-table setup might not appeal to everyone, I didn't mind it too much. It reminded me of some casual food spots I've visited in Asia, where the focus is entirely on serving affordable comfort food quickly rather than creating a fine dining experience.
The dining room itself is actually quite clean, featuring modern dark seating and wooden tables, making it a perfectly fine spot to sit down and eat. The service was functional and straightforward—you order your food, find a seat, enjoy your meal, and head out.
The Menu at Khalil Biryani House: What I Ordered
To get a true feel for the menu, I decided to try a variety of different dishes to see how the flavors stacked up.
Chicken Biryani
The chicken biryani was flavorful, filling, and incredibly reasonably priced. The chicken itself was tender, the portion was generous, and the rice carried a nice aroma from the spices. That said, it wasn't the standout biryani of my outer-borough food hunts. Don't get me wrong, it tasted good and I enjoyed it, but if I had to choose only one dish to come back for, this wouldn't be my first pick.
Mixed Vegetable Curry
Vegetable sides don't always get much attention, but I actually really enjoyed this one. The vegetables were soft without becoming mushy, and the curry sauce had a comforting, homemade taste. It paired beautifully with the rice and helped balance out some of the richer meat dishes.
Shrimp Curry
I'm a big fan of seafood, so the shrimp curry was a must-order. The shrimp were cooked perfectly in a flavorful, savory curry sauce that coated the rice well. Fortunately, they weren't overcooked or rubbery. It wasn't overly spicy either, making it an enjoyable option even if you prefer milder profiles.
The Standout: Authentic Roast Polao with Kalijira Rice
Out of everything on the table, the Roast Polao was easily my favorite dish. If you only order one thing at Khalil Biryani House, make it this.
The chicken was cooked in a rich, deeply savory gravy made with yogurt and onion paste, and it was served alongside a boiled egg and aromatic Kalijira rice. The rice itself was highly fragrant—these tiny, delicate grains are totally different from the standard long-grain basmati rice most people are used to eating. Everything worked together perfectly: the chicken was tender, the gravy brought massive flavor, and the tiny rice grains soaked it all up beautifully.
Chicken Kebab Patty
I also grabbed a chicken kebab patty as a side. It was tender, well-seasoned and made for a nice little addition to the meal.
While it was tasty, it just wasn't as memorable as the Roast Polao. Still, it's a solid, cheap add-on if you want to sample a variety of textures.
What to Expect: Atmosphere and Menu Changes
This June 2026, one detail I noticed during my visit was that the steam table seemed to have fewer food options available compared to their peak. Some of these specific food are available during weekends or specific days. Either way, it's worth keeping in mind that options can fluctuate.
Ultimately, this isn't the type of restaurant you visit for the ambiance or attentive table service. You come here because you want authentic, no-frills Bangladeshi comfort food that won't break the bank.
Flops & Overhyped
- ❌ The service is strictly transactional and average.
- ❌ The cafeteria-style, reheated setup may not appeal to diners looking for a made-to-order meal.
- ❌ Daily food choices can sometimes feel limited depending on when you arrive.
What I Would Order Again
If I return to Khalil Biryani House, my order is definitely going to include:
- ✅ Roast Polao (A absolute must-try)
- ✅ Shrimp Curry
I would personally skip the Chicken Biryani next time—not because it was bad, but because the Roast Polao completely outshined it.
The Verdict: Is Khalil Biryani House Worth It?
Is it a "destination restaurant" worth a massive trek from Manhattan? Honestly, probably not.
But if you are already exploring Elmhurst or Jackson Heights and craving authentic Bangladeshi food that hits the spot without emptying your wallet, it is absolutely worth a stop. Next time, I'm skipping the biryani altogether and heading straight for the Roast Polao.
Restaurant Information
- Name: Khalil Biryani House
- Address: 74-10 Broadway, Elmhurst, NY 11373
- Cuisine: Bangladeshi (Halal)
- Nearest Subway: Elmhurst Av (M, R)
- Price Range: $
Disclaimer: This review reflects my personal experience during my visit in Mid 2025. Restaurant offerings, prices, and service are subject to change.
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