Huge dip in chicken biryani sales

Hyderabad, the city famously known for its delicious biryani, is currently facing a significant drop in chicken biryani sales. This decline is largely due to the fear of Bird Flu (H5N1), which has led to a cautious approach by the public towards consuming chicken. Although the government has not banned chicken and merely advised people to stay cautious, many are choosing to avoid it completely, leading to a noticeable change in restaurant sales.

Over the past few days, several popular restaurants in Hyderabad have reported a considerable reduction in the number of chicken biryani orders. The situation has prompted a shift in demand, with more customers opting for mutton biryani instead. Consequently, the sales of mutton dishes have seen a sharp increase, while mutton prices have also gone up. Restaurants that typically prepared 50-60 handis (pots) of chicken biryani every day have now reduced this number, with some restaurants even doubling or tripling their mutton biryani production to meet demand.

This shift comes after a rise in bird flu cases in nearby states like Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Maharashtra. Health officials have urged the public to exercise caution when handling or consuming chicken, contributing to the growing reluctance to eat chicken-based dishes like biryani.

As the fear of Bird Flu continues to affect consumer behavior, restaurant owners in Hyderabad are adapting to the changing preferences. While the situation remains dynamic, mutton biryani appears to be the go-to option for many biryani lovers in the city.