Mr. Biryani Launches Two-Month “No Phone Challenge” With 15% Off for Diners

When was the last time you finished a meal without checking your phone?

Mr Biryani — the Little India institution known for its fragrant Hyderabadi biryani — wants Singaporeans to try exactly that for two full months.

Mr Biryani Logo via Mr Biryani Facebook

From 1 November to 31 December, the restaurant is rolling out a “No Phone Challenge” designed to get diners to look up, talk more, and rediscover what a good meal tastes like when the table isn’t filled with notifications.

Look at Your Biryani… Or at Least Your Parents

In a video posted for the campaign, founder Chef Govinda Rajan — known among regulars for speaking his mind — explains what prompted the initiative.

“What annoys me the most as a restaurant owner is not the bad review, not the difficult customer, not the bad market, but mobile phones,” he says.

“People come to the restaurant looking at the food, ordering food and not looking at the waiter, eating biryani and not looking at the biryani.
That’s fine — but at least look at your father and mother who’s sitting in front of you. Leave the phone for a minute.”

He adds that biryani was never meant to be eaten in silence.

“Biryani is a communal meal where you’re supposed to share, you feed him, he feed you, have a lot of fun. Biryani tastes better when you talk to each other.”

Those who participate in the No Phone Challenge — literally keeping phones off the table during the meal — get 15% off their bill.

Mr Biryani: A Little India Favourite Since 2017

Founded in 2017, Mr Biryani has carved out its place in Singapore’s food landscape by offering authentic Hyderabadi biryani adapted thoughtfully to local tastes.

Known for its aroma-rich spices imported directly from India, the restaurant serves both dine-in customers and a strong catering crowd from homes and offices.

Chef Govinda’s belief is simple: good biryani should bring people together — not leave them scrolling in silence.

Two Months To Put the Phone Down

For November and December, Mr Biryani is asking diners to try something ‘radical’ in 2025: Be present. Talk to one another. Share the meal.

And in return, you get 15% off — plus, according to Chef Govinda, much better-tasting biryani.

“Let’s make connection taste better,” the campaign says.

Looks like the challenge has already begun.

Location:

11 Chander Road, Singapore 219529

+65 8661 4273

Wtach the video here:

@mrbiryanisg

📵 No Phone Challenge: Nov 1 – Dec 31 🍛 Put the phone down. Look up. Talk. Laugh. Share. For two months, it’s all about real conversations, good company, and the best biryani in town 😋 No scrolling. No Busy Body. Just people, stories, and that perfect plate of biryani. Join us — let’s make connection taste better ❤️ #NoPhoneChallenge #RealTalksOnly #BiryaniAndChill #EatTogether #FoodWithHeart #DigitalDetox #MrBiryani

♬ original sound – MrBiryaniSG – MrBiryaniSG