Our 1-to-5 spice scale explained
Level 1 (mild) removes green chilies and most red chili powder. The biryani still has aromatic spice — cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, bay leaf, fried onion — but the heat is gone. Level 3 (medium / default) is classic Hyderabadi: noticeable warmth from green chili and red chili powder, but balanced by the rice and the marinade. Level 5 (spicy) brings the green chili count up and adds a hit of fresh ground pepper. Most adult regulars eat the default 3; first-timers and kids do better at 1.