Food & Shopping

Food & Shopping

Khammam offers a diverse culinary experience, blending traditional Telangana flavors with South Indian, Hyderabadi, and Andhra cuisines. Whether you're looking for spicy street food, authentic Telangana dishes, or fine dining, the city has something for every food lover.

1. Must-Try Traditional Dishes in Khammam

A. Telangana Specialties

 Sakinalu – A deep-fried rice flour snack, crunchy and spicy, usually made during festivals.
 Jonna Roti (Jowar Roti) – A thick millet-based roti served with spicy chutneys and curries.
 Sarva Pindi – A crispy rice flour pancake mixed with green chilies, sesame seeds, and spices.
 Telangana Mutton Curry – Spicy, rich, and full of local flavors, often eaten with rice or roti.
 Pachi Pulusu – A raw tamarind-based soup with onions and green chilies, a refreshing dish served with rice.

B. South Indian Delicacies

 Dosa & Idli with Spicy Chutneys – A staple breakfast in Khammam, served with coconut chutney and sambar.
 Pesarattu – A green gram dosa, crispy and nutritious.
 Andhra-style Pulihora – Tangy and spicy tamarind rice, a must-try dish.
 Gongura Pachadi – A famous Andhra-style chutney made from sorrel leaves.
 Avakaya Pickle – A spicy raw mango pickle, best enjoyed with hot rice and ghee.

C. Hyderabadi Influence

 Hyderabadi Biryani – Fragrant and flavorful, served with mirchi ka salan and raita.
 Double Ka Meetha – A rich, sweet bread pudding made with ghee, milk, and dry fruits.
 Qubani Ka Meetha – A traditional apricot dessert served with cream or ice cream.

2. Best Street Food in Khammam

If you love street food, Khammam has plenty of delicious options!

 Mirchi Bajji – Spicy green chilies stuffed with masala, coated in gram flour, and deep-fried.
 Punugulu – Crispy deep-fried balls made from fermented dosa batter, best with peanut chutney.
 Pani Puri & Chaat – Available at Gandhi Chowk and Bypass Road, served with spicy and tangy water.
 Kebabs & Tandoori Chicken – Found at many roadside stalls, especially near bus stands and markets.
 Sugarcane Juice & Buttermilk – Perfect drinks to beat the Telangana heat.

 Best Street Food Areas:

• Gandhi Chowk – The busiest food hub in Khammam.
• Bus Stand Area – Great for quick bites and affordable meals.
• Lakaram Tank Bund Road – Best for evening snacks and fast food.

3. Best Restaurants & Eateries in Khammam

A. Top Vegetarian Restaurants

1️⃣ Abhiruchi Hotel – Famous for traditional South Indian meals & breakfast dishes.
2️⃣ Minerva Grand Restaurant – Serves high-quality North & South Indian thalis.
3️⃣ Manohar Vegetarian Restaurant – Great for dosa, thali, and poori masala.

B. Best Non-Vegetarian Restaurants

1️⃣ Paradise Biryani – Famous for authentic Hyderabadi biryani & kebabs.
2️⃣ Hotel Annapurna Deluxe – Best for spicy Telangana curries & Andhra meals.
3️⃣ Spicy Family Restaurant – Serves delicious mutton curry and seafood.

C. Multi-Cuisine & Fine Dining

1️⃣ Sitara Grand – Offers Chinese, North Indian, and Telangana cuisine.
2️⃣ The Pavilion Restaurant – Best for luxury dining and family outings.
3️⃣ Bamboo Restaurant – Known for barbecue and grill dishes.

 Tip: Many restaurants in Khammam serve food on banana leaves for an authentic experience!

4. Famous Sweets & Desserts in Khammam

 Ariselu – A jaggery and rice-based sweet, crispy on the outside and soft inside.
 Boondi Laddu – A festival favorite, made with deep-fried gram flour pearls soaked in sugar syrup.
 Kova Puri – A sweet stuffed puri, famous in Telangana.
 Payasam (Kheer) – A delicious rice pudding made with milk and cardamom.

 Best Sweet Shops in Khammam:
✅ Dharani Sweets – Famous for laddus and Ariselu.
✅ Sri Laxmi Vilas Sweets – Offers a variety of Telangana sweets.
✅ Vellanki Foods – Known for pickles, sweets, and snacks.

5. Best Places for Coffee & Tea

Khammam has many Irani chai & filter coffee stalls where locals gather for long conversations.

 Best Cafés in Khammam:

• Café Coffee Day (CCD) – A popular modern café for coffee lovers.
• Coffee Club – Great for cappuccinos and snacks.
• Lakaram Tea Stall – Best for authentic Telangana-style chai.

✅ Tip: Try Irani Chai with Osmania Biscuits for a perfect evening snack.

6. Unique Culinary Experiences in Khammam

 Traditional Telangana Thali – Served with rice, dal, fry curries, pickles, rasam, and curd.
 Bamboo Chicken – A tribal dish where chicken is cooked inside bamboo sticks, giving it a smoky flavor.
 Village-Style Cooking – Some restaurants offer live firewood cooking for an authentic Telangana meal.

7. Food Festivals & Events in Khammam

Khammam hosts several food fairs and festivals where you can try local delicacies:

 Bathukamma Festival (September-October): Enjoy Sakinalu, Pindi Vantalu, and Sweet Pongal.
 Bonalu Festival: Famous for spicy mutton curry and rice.
 Sankranti Celebrations: Best time to enjoy Ariselu, Pongal, and Pulihora.

Conclusion: A Food Lover’s Paradise

Khammam offers a delightful mix of traditional Telangana flavors, spicy Andhra dishes, and Hyderabadi cuisine. From authentic street food to luxury dining, there's something for everyone.