Food & Shopping
Hyderabad is a paradise for food lovers, offering a blend of Mughlai, Andhra, and Telangana cuisine. From the world-famous Hyderabadi Biryani to delicious street food, the city’s culinary scene is rich, diverse, and full of flavors.
1. Iconic Dishes of Hyderabad
A. Hyderabadi Biryani
- The crown jewel of Hyderabad’s cuisine.
- Cooked with basmati rice, saffron, spices, and marinated meat (chicken/mutton/fish/vegetables).
- Best places to try:
- Paradise Biryani (Secunderabad, Hitec City)
- Bawarchi (RTC X Roads)
- Shadab (Old City)
- Hotel Nayaab (Charminar)
B. Hyderabadi Haleem
- A slow-cooked stew of wheat, meat, ghee, and spices, famous during Ramzan.
- Best places to try:
- Pista House (Multiple locations)
- Shah Ghouse (Tolichowki, Gachibowli)
- Sarvi (Banjara Hills)
C. Mirchi Ka Salan & Baghare Baingan
- Mirchi Ka Salan – A spicy green chili curry served with biryani.
- Baghare Baingan – A delicious eggplant curry cooked in tamarind & peanut gravy.
- Best places to try:
- Cafe Bahar (Basheer Bagh)
- Hotel Shadab (Ghansi Bazaar)
D. Nihari & Paya Soup
- Nihari – A slow-cooked mutton stew, best enjoyed with naan or kulcha.
- Paya Soup – A traditional bone broth, ideal for winters.
- Best places to try:
- Hotel Nayaab (Charminar)
- Shah Ghouse (Tolichowki)
2. Street Food of Hyderabad
A. Irani Chai & Osmania Biscuits
- Irani Chai – A strong, sweet, and creamy tea served in small cups.
- Osmania Biscuits – Buttery, melt-in-the-mouth cookies named after the Nizam of Hyderabad.
- Best places to try:
- Cafe Nimrah (Charminar)
- Garden Cafe (Secunderabad)
- Sarvi Cafe (Banjara Hills)
B. Hyderabadi Samosa & Lukhmi
- Lukhmi – A thick, square-shaped minced meat puff.
- Samosa – Crispy snack filled with spiced potatoes or keema.
- Best places to try:
- Subhan Bakery (Nampally)
- Govind Dosa (Begum Bazaar)
C. Shawarma & Kebab Rolls
- Influenced by Middle Eastern flavors, Hyderabad offers some of the best shawarmas & kebabs.
- Best places to try:
- Mandi @ 36 (Jubilee Hills)
- Al Rabea (Tolichowki)
3. Sweets & Desserts
A. Double Ka Meetha & Qubani Ka Meetha
- Double Ka Meetha – A rich, Mughlai-style bread pudding with saffron & dry fruits.
- Qubani Ka Meetha – A classic apricot-based dessert, served with fresh cream or ice cream.
- Best places to try:
- Cafe Bahar (Basheerbagh)
- Paradise Biryani (Secunderabad, Hitec City)
B. Khubani Ice Cream & Falooda
- Khubani Ice Cream – A delicious apricot-flavored ice cream.
- Falooda – A chilled dessert with vermicelli, rose syrup, and sabja seeds.
- Best places to try:
- Cream Stone (Banjara Hills, Hitech City)
- Shah Ghouse (Gachibowli, Tolichowki)
4. Best Fine Dining Restaurants
- Jewel of Nizam (Golkonda Resort) – Royal Hyderabadi cuisine.
- Ohri’s Tansen (Necklace Road) – Mughlai & North Indian cuisine.
- Zafran Exotica (Banjara Hills) – Rooftop dining with Mughlai dishes.
- Chutneys (Banjara Hills, Hitech City) – Best South Indian vegetarian meals.
5. Unique Culinary Experiences in Hyderabad
A. Mandi Culture (Arabic Cuisine)
- Mandi is a traditional Arabian rice dish served on large platters.
- Best places to try:
- Mandi @ 36 (Jubilee Hills)
- Spice 6 (Banjara Hills, Tolichowki)
B. Food Walks in Old City
- Experience authentic Hyderabadi flavors with guided food tours.
- Areas to explore: Charminar, Tolichowki, Begum Bazaar.
C. Biryani Cooking Workshops
- Learn how to cook the famous Dum Biryani from local chefs.
- Available at select luxury hotels & culinary schools.
6. Best Vegetarian & South Indian Restaurants
- Chutneys (Banjara Hills, Hitech City) – Famous for Guntur Idli & South Indian thali.
- Bikanervala (Banjara Hills) – Best for chaats, dosas, and sweets.
- Dakshin (ITC Kakatiya) – Authentic Andhra, Tamil, and Kerala cuisine.
Hyderabad offers a vibrant and diverse food culture, with something for everyone—whether you love spicy curries, royal Mughlai dishes, or street snacks. Don’t leave Hyderabad without tasting its legendary biryani, Haleem, and Irani Chai!
