Hyderabad is the capital and largest city of the Indian State of Telangana. The name Hyderabad means “Haydar’s City” or “Lion City”, from ‘haydar’ ‘lion’ and ‘abad’ ‘city’. The city was originally called Baghnagar (“city of gardens”).
What comes to your mind when you hear Hyderabad? Biryani would be the first thing that would come to your mind. But is Hyderabad only about Hyderabad Biryani? Well as a Hyderabadi, I can say that there is so much more to Hyderabad than just Biryani.
Hyderabadi cuisine, also known as Deccani cuisine, is a unique blend of flavors and cooking styles that has its roots in the Mughal Empire, Nizams of Hyderabad and traditional tastes of Telangana and Marathwada.
In Hyderabad, food is not just a necessity; it is a celebration! From Savory kebabs to sweet treats join me as we explore the must try dishes and hidden gems that make this city a food lovers paradise.
Café Nilofer:
Subah utke lakdi ka pul jake Nilofer me malaia bun, Osmania bicuit aur Irani chai piye tho ghum ho jate(wake up in the morning, going to the lakdikapul to enjoy Malai (cream)bunr, Osmania biscuits, and Irani chai from Nilofe makes all worries disappear). Café Nilofer is one of the most famous places in Hyderabad, specially for their Chai. This place was opened on 1978, and since then it’s been serving Hyderabad. The exotic dish of malai bun originate in this café.
Hotel Nayab:
Hotel Nayab, a running legend of 38years is famous for its non-veg breakfast which consists of pure nizam cuisine like the bheja fry, Bhaji Gurda, kheema roti/pav , malai paya aur tandoori roti. Unlike the usual south Indian breakfast, Hyderabadi breakfast is full of meat delicacies.
Mutton curry and ginger chicken are also some must try dishes.
Ramki Bandi:
Ramki bandi, an eatery where innovation and traditional culture blend. A street food joint famous for its corn and cheese dosa, pizza dosa, tawa idly, pesaratu. The initial idea of the joint was to serve employees who worked night shift, so it opens in at 2AM.
Paradise:
Paradise bole the dimag me sirf biryani aatha…biryani ko side karo aur kheema parotha and kheema samosa try karo(when one hear the name ‘paradise”,they only think about biryani.but there is much more than biryani). Paradise is also famous for its breakfast delicacy that is kheema parotha and a lovable snack of kheema samosa.
Another must try dish is the famous Hyderabadi chicken biryani.
Hotel Alpha:
Popular for its traditional Hyderabadi breakfast and snacks. Alpha Hotel, located in Secunderabad, is a landmark eatery known for its hearty breakfast offerings. It is particularly popular for its haleem and chicken dishes.
Ab nashte me kitna khayenge miya…lunch ke liye bhi jaga bachao. Lunch me aise kiraak places jaenge ki baingan maut ajati kakhe.
( How much are you going to eat for breakfast, my friend? Save some space for lunch too. For lunch, we’ll go to such amazing places that will taste like heaven!”)
Hotel Shadab:
Pura Hyderabad pagal hojata Shadab ke khane ke liye(All of Hyderabad goes crazy for the food at Shadab)…Famous for its traditional Hyderabadi dishes. Hotel Shadab, located near Charminar, is a historical restaurant that has been serving traditional Hyderabadi cuisine for decades. It’s a popular spot known for its variety of dishes like mutton biryani, Nalli nihari, chicken nihari, kebabs, marag, tala hua ghosht, khatti dal.
if you visit this hotel on Friday, you get special dishes like Kofta Biryani, Bagara Khana, Shikampur.
Shahi dastar kwan:
Once upon a time, the bazaars of the old city were redolent with the smell of pathar ka gosht. Meat marinated overnight slow-cooked on slabs of stone, heated by charcoal fires underneath. In order to enjoy this lip smacking dish, head towards Shahi Dastarkhwan which is located in the center of lakdikapul. They serve one of the best biryani in town and the infamous pathar ka ghosht.
Café Bahar:
A go-to place for Hyderabadi Biryani, Haleem and kebabs. Café Bahar is a family-owned restaurant that has been serving authentic Hyderabadi dishes for over four decades. The restaurant offers a range of Hyderabadi dishes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds.
Shah Gouse:
Shah Ghouse is the perfect destination for Hyderabadi and mutton lovers. Mutton Haleem, Hyderabadi Dum Biryani, and Paya are the top famous dishes over here. Hyderabad’s Haleem has a completely different taste compared to other cities and Shah Ghouse maintains its aroma and taste perfectly.
Royal fish court:
This Outlet is found in the lanes of Charminar. Fish fry in Royal fish court is eminent in whole Charminar and indeed in entire Hyderabad. It has the experience of over 60years and going to have more. The spice touch of the fry gives the dish a pleasing taste
Ithna khan ke baad muh mai paan ghusa diye tho kya maje athe…itna acha lunch khan ke baad gazab ke snacks tho banthe…,kiraak snacking places chahiye??kaiku tension lete, apun hain na
(After eating so much, if we pop some paan in our mouths, what a joy it would be! After such a great lunch, we definitely need some amazing snacks. Looking for the best snacking places? Why worry? I’ve got this!)
Pizza Den:
Amidst the exotic non vegetarian food, this snack joint is a blessing for vegetarians.an under rated pizza place located in secunderabad, this place has many childhood memories of mine. this is a place where I fell in love with vegetarian pizza. Some of the must try dishes I would recommend are cream cheese pizza, Indian masala pizza for the spicy lovers, death by chocolate and black forest softy fantasies.
Milaan juice centre:
One of the reasons to visit Charminar is this tasty Mulberry malai(cream) available in Milan Juice Centre. It’s delicious and contains these tiny mulberries loaded with rich cream and its sweet and pinch of mulberries’ sour taste gives this item a unique savor. Apart from the Mulberry Malai, Milian foods have special juices, Falooda, and milkshakes with nuts overloaded.
Gokul Chaat:
A popular chaat place offering a wide range of street snacks. Gokul Chat, despite being a small chaat shop, has a huge following. It has been serving delicious street food since 1980 and is known for its resilience, bouncing back stronger after a tragic incident in 2007. Gokul Chat, located in Koti, is a beloved spot for chaat lovers. Their Mirchi Bajji and Panipuri are famous for their tangy and spicy flavors, making it a go-to place for an evening snack.
Nimrah café:
Subah ki chai alag ab sham ki chai pelna hai isleye Charminar me nimrah café ko ana(Morning tea is one thing, but now it’s time for evening tea, so let’s head to Nimrah Café at Charminar). Known for its Osmania Biscuits and Irani Chai. Nimrah Café, located near the Charminar, is not only famous for its Osmania biscuits but also for its historical significance. The café has been a meeting place for poets, artists, and intellectuals of Hyderabad for many years. The café is a popular spot for locals to relax and enjoy a quick snack.
Itha khan eke baad kuch meetha tho banta na chicha..(After eating so much, we definitely need something sweet, right, brother?)
Coconut barfi: This sweet does not have a particular location as it is sold on the streets of Charminar, and the taste of the sweet is satisfactory. Coconut is sold with this sweet as the combination of sweet and coconut is so good people started loving this combination. It is one of the famous sweets of Charminar.
Shah dood malai: The most famous shahdood malai is available in the Tawakkal Nazeer juice center. Not only this, but they are different types of malai available like sitafal malai, anjeer malai, lichi malai, Chiku malai, and many more. They are 100% fresh fruits guarantee. This special Shahjahan Kunda is a mixture of cream with added honey and as a topping, they use a mixture of three dry fruits: Pista, almond, and aakrut.
Jauzi Halwa : Hameedi is an outlet of a sweet shop made at the corner. It is famous for its halwa and ladoos. Jauzi halwa is one of the most famous and best-selling sweets in the store.
The other famous Hyderabadi sweets include: double ka meetha, Qubani Ka Meetha
Kaddu Ki Kheer, Sheer Khurma, Badam Ki Jali and shahi tukda.
Areey chotu, time kya horrela hai?? Yeh sab khan ke baad bhi dil aur pet dono nahi bare tho seeda gadi gumake dlf street food chale jho…raat ki hawa aur dlf street food Jannat dik jathi.
(“Hey little one, what time is it? If our hearts and stomachs aren’t satisfied after all this food, let’s just take the car and head to DLF Street Food. The evening breeze and DLF Street Food feels like paradise!”)
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, the vibrant street food in Hyderabad offers an unforgettable experience that will leave your taste buds craving for more. So, next time you find yourself in the city, make sure to indulge in the delectable street food and discover the true flavors of Hyderabad.
Thik hai, ab mai nikatlti…bye bye!!
I agree with what blog has said hyderbad strees has its own flavours and specialities a very unique yet different from each other
Yes! Good blog, Hyderabad’s streets are filled with their own distinct flavors and specialties
I agree with this fact, specially, Hyderabadi Biryani, one of the most popular dishes of the city. It is distinctly different from other variations of the Biryani, originating from the kitchens of the Nizams of Hyderabad. It is a celebration dish of basmati rice and mutton, along with yoghurt, onions and various spices.
Hyderabad food is truly a class of its own
Very interesting
great blog!
Hyderabad’s street food is a must-try, delivering unforgettable flavors for both locals and visitors.
Hyderabad’s food is a flavorful blend of Mughlai, Persian, and Telugu cuisines, famous for its iconic Hyderabadi Biryani, Irani Chai, and spicy street food. From rich curries to delectable sweets like Double Ka Meetha, every dish tells a story of tradition and taste.