Welcome to the gastronomic paradise of Hyderabad, where every meal is a celebration of flavors, aromas, and culinary traditions passed down through generations. Renowned for its rich and diverse cuisine, Hyderabad offers a tantalizing array of dishes that reflect the city's vibrant culture and heritage. From fragrant biryanis to succulent kebabs and decadent desserts, each bite tells a story of culinary excellence and innovation. Join us on a journey to explore the must-try cuisines of Hyderabad, as we delve into the heart of this food lover's paradise and uncover the secrets behind its irresistible flavors.
# BiryaniOf course, The world famous Hyderabadi Biryani. One of the centersof attractions of Hyderabad, Biryani should be the first item you try in Hyderabad be it Veg or Non-Veg! Be prepared to lose yourself into the scrumptious, zesty blend of spices that are perfectly cooked with long grain Basmati Rice and succulent Mutton/Chicken/Paneer pieces. Few places have been listed below and they don’t even cover 1% of the total number of restaurants that offer Biryanis all over Hyderabad.
# HaleemThe first place that a search engine shows when searched for “Haleem” is, undoubtedly, Hyderabad. The famous Haleem, a slow cooked dish made of barley, wheat, meat (chicken/ mutton), along with herbs and spices which basically is a festival of flavors! Be it the roadside stalls or a grand 5-start hotel, a Haleem serving joint is usually crowded and why shouldn’t it be?
This magical dish is just available for thirty days a year, during the Ramadan season. The intoxicating aroma of ghee and meat will surely a test of one’s patience. Highly recommended for a Non-Vegetarian!
# Shawarma
Originated in the Midwest, Shawarma is a Levantine meat preparation where the meat is grilled for almost a day on vertical spits. This mouth-watering and tender meat is then blanketed with KubusorRumali Roti’s that’s coated with a thick layer of Mayonnaise and other sauces, salads and finally is rolled and grilled. It is a great food for quick bites, filling and is reasonably priced. Many places do serve vegetarian Shawarma’s as well. (Commonly known as falafel)
# KababsThe tandoori grilled chicken hung vertically on rods outside stalls salivates the pedestrians as the aroma of Garam Masala and other spices rush to their olfactory receptors, enchanting the person. This pleasing creation has been admired among connoisseurs for centuries, originating from the very Mughal Royal Kitchen itself! And Hyderabad is no stranger to kababs. Home to a wide variety of kababs like Pathar ka ghost,Shami,Galouti, Kakori kababs etc. This meat coated with numerous spices, is usually served like an appetizer, with green chutney and salads.
# Osmania BiscuitsThis heavenly creation, is named after a Nizam ruler, Mir Osman Ali Khan. A flawless balance of the saltiness and sweetness, this magical creation is popularly enjoyed with Irani Chai that makes for a perfect evening snack. They are available in almost every tea stall in Hyderabad!
# Irani Chai
Isn’t it great that even a simple cup of tea has a mysteriousand fascinating story behind its origin? And with every sip, you taste the culture, tradition and heritage of numerous societies and counties that spent years creating this. Irani Chai originated in Persia and brought to Hyderabad and is a very famous evening snack choice. It has a similar preparation like coffee. The tea leaves are boiled in a separate vessel and so is the milk. The tea solution and milk finally unite when served to a customer. They are Preferred usually with Osmania Biscuits; this tea will surely make your day!
# Karachi BiscuitsTouted as an iconic establishment that was the result of the partition of India and Pakistan, Karachi biscuits have been the primary attraction of Hyderabad for about six decades now. This pure – veg, fruity and nutty cookies or “Nankhataye”is widely enjoyed with tea and coffee. Osmania Biscuits are one of the many cookies that the Karachi Bakery makes.
# Mirchi Bhajji
A vendor selling a Hot and spicy Mirchi Bhajji can be found almost in any nook and corner of a street in Hyderabad! This dish, made with juicy hot chillies coated with a batter made of gram flour and a few spices, and then deep fried, are a treat to your taste buds. Served with peanuts, onions and tamarind/peanut/coconut chutney dip on the side, Mirchi Bhajji is a very widely cherished delicacy especially during rains. It’s a South Indian street food, commonly consumed as an evening snack. Highly recommended for spicy food lovers!
# PunuguluAnother South Indian street food, Punugulus are also very easily available at any street corners. Made from Rice, UradDaal, and a few other spices, this crispy yet fluffy snack served with spicy peanut/coconut chutney dip and onions is just AWESOME! As the rains come pouring down, the smell of wet soil ignites a Myriad of emotions in a person, followed by some involuntary food cravings. If this happens to you often, don’t worry! Just take a trip to the nearest South Indian SnackBandi or cart, and treat yourself with this delicious golden brown snack!
# DosaIf you have been living in India, then you won’t be a stranger to a Dosa! This crispy, golden brown, pristine dish is served usually with peanut-coconut chutney and sambar andis just pure magic. Simple yet magnificent, this scrumptious, crusty snack can be enjoyed at almost any time of the day. Be it for breakfast, lunch, snacks or even dinner!
Over the years, South Indian chefs have put their creative minds together and come up with a number of Dosa fillings like Paneer, Cheese, Onion, Corn, Mysore Masala, Butter Masala, Masala, and a plethora of other stuffings. Even a plain Dosa is appetizing! Dosa’s are available in every South Indian restaurant. But for those who want to enjoy different flavours and stuffing, the below mentioned restaurant is a strict go-go!