If you’re new to Hyderabad, the first thing that comes to your head when you think about the cuisine is probably biryani. And you’re right of course, biryani is very important to this city, but it’s far from the only delicacy that this city has to offer. If you’ve been eating all your meals in your girls’ hostel in Gachibowli, you probably haven’t had a chance to explore all the culinary delights that this city is famous for. And that’s what we’re here to remedy. Here is a list of some of the most popular and delicious dishes that you just have to try while you’re living in Hyderabad.
Dosa at Govind’s Bandi
One of the most popular south Indian dishes, you’re going to find dosa and idli on almost every corner in Hyderabad. But there’s something special about this dish when you try it at Govind’s Bandi in Banjara Hills. But be warned that the dosas here come in a sinful ghee-soaked avatar that will have you licking your lips for hours. Fried in dollops of butter and stuffed with a rich upma, sprinkled with a secret podi, this dosa is the stuff that dreams are made of. And while you’re at Govind’s, try the tava idli too.
Irani Chai at Nimrah Cafe
If you’re heading to Ghansi Bazaar in the Old City, you need to stop at Nimrah Cafe for a cup of Irani chai. This is one of the most quintessential Hyderabadi experiences that you can have in the city so don’t be surprised if you see a bunch of tourists posing with their chai in front of the Charminar. Nimrah Cafe also makes an incredible khara tea biscuit that is the perfect accompaniment to your Irani Chai.
Mutton Biryani at Hotel Shadab
You knew that biryani had to be somewhere on this list and we couldn’t keep you scrolling for longer. This Old City favourite is one that you’ll want to check off your bucket list. Their biryani recipe has remained unchanged for years and is an all-time crowd pleaser. Get a group of friends together to feast on their other treats like paya, nihari, and munshi naan while you’re at it.
Malai Paya at Hotel Nayaab
Nayaab is one of the original Irani cafes in the city and it’s a favourite because it’s steeped in years of tradition. It was the first place to serve haleem commercially in the city. But it’s their malai paya which steals the show. Once you’ve tried this dish, you’re definitely going to come back for seconds. Don’t miss out on their breakfast service which starts as early as four am or a cup of their kesar ka chai either.
Mandi at Mandi@36
Once upon a time, Arabic cuisine in Hyderabad was confined to the barracks where the Iranian and Yemeni soldiers of the Nizam’s army resided. But the deliciousness of their food soon spread to the rest of the city. Dishes like Kabsa and Mandi have become really popular in Hyderabad. Mandi@36 is one of the places that preserve the history and culinary heritage of the city. So, head there with your friends and family to share a mandi and you won’t regret it.
Marag at Hotel Sohail
When it comes to food in Hyderabad, Marag is something that has achieved cult status only in recent years. A mutton stew that’s packed with rich flavour and slow-cooked until the meat falls off the bone, this dish is usually served at Hyderabadi weddings. Hotel Sohail is where you can enjoy this dish for a reasonable price and an unforgettable experience.
This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to trying all the different culinary delights that Hyderabad has to offer. We hope that this list inspires you to step out of your comfort zone and try something new. Happy exploring!
