Hyderabad – a city of great historical importance also happens to be one of the largest Information Technology hubs of India. It’s astonishing to see the unique balance between the age old legacy and contemporary living here. It’s very well reflected even in the culinary horizon of Hyderabad. Today’s Hyderabadi cuisine is not just limited to the native Telugu cuisine or the Mughal and Turkish influences on it. It is in fact a more evolved cuisine now that seamlessly integrates oriental and far occidental influences as well. From the eponymous Hyderabadi Biryani to scrumptious pizzas arrived much later, from the legendary bakeries – like Subhan and Karachi to roadside kiosks like Kathmandu Momos, from early morning breakfasts at Pragati to late night Dosas at Ram ki Bandi, everything appeals to the palate and to the heart! So let’s dig deeper into the traditional Hyderabadi cuisine and best places to eat it in Hyderabad
Hyderabadi Cuisine :
When you talk about Traditional Hyderabadi cuisine, first two things that instantaneously come to mind are Hyderabadi Dum Biryani and Haleem. Indeed these are the bright stars on the culinary landscape of Hyderabad. But there is much more to the food in Hyderabad. One cannot miss traditional Andhra meals nor the baking heritage. So are the indigenous fusion food served on humble kiosk and food carts.
Traditional Andhra Food :
Earlier as a part of Andhra Pradesh and now the state of Telangana, Hyderabad’s population is predominantly Telugu. So not surprisingly as an integral part of Hyderabadi cuisine, the lunch and dinner options at any eatery are mostly Andhra Meals. However meals here are a slight variation of the original one. In many of the restaurants rice is also accompanied with a Chapati (Indian flat wheat bread), along with regular Rassam, Pappu (Dal/Lentils), Veggies and Papadam. Even the rice tastes a bit differently (more bland) and there is a lesser emphasis on ghee as contrary to traditional Andhra meals in Andhra Pradesh. To cut it short, it appears to be a simpler, less glamorous version of Andhra food. Although not to miss that there are places which serve a great and authentic Andhra food.
Where to eat :
Sri Kakatiya Deluxe MessHyderabadi Breakfast:
The native food of Hyderabad is mostly South Indian. Breakfast is no exception to it. However again there is twist to it. Delicious balls of Maida (all purpose floor) called Mysore Bonda are quite popular apart from typical south Indian breakfast such as Idli, Dosa and Medu Vada. Unlike other parts of South India, Sambar is less common here and chutney takes the center stage. In fact when it comes to roadside eateries and kiosks Sambar is not even served at most of the places. Chutney served is not the typical coconut chutney but the legendary Palli Chutney. Made of groundnuts instead of coconut, it is incredibly tasty and goes really well with Idli. The best part is, it is available liberally (to be self served at many places).
It is incredible to see how recipes evolve, take different forms depending on the availability of resources in a particular region. Chutney – the quintessential accompaniment – is made of coconut across South Indian peninsula because of abundance of coconut in the coastal region. However the same dish is made of groundnuts in Hyderabad, Telangana and surrounding region. Both versions are equally delicious.
Where to eat :
Pragathi Tiffin Center Every Nook and Corner of Hyderabad
Middle Eastern Influences :
The non-vegetarian preparation in the cuisine of Hyderabad have a great influence of Middle eastern cooking styles. Especially the slow cooking. The phenomenal Hyderabadi Dum Biryani derives its inspiration from Persia and Haleem looks more like an Arabic recipe. Apart from these famous duo Hyderabad hosts an array of traditional recipes typically available during the month of Ramjan (Ramadan). Patthar Ka Gosht, Talawa Gosht, Mutton Samosas being few examples. The household recipes cooked in the kitchens of Hyderabad are equally interesting like Dalcha, Dum Pukht, Paya Soup.
Where to eat :
Bawarchi Shadab Alpha Old CityBaking in Hyderabad :
Baking and baked products is another quintessential part of Hyderabadi cuisine. This can be easily reflected from the sheer number of Cafes in Hyderabad and the piles of baked goodies on the display. Be it Osmania Biscuits available in every nook and corner or the more premium Fruit biscuits from Karachi Bakery. Amidst all these legendary cookies and their patrons, one cookie has never received the limelight it deserves. It’s Dum ke Roat. Dum ke Roat is made from semolina, milk and loads of ghee. Most of the bakeries serve Dum ke Roat exclusively during month of Muharram.
Where to eat :
Subhan Bakery Karachi Bakery Nimrah Cafe and BakeryContemporary Hyderabadi Cuisine :
With emergence of Hyderabad as Information Technology hub, city has attracted people from all over the country and the globe. With changing times, the cuisine of the city is evolving rapidly. The traditional recipes such as Masala Dosa are taking new forms of Cheese Masala Dosa, Paneer Dosa. Italian Pizza is a commonplace. It is available in variants such as Indian Masala Pizza, Spicy Paneer Pizza, Tandoori Chicken Pizza. Thanks to the humble eateries who work as innovation labs to develop these new exciting fusion recipes.
Where to eat :
Pizza Den Ram ki Bandi Kim FungA General Guide to Best Places to eat in Hyderabad :
Shadab :
Places are many when it comes to the legendary Hyderabadi Biryani, but Shadab Hotel has proudly preserved the tradition of deliciousness for years now. May not be as famous as the others, but when it comes to the real flavours and Nizami cooking , Shadab can be on of the best Biryanis in Hyderabad.
Bawarchi :
This place doesn’t need much introduction and is synonymous to best Biryani in Hyderabad. Going beyond the Biryani, it’s also a best restaurant to eat kababs in Hyderabad. Proud to not having branches anywhere and diligent to maintain the same taste every time, Bawarchi offers a great chicken and mutton Biryani along with its signature Salan. Kababs especially the Reshmi kabab is a must have.
Karachi Bakery :
Probably the most famous bakery in India, a shining star in Baking industry offers one of its kind fruit biscuits that you cannot miss on. Other varieties such as Osmania, pistachios, kesar and almond are good too. So whenever in Hyderbad, make sure you dig your teeth into the heavenly biscuits and pack few for your loved ones back home.
Hameedi Confections :
Jaozi ka halwa at Hameedi confections has been the favourite of Nizams. The royal choice is definitely a must try. A strong flavour of nutmeg makes Jaozi ka Halwa unique and one of its kind.
Nimrah Cafe and Bakery :
Situated just beside the Charminar, this place offers a typical Hyderabdi Cafe experience as you relish in the quintessential Osmania biscuits, a cup of Irani Chai and a slice of history.
13 Dhaba :
And of course Hyderabad is not just about traditional regional food. So options are plenty even when it comes to north Indian restaurants in Hyderabad. Indulge into the cutest and yummiest Chola Bhaturas, Parathas and beyond at 13 Dhaba.
Subhan Bakery :
If you are fortunate enough to be in Hyderabad during the month of muharram take some time out and visit this legendary place called Subhan bakery. The special cookies, dum ke roat exclusively served during month of muharram are to die for.
Pragati Tiffin Center :
A morning breakfast in the heart of city- koti- at Pragati Tiffin centre is a ritual being followed by many for a long time now. So you do…to get a gist of local south Indian delicacies.
Punjabi Affair :
One of best restaurant in Hyderabad for Punjabi food, this place is not just about great food. It goes far ahead with their warmth and hospitality as they generously pour in the creamy Lassi in your giant glasses. You will definitely come out satisfied everytime you visit.
Pizza Den :
Pizza Den is quite a popular pizza joint among residents of Secunderbad and around. Indeed a den, situated in the ever buzzing area of Paradise Circle, just a few stairs walk leads you to the tiny gem. By this time you should have understood that this ain’t a place like of those International Pizza chains. Rather expect a tinge of Indian streetfood in evrything they serve.
Kathmandu Momos :
A miniature kiosk in Somajiguda serves these piping hot momos along with epic shezwan sauce just to make your evenings merrier than ever.
Ram ki Bandi :
This list would have been incomplete without mentioning Hyderabad’s first choice for late night eat outs. Ram has specifically modified the traditional recipes to satiate the modern taste buds. And it successfully makes wonders on the tongue in the late night, when it’s yet dark and deep, everyone around is struggling to wake up(or sleep) and moon is yet to settle down…
Santosh Dhaba :
A lot has been said and written about the great about Biryani, Haleem and other non vegetarian delicacies in Hyderabad. But just not to make vegetarians feel let down, Santosh Dhaba in Abids makes magic with Paneer, Potatoes and Mushrooms. Clearly among the best restaurants to eat in Hyderabad for the herbivore in you. Remarkable!
Famous Icecream :
A city that is mostly dry and hot throughout the year Icecream must be an integral part of life. And so is the Famous Icecream Parlour. Putting a sweet end to fulfilling dinners
Kim Fung :
If you want to get a feel n touch of Chinese cuisine without burning a hole into your pocket this is the place. Situated in tarnaka, opposite NIN Hyderabad, is a tiny place with just 4 tables to seat around. But unlike the place, menu is not so tiny and offers a wide range of dishes. Spicy veg bites, Chicken lollipop and seafood varieties are the most loved once. The Great taste makes it fit in best places to eat in Hyderabad.
Kakatiya Deluxe Mess :
The Andhra chicken and mutton fry and curries are droolworthy. Being in Hyderabad you cannot miss on Andhra meals and a great day !
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