India is famed for its biryani delicacy, as it is a popular treat among locals and visitors. However, most of the cities in the state have their traditional cuisine passed down through the years. Hyderabad offers meals mixed with spices, meats, and nuts, from samosas to Haleem. Whether you are a visitor or a local, exploring must try Hyderabadi dishes is a delightful experience with Things2Do.
1Hyderabadi Biryani
Biryani tops the must-try Hyderabadi dishes, prepared with meat, basmati rice, and combined aspects of Mughlai and Hyderabadi culture. Additionally, equated to other types of biryanis, you can cook this type of Biryani as it is the easiest to make.
Hotels around Hyderabadi prepare Biryani using ghee or oil and serve it with vegetables, salad, meat, or coleslaw. Some of the seasonings used to make this traditional dish include cardamom, saffron, bay leaf, and cinnamon. Hyderabadi biryani is cooked using the ancient “dum” style, in which the cook tightens the lead of the pot to entrap its flavors.
2Mirchi Ka Salan
If you are riveted and charmed by peppery cuisine, then Mirchi ka Salan will entice your taste buds due to its tanginess and spiciness. Mirchi is a conventional food made from a delicate blend of sesame seeds, coconut, and peanuts. The main constituent of this meal is green chili, hence its name. Mirchi ka Salan is served as a side dish with various Hyderabadi specialties. Mirchi has been famed among locals and travelers alike and is popular during Eid and weddings.
3Haleem
Haleem is among the most exquisite local dishes to try in Hyderabad, mostly during the Ramadan season. It is prepared using any meat, but most hoteliers prefer mutton, aromantic spices, lentils, and wheat. All these ingredients give it the desired thickness and a touch of Hyderabadi culture. Haleem is cooked with scented herbs, crunchy fried onions, and lemon juice. Some of the foods you can piece with Haleem include chapatis and naans.
4Irani Chai And Osmania Biscuits
If you are on the outskirts of Hyderabad, pop in any street restaurant or café and enjoy a sweltering cup of Irani chai with your snack of choice. Irani chai, as the name suggests, originated in Iran, specifically from Persian immigrants. Over the years, Irani chai has become integral to Hyderabad’s culture.
The tea is prepared using milk, sugar, and tea leaves and served in small glasses. For a better experience, you can consume this chai with buttery biscuits or a pastry of choice. Most people recommend visiting Nimrah café for the best Irani chai.
5Boti Kebab
Kebab is a staple in many countries whose essence lies in the type of spices used while roasting it, which is why there are many variations. Kebab is a local Hyderabad cuisine cooked with chunky mutton and serenaded using herbs and spices – a fascinating meal.
If you have spicy buds, you can opt for the spicy kebab version, inculcated with green chilies. Most travelers and locals recommend it for non-veg persons who love indulging in traditional and tasty meals.
6Pachi Pulusu
Pachi pulusu, one of the best Hyderabad Street foods, is a traditional cuisine translated to “raw tamarind soup.” It is of Telugu origin and served while cold to ensure its enthusiasts enjoy its spiciness and sourness. Pachi’s sourness makes it the perfect drink for summer days.
One of the ingredients of Pachi pulusu is tamarind pulp, giving the cuisine a bland aftertaste. Different cafes prepare this delicacy using water and various spices, such as curry, cumin, and green chilies.
7Qubani Ka Meetha
Qubani is a dessert that has clinched its position as one of the best local dishes to try in Hyderabad. Nestled deep in Hyderabad’s culture, Qubani ka Meetha is prepared from sun-dried apricots soaked in water and sauteed using cardamom and sugar to give it a syrup-like feel and look. You can enjoy Qubani before or after your preferred delicacy to soak your taste buds in greatness.
Hyderabad houses some of the most exquisite and renowned cafes and restaurants that sell enchanting cuisine. If you are in the purlieu, you can visit any of these restaurants to enjoy authentic Hyderabad recipes.
Paradise has existed since 1953, and throughout the years, it has offered steadfast biryani delicacies using the best herbs, spices, and rice. You can order biryani with a side of your preferred meat to savor Hyderabad’s cultural heritage.
Shah Ghouse is a renowned café in Telangana that serves local Hyderabad cuisine. Famed for over 50 years, the masses adore Shah Ghouse due to its delicious Haleem. Other meals you can enjoy in the restaurant are malai chicken, chicken nihari, and talawa mutton, its signature meal.
Grand Hotel offers different cuisines, including Chinese, South Indian, North Indian, and Biryani, which are must-try Hyderabad dishes. The café’s chic décor and architectural designs make it a perfect spot to enjoy Telangana’s cultural heritage. Visit the restaurant any day between 7 am and 2 am.
Palamuru Grill offers famous food in Hyderabad, such as beverages, including Irani chai, kebabs, and BBQ. The place is renowned for its ambiance, exceptional customer service, and decent cuisine. Also, if you are a vegetarian, you will love Palamuru Grill.
Chichas Hotel in Hyderabad offers must-try Hyderabad dishes such as lamb biryani and keema masala. Located in the heart of the city, Chichas is easily accessible by tourists and locals alike, therefore finding it is not a hustle. Visit the café any day of the week at your convenience to enjoy your favorite Indian cuisine.
Café Bahar has been operational since 1973 and offers the best haleem, mutton meat, and biryani. Situated in Basheer Bagh, Café Bahar opens from 10 am to 12 am, you can walk in at your earliest convenience to enjoy delicacies.
If you are in Hyderabad’s locality, you can hop in any restaurant and enjoy the famous foods in Hyderabad listed above. Additionally, the restaurants highlighted above have excellent customer service and delicate cuisines that will make your visit worthwhile. Follow our insta @things2doinhyderabad for latest updates & upcoming events in Hyderabad.