Winter Comfort food in Hyderabad

Hyderabad is a land where every foodie will experience a slice of food heaven because the food in Hyderabad is rich, regal, and welcoming – just like its people. If you’re in the city of Nizams during the winter months, you’re in for a huge treat. You can explore a bunch of delicious winter foods in Hyderabad that feel like a warm hug on cold days. From Biryani to cups of Irani chai and a lot more heartwarming food. Thingsdo brings you a list of authentic Hyderabadi food and where to try them during winter in Hyderabad. 

1The OG “Irani Chai”

Hyderabadi Dum Chai is another name for the sweet, milky, and creamy Iranian tea known as Irani Chai (also known as Irani Tea or Hyderabadi Tea). In the 19th century, Persian immigrants brought it to the Indian subcontinent. It changed over time to accommodate Indian tastes. Using toasty spices like green cardamom pods and cinnamon, this tea is gently brewed (dum), and it is then combined with a creamy reduced milk concoction. Even though heavy cream, fresh cream (malai), and condensed milk can also be used to create it. Milk, khoya (reduced milk solids) and milk are the traditional ingredients of this classic chai.

Places to try Irani Chai in Hyderbad – Cafe Nilufer and Baker, Lamakaan, Cafe Bahar, Shadab and Paradise Restuarant are the best places to enjoy a cup of hot Irani Chai during winter in Hyderabad. 

2The Crispy “Punugulu”

Punugulu, a meal created with urad dal and rice batter that is unlike anything else, is one of the most flavorful and authentic dishes of South Indian cuisine. This Andhra Pradesh street food recipe for a snack is often referred to as “punukkulu.”

The batter for this snack food, which is made of rice, urad dal, and a variety of additional spices, is the same one used to make idlis. They are formed into tiny, sphere-shaped balls and deep-fried. It is a snack made from common, extensively used components in south India. They are frequently served with toor dal chutney, also known as Kandhi Pachadi, or coconut chutney. It is a simple snack recipe that is quite delicious and can be made for events like picnics, potlucks, and kitty parties. The ideal way to enjoy this quick snack meal is with a cup of filter coffee or tea. It’s from Andhra Pradesh and is made with urad dal, rice, onion, green chilli, and seasonings.

Places to try Punugulu in Hyderbad – You can enjoy Punugulu in several of the tiffing houses in Hyderabad. Sri Balaji Tiffins and Meals, Aaha food Village, Subbaiah Gari Hotel and Udipi’s Uphar are some great places to enjoy this dish. 

3The un-hot “Mirchi Bajji”

Nothing compares to Mirchi Bajji and a cup of chai! These are Jalapeno Poppers’ Indian equivalent, and they are absolutely adorable. Even if you are navigating it with your nose, you won’t stop eating them. At home, we merely coat the interior with chaat masala before batter-frying them. There may be a single, universal method for manufacturing these filled chilli bajjis, but the Andhra version—which is a chopped mirchi bajji—is another common variation. This is just as delicious. These bajjis, as well as other pakodas and bhajiyas, are typically made with the larger, thicker green chilies that have the lowest heat levels. Furthermore, because these chilies are bigger than usual, stuffing them is also simpler.

Places to try Mirchi Bajji in Hyderabad – You can enjoy Mirchi Bhajji in Hyderabad at places like Shah Gouse Hotel, Bhayya Khara Bhandar, Rahul’s Adda, Times Tiffin and Minerva Coffee House. 

4The delicious “Dalcha”

Dalcha is an Indian stew made from lentils that was first made in Hyderabad, Telangana, India. Its ancestors may be the similarly named Harees from the Middle East, which is more of a gruel with cooked meats. Lentils, called Tur dal or Chana Dal, are the main ingredients. The stew may also include vegetables or meats, such as chicken or mutton; if mutton is used, it is referred to as a mutton dalcha. One more essential component of a Dalcha is bottle gourd. It is typically served with Bagara khana, a tempered rice dish, also quite famous food in Hyderabad. 

Places to try Dalcha in Hyderabad – There are many restaurants like Shah Ghouse Hotel, VR Kitchen, Hotel Indu Delux, Green Park, and more places where you can enjoy Dalcha in Hyderabad.

5The all-time favourite “Biryani”

Winter or Summer, Monsoon or Spring, there is no better food in Hyderabad, than a deliciously cooked Hyderabadi Biryani. Although the precise origin of Hyderabadi Biryani is unknown, the tale of its rise to fame in India is rather fascinating. For almost 400 years, Hyderabadi cuisine has included biryani in its repertoire. It’s thought to have come straight from Persia. After Nizam-Ul-Mulk was named the new ruler of Hyderabad by Emperor Aurangzeb, the signature dish of the royal kitchen, biryani, was introduced to India. The Mughals took control of Hyderabad in the 1630s, and the Nizams were in charge. Hyderabadi cuisine is a fusion of Mughlai and regional cooking styles. After the Mughal Empire in Delhi fell apart in 1857, Hyderabad became the epicenter of South Asian culture, leading to the combination of innovations in Hyderabadi Biryani.

Places to try Biryani in Hyderabad – Hotel Shadab, Shah Ghouse Hotel mehfil, Mandi@36, Sitara foods, and more are some amazing places to enjoy Hyderabadi biryani in Hyderabad. 

Hyderabad is surely a palace where foodies can explore an endless variety of delicious possibilities any time of the year. During winter gluttony can go to the next level. So if you’re in Hyderabad or planning a trip soon, don’t miss out on these delicious winter treats recommended by Things2do. 

by Sreeja Maitra

Content Writer at Things2do