Must-Try Food In Hyderabad You Shouldn’t Miss!

What comes to mind when you hear the word Hyderabad? For most food lovers, it’s the legendary Hyderabadi Biryani; rich, aromatic, and bursting with flavour. But there’s so much more to the city’s food scene than just biryani. From slow-cooked haleem and spicy keema samosas to the sweet indulgence of Qubani ka Meetha, Hyderabad offers a feast that reflects its royal heritage and diverse culture. Every corner of this city serves something worth savouring, making it one of the best food destinations in India. So, if you’re on the hunt for the famous dishes of Hyderabad, your taste buds are in for a treat.

Special Food in Hyderabad

20 Iconic foods in Hyderabad to try are:

• Hyderabad Biryani
• Hyderabadi kichdi
• Lukhmi
• Marag
• Osmania Biscuits
• Iranian Chai
• Malai Paya
• Malai Korma
• Boti Kebab
• Haleem
• Qubani ka Meetha
• Patthar ka Ghost
• Double ka Meetha
• Mirchi ka Salan
• Maghaz Masala
• Pappu Dal
• Jauzi Halwa
• Andhra Meals
• Burani Raita
• Tunday Kebabi

Hyderabadi Biryani

Paradise Biryani, an iconic spot known for its delectable Hyderabadi Biryani, is a must-visit for anyone in Hyderabad. It’s the city’s signature dish. Fragrant basmati rice cooked with marinated meat, slow-cooked to perfection.

Address: Plot no 22 & 23, Gachibowli Rd, Vinayak Nagar, Indira Nagar, Gachibowli, Hyderabad

The Rabat House and the Munich House are located just a 10-15 minute walking distance from Paradise Biryani in Gachibowli. These PG offers a comfortable and homely atmosphere with all modern amenities.

Hyderabadi Khichdi

If you’re craving Hyderabadi khichdi, there are a few iconic places in Hyderabad where you can enjoy this khichdi. One of the most famous restaurants that serves Hyderabadi khichdi is Shadab Restaurant. Shadab serves this rich, flavourful khichdi.

Address: Madina Circle, 21-1-140-144, High Court Rd, Charminar, Ghansi Bazaar, Hyderabad

The Winnipeg House is situated just about a 60-minute drive away from Shadab restaurant, where you can easily indulge in Hyderabadi Khichdi while enjoying comfortable and well-equipped living spaces.

Lukhmi

Lukhmi is a Hyderabad snack made of flaky, golden pastry filled with spiced minced meat, typically mutton, and deep-fried to perfection. It’s often compared to a samosa. It’s a local favourite, often served with a tangy chutney. Enjoy this delicious dish at an iconic restaurant like Shadab Restaurant near Charminar.

Address: Madina Circle, 21-1-140-144, High Court Rd, Charminar, Ghansi Bazaar, Hyderabad

Marag

Some of Hyderabad’s best food is non-veg, and Marag is definitely one of them. It is a mutton stew that is served as an appetiser at most local social functions. Well, our real reason for attending Hyderabadi weddings is finally revealed. Shadab is famous for its traditional Hyderabadi dishes, and their Marag is one of the most sought-after items on the menu.

Address: Madina Circle, 21-1-140-144, High Court Rd, Charminar, Ghansi Bazaar, Hyderabad

Osmania Biscuit

Osmania Biscuit is a beloved Hyderabadi treat, known for its slightly sweet, buttery, and crisp texture. It’s typically made with refined flour, butter, and a pinch of sugar. These melt-in-your-mouth treats are perfect for dipping into a steaming cup of Irani Chai. Karachi Bakery is the most iconic place to get Osmania biscuits in Hyderabad.

Address: Shop No. 48, Sri Naryana Building, 49 & 50, beside Paradise Hotel, Vinayak Nagar, Indira Nagar, Gachibowli, Hyderabad.

You want to stay near Karachi Bakery, Hyderabad, so you can easily enjoy their famous bakery items anytime. Here are some houses: Rabat House & Munich House.

Irani Chai

Irani Chai is also another special food in Hyderabad. Introduced by the Persians, this creamy tea tastes best when served with Osmania biscuits. Our top recommendation for trying this out is Chai Shai Cafe, where you can enjoy your evening tea. 

Address: 1-8-32/60/13, PG Road, Bapu Bagh Colony, Ram Gopalpet, S D Road, Secunderabad

Here are two PGs, Cartagena House & Belgrade House, that are fairly close/accessible, along with Chai Shai Cafe, where you can enjoy this most famous Iranian chai.

Malai Paya

Another Hyderabadi non-veg dish made during wedding parties, Malai Paya is a soft and creamy curry made from goat leg (called paya), cooked slowly in milk, butter, and spices. It’s warm, rich and often eaten for breakfast. Hotel Nayaab, near Charminar in Hyderabad, is very well-known for its tasty Malai Paya, especially in the early morning.

Address: Door No 22-8-111, Near Chatta Bazaar, Nayapul Road, Afzal Gunj-500012 (Near Chatta Bazaar)

Malai Korma

Malai Korma is a creamy, mildly spiced curry made with meat (usually chicken or mutton) cooked in a rich sauce of cream, yoghurt, nuts, and aromatic spices. It’s smooth, flavorful, and often served with naan or rice. Shah Ghouse Cafe & Restaurant is famous for its delicious Malai korma and other Hyderabadi dishes.

Address: Villa-8, Gachibowli Rd, opposite Bio Diversity Park, Raidurgam, Madhura Nagar Colony, Gachibowli, Hyderabad.

Don’t miss out on the famous Malai Korma at Shah Ghouse Restaurant, just a short 15-minute drive away! From at Sunderland House Pg. perfect for a delicious, creamy meal after a long day.

Boti Kebab

It’s a traditional barbecue meat dish quite popular in Hyderabad. The recipe finds its origin in the Middle East. The juicy kebabs with mint chutney are to die for. If you’re a non-vegetarian, sink your teeth into this famous boti kebab. It is one of the famous street foods in Hyderabad.

Haleem

The list of Hyderabad’s best food is incomplete without stews. And Haleem would be the most popular among them. Brought to the city by the Nizams, this dish is still popular and is made in both restaurants and households. Pista House is the most famous spot for authentic Hyderabadi Haleem, especially during Ramadan, known for its rich, flavourful taste.

Address: 20-4-132, Charminar Rd, beside Pista House, Shah Ali Banda, Hyderabad

Living at Belgrade House or Cartagena House PG?  Head to Pista House to enjoy the legendary Haleem just a short ride away!

Qubani ka Meetha

Qubani ka Meetha is a sweet dessert made from dried apricots cooked until soft and juicy. It is usually served warm with cream or ice cream on top. It’s a popular and tasty treat in Hyderabad, especially after meals. Shah Ghouse Restaurant is well-known for its delicious Qubaniu ka Meetha, a sweet apricot dessert loved across Hyderabad.

Patthar ka Ghost

Patthar ka Gosht is a smoky-flavoured lamb dish and is quite popular in Hyderabad. It is usually cooked at traditional Iftaar parties and is a big hit among all foodies. It is cooked on a wide slab of stone. Hence the name. Cafe Bahar, near Abids, is famous for its tender and flavourful Patthar ka Ghost

Address: 3-5, 815/A, Old MLA Quarters Rd, Avanti Nagar, Himayatnagar, Hyderabad.

Staying at Belgrade House or Cartagena House PG?  Visit Cafe Bahar near Abids to enjoy the Ptthar ka Gosht in Hyderabad! Just a short ride away, it’s perfect for a hearty, delicious meal.

Double Ka Meetha

Double ka Meetha is Hyderabad’s version of the classic Shahi Tukda. The “double” here means the bread that becomes twice its size while baking. If you love desserts, you’ll love this 2x more than any other average dessert. Shah Ghouse Cafe & Restaurant is famous for its rich and delicious Double ka Meetha, a sweet bread pudding loved by many.

Address: Villa-8, Gachibowli Rd, opposite Bio Diversity Park, Raidurgam, Madhura Nagar Colony, Gachibowli, Hyderabad.

Living at Sunderland House PG in Gachibowli? 

Visit Shas Ghouse Cafe to enjoy authentic Double ka Meetha just a short drive away! Perfect for a sweet treat after a meal.

Mirchi Ka Salan

A plate of Hyderabadi Biryani is incomplete without a side of Mirchi Ka Salan. This tangy and spicy curry made with green chillies, peanuts, sesame seeds, and tamarind perfectly accompanies biryanis and kebabs, making it Hyderabad’s special food. Paradise Biryani, especially the Secunderabad and Himayatnagar branches, is known for serving one of the best Mirchi ka Salan in the city. It comes as a side with their biryani and is creamy, spicy, and full of flavour.

Address: Sarojini Devi Rd, Sappu Bagh Apartment, Jogani, Ramgopalpet, Secunderabad,   Hyderabad.

Staying at Belgrade House or Cartagena House PG?  You’re just a minute away from Paradise Biryani, where you can enjoy authentic Mirchi ka Salan with Hyderabadi biryani. Plan a dinner outing, grab your roommates, and enjoy this spicy, tangy dish at one of Hyderabad’s iconic spots.

Maghaz Ka Masala

Maghaz Masala is a popular lamb dish that is juicy and bursts with flavours. Forget your spoons and forks and dive into this goodness with your fingers. Not to creep you out, but this dish is nothing but Brain Fry. Shah Ghouse Cafe is known to serve Maghaz Masala (goat brain in spicy gravy) among its menu of Hyderabadi dishes.

Address: Villa-8, Gachibowli Rd, opposite Bio Diversity Park, Raidurgam, Madhura Nagar Colony, Gachibowli, Hyderabad.

Pappu Dal

Pappu is a general term for lentil dishes in South Indian cuisine, and it is a staple food in Hyderabad, particularly as Khatti Dal. It’s a little tangier than the yellow dal people eat in other parts of India. You can taste the tamarind and tomatoes, and it tastes amazing with any kind of rice. So, we guess we’re trying to say that…Pappu can “dal” saala. Punti Kura Pappu Dal – Annam Very Tastly, Dilsukhnagar, known for its tasty Andhra / South Indian style Pappu Dal.

Address: 2-97/1, Except GHMC Area, Dilsukhnagar, Hyderabad

Jauzi Halwa

Hameedi Confectioners is the iconic place known for this sweet. This used to be the top favourite sweet dish of the Nizams. This dish originated in Turkey, but Hyderabad’s Hameedi Confectionery makes it pretty well, too. If the Nizams loved it, we do too. It’s made from milk, ghee, saffron, dry fruits, and some secret spices. Takes many hours to prepare.

Address: 5- 5-513, Mozamjahi Market, Hyderabad.

Andhra Meals

If you’re tired of seeing all the non-veg food in Hyderabad, then you’ll love Andhra meals for sure. Vegetarians! It’s a proper veg thali served on a banana leaf that makes for a perfect lunch. Oh, and the best part, you get unlimited rice at an affordable price. Rayalaseema Ruchulu is known for authentic Andhra/Rayalaseema food. Multiple branches (Jubilee Hills, Ameerpet, etc.)

Address: Plot No., Level 5, 36th Square, Opp. SVM Mall Near Pedamma Temple Arch Jubilee Hils,481, Road No. 36, Hyderabad.

Feeling like having a spicy, full Andhra thali tonight? Head to Rayalaseema Ruchulu (Ameerpet / Jubilee Hills branch), just a short ride away from Belgrade House or Cartagena House. Perfect place to dig into traditional Andhra flavours!”

Burani Raita

Burani Raita and rice have been a favourite since the days of the Nawab. So, it’s not surprising that it is still one of Hyderabad’s best food items. Be it Qabooli Biryani or Hyderabadi, neither is complete without a side of this Raita. Shah Ghouse Café & Restaurant serves authentic Hyderabadi cuisine, and burani raita is often part of their biryani/pulao combos.

Address: Villa-8, Gachibowli Rd, opposite Bio Diversity Park, Raidurgam, Madhura Nagar Colony, Gachibowli, Hyderabad.

Craving authentic Hyderabadi flavours? Head to Shah Ghouse Cafe, Famous for its rich and tangy Burani Raita- Located close to Stanza Living PGs, Limoges House & Mendoz House, it’s super convenient for students and working professionals staying nearby to grab this mouth-watering delight anytime. 

Tunday Kebabi

Tunday Kebab is traditionally a Lucknawi dish, made with minced buffalo meat. They’re now popular throughout the country because they’re too delicious to just be available in a single place. Try these piping hot kebabs with a side of mint chutney or mayo, and you’ll forget your fancy sausages and hot dogs.

Address: Tunday Kababi, Tolichowki, Hyderabad; Kasper details: “House 9‑4‑86/227, Salarjung Colony, Tolichowki, Hyderabad

If you stay at, say, Sunderland House PG, Gachibowli. When it comes to health, it is homemade food that we all crave at one point. Consuming these delicacies every other day might not turn out to be good for your health. After all, a healthy body is everything. So, then we headed towards the famous foods of Hyderabad.

FAQs

Q. What is the most famous food in Hyderabad?

A. Hyderabadi Biryani is the most famous food. It’s spicy rice with meat and full of flavour.

Q. What food can I eat with my PG friends nearby?

A. You can enjoy Iranian Chai, Kebabs, Biryani, and more at restaurants close to PGs like Sunderland House or Belgrade House.

Q. Which Sweet is Famous in Hyderabad?

A. Hyderabad and its people love desserts, so naturally. You’ll get a lot of options here, like: Qubani ka Meetha, Double ka Meetha, Jauzi Halwa, Shahjahani Mitha and Mauz ka Meetha.

Q. Are there good veg options in Hyderabad?

A. Yes, Andhra meals are perfect veg thalis served on banana leaves with rice and curries.

Q. Is Hyderabad food very spicy?

A. Some dishes are spicy (like Mirchi ka Salan), but there are also mild dishes like Malai Korma and Pappu Dal.