Hyderabadi Food is delicious, and mouth watering, to say the very least! The food of the nawabs and the nizams, these Mughlai dishes form the feature of most Indian baquets. The most popular dish that visitors to this famous city relate with is probably biryani, one of the oldest and most loved specialties of Hyderabad.
A typical Hyderabadi feast has biryani, large portions of curried chicken eaten with 'sheermal' or local bread, minced meat, vegetarian dishes and a sweet.
In this Hyderabad restaurant guide we will give you an idea of the food and cuisine you could expect Hyderabad! There are also some of our local suggestions on where you can have a meal. There is nothing like enjoying a traditional local dish after enjoying a day of shopping in Hyderabad. Be sure to also check out our India Restaurant Guide for other information about cuisine in other parts of the country.
Food & Cuisine in Hyderabad
The Cuisine of Hyderabad has been influenced by various regional and religious cuisines, both Indian and Foreign, despite which it has been able to create an identity of its own. It has also been able to contribute towards making Indian cuisine popular world wide. The "Biryani" from this cuisine is one such example.
What makes the Hyderabadi Cuisine special is the use of special ingredients, carefully chosen and cooked to the right degree. The addition of a certain Herb, Spice, Condiment, or an amalgam of these add an unique taste and texture to the dish. The herbs and spices used and the method of preparation gives the dish its name. "Murgh do pyaza" gets its name from the onions that are added twice to the dish in two variations.
The Masalas or the rich blend of herbs, spices and condiments give the dishes a base, or what is popularly known as "Gravy". Some of these blends are a well-kept secret that pass only down the family line or from the Ustad(Teacher) to his Shagird(Pupil). The head cooks or the "Khansas" were an asset to the house hold, and were treated with due respect.
The word "Nawabi" is as synonymous with the Hyderabadi cuisine as "Shahi" is with Luknowi. These terms conjure delicacies that are rich in taste and texture with mouth-watering aromas. The "Kebabs" in Hyderabad need a special mention, the "ShammiKebab" is one such popular dish. The Kebabs are originally from Greece!!
The Hyderabadi meal is never complete without the bread from the kilns of the local bakers. The breads from this cuisine are equally popular, be it rich "Sheermal" or "lukmi" (bread stuffed with savory mince meat). Bread is not only an accompaniment to the meal but also forms a base for a popular sweet dish "Double Ka Meetha".
Though a well-cooked biryani can be eaten without any accompaniment, people prefer to garnish it with 'Mirchi-ka-Salan', a thick gravy made with chillies, tamarind extract and spices. Mirchi-ka-Salan is a 'hot favourite' with vegetarians too. Another dish relished by both the vegetarian and non-vegetarian revellers is the 'Bagara Baingan', spicy curried brinjals.
Restaurants List
Golden Dragon
Golden Dragon is speciality Chinese restaurant of Hotel Taj. If you are in the mood for a fabulous Chinese brunch then you should visit this restaurant.
Chinese
Taj Krishna,, Road No. 1,
Banjara Hills,
Hyderabad - 500 034
+(91)-(40) - 23392323
Aromas of China
One of the world class Chinese restaurants, Aromas of China is spread over 7,000 ft2. It has a collection of Chinese dishes that are exquisite and authentic.
Chinese
City Center, 5th Floor,
Road no. 1 & 10, Banjara Hills,
Hyderabad - 500 034
Chung Hua
Crowded with shoppers, students and office people, Chung Hua is another popular joint in Basheer Bagh area. This restaurant has some super delicious specialities with reasonably priced menu.
Chinese
5-9-299, Mira Mansion,
Basheerbagh,
Hyderabad - 500 029
+(91)-(40) - 23222295
Alex's Kitchen
Located in Himayathnagar Alex's Kitchen has made a name for itself with its lip smacking authentic Chinese cuisine.
Chinese
3-6-10, Himayathnagar,
Hyd-29
+(91)-(40) -3220548
Minerva Coffee Shop
A well known and popular location in Himayathnagar this coffee shop serves vegetarian cuisine.
Vegetarian
3-6-199/1, Himayathnagar ,
Hyd-29
+(91)-(40)-3220448
Tung Kein Chinese Food
Located near Banjara Hills in West Hyderabad, Tung Kein is famous for its authentic and traditional Chinese food.
Established its first chain of stores in Mumbai in the year 1995, Mainland China is one of the popular Chinese restaurant in India. The restaurant serves authentic cuisine from major parts of China.
Chinese
G. S. Plaza, Gr. Floor, S-2-672,
Road No. 1, Banjara Hills,
Hyderabad - 500 034
+(91)-(40) - 23304500, 55214500
Galloping Gooseberries
An American-Italian food joint in Banjara Hills, Galloping Gooseberries is a perfect place for die hard continental foodies in the city.
One of the finest Italian restaurant restaurant in India and UAE, Little Italy was established in 1995. An Italian vegetarian restaurant, Little Italy's menu is very extensive and has too many choices to pick from.
Continental
275, Film Nagar, Opp. KBR Park,
At Apollo Crossing,
Hyderabad - 500 034
+(91)-(40) - 23558001 / 2 / 3
Subway
This famous fast food corner in Hyderabad was launched in 2001.
Leading branded pizza chains in the world, Pizza Hut attracts a lot of families through their constantly innovative menu. The Pizza Hut in Hyderabad is pleasantly designed with large french windows.
Fast Food
Hyderabad Central Mall,
Panjagutta,
Hyderabad - 500 082
+(91)-(40) - 66840011
McDonalds
Opened their doors in India in 1996, McDonald's have developed a special menu with vegetarian selections to suit the Indian taste.
Located in East of Hyderabad, Hyderabad House is a chain of outlets serving the traditional Hyderabadi Biryanis, curries and kebabs.
Hyderabad
Plot No 12-13-194/195/196,
Huda Complex,
Besides Bata Showroom, Tarnaka,
Hyderabad - 500 017
+(91)-(40) - 66217445
Dakshin
Located near Secunderabad, Dakshin is a South Indian theme restaurant serving cuisine of the four southern states of India. Savour rare pleasures of ethnic coastal and regional cuisines. They accept all major credit cards.
Aangan is one of three restaurants in the Yatri Niwas complex, jointly managed by Amogh Hotels Limited and the Andhra Pradesh Travel & Tourism Development Corporation. Famous for its delicious Mexican dishes.
This multi-cuisine restaurant in Hotel Golkonda offers mouth watering cuisines of Hyderabad, Indian and Oriental delights.
Multi-Cuisine
Masab Tank, Near Banjara Hills,
Hyderabad - 500 034
+(91)-(40) - 55110101, 23320202
Once Upon A Time
A multi-cuisine restaurant at Hotel Green Park offers value for money South Indian, North Indian, Hyderabadi and Chinese cuisines to the visitors. Open for lunch and dinner.
Multi-Cuisine
7-1-26, Green Lands,
Begumpet,
Hyderabad - 500 016
+(91)-(40) - 66515151, 23757575
Encounters
Located in Hotel Taj Krishna, this perfectly furnished restaurant is open for all day dining. It offers a variety of tasty national and international cuisines.
Multi-Cuisine
Taj Krishna, Road No 1,
Banjara Hills,
Hyderabad - 500 004
+(91)-(40) - 6666 2323
Silver Spoon
Located opposite Muffakajah College, Silver Spoon is a multi cuisine restaurant. It offers mouth watering veg and non-veg dishes. They have a special menu which offers a complete experience of the exotic cuisine of Andhra.
One of the most popular multi-cuisine restaurants in West Hyderabad, Treat way offers Chinese, Indian and continental cuisines.
Multi-Cuisine
Hotel NKM's Grand, 6-5-563/1,
Taj Residency Road, Erramanzil, Somajiguda,
Hyderabad - 500 082
+(91)-(40) - 30617181
Shri Rang
Shri Rang is a multi-cuisine restaurant situated in Kamat Lingapur Hotel. It has become a house hold name for quality vegetarian food. It is engaged in serving Chinese, continental, Indian foods and traditional snacks.
Located in North Hyderabad, Srimathi Restaurant offers Chinese, Fast food, Indian, North Indian, Pizzas, Snacks, South Indian and Thai cuisines in both vegetarian and non vegetarian. Open 10:00 to 23:00 except Sundays.
Orchid is a multi-cuisine restaurant in the lobby of Katriya Hotel. Orchid offers a wide variety of Indian, Chinese and continental cuisines. They have the facility of smoking section and no smoking section.
Located in Central Hyderabad, Touch of Class is an elegant multi-cuisine restaurant at the lobby level which offer all the Indian and foreign food delicacies.
Multi-Cuisine
Ganga Hotels (P) Ltd,
Lakdi ka pul,
Hyderabad - 500 004
+(91)-(40) - 23232323
Carnival
Carnival is in Hotel Pearl Regency. It serves different kinds of delicacies and surprises from around the world.
Hotel Pearl Regency,
11-5-431, Red Hills Lakdi-Ka-Pul,
Hyderabad - 500 004
+(91)-(40) - 55666555
Mehfill
Mehfill offers a range of Indian, Moglai, Hyderabad, Chinese and continental fare.
Multi-Cuisine
Hotel Baseraa,
S.D Road,
Secunderabad - 500 003
+(91)-(40) - 27703200
Abhi Ruchi
This well-known restaurant is engaged in serving mouth watering cuisines of Indian, Chinese, Continental and more. Abhi Ruchi can accomodate 200 diners and also delivers. Open 06:00 to 23:00.
Multi-Cuisine
Krishna Nagar Cross Roads,
Jubilee Hills,
Hyderabad - 500 045
+(91)-(40) - 21562046
Zafraan
Located in Central Hyderabad around Banjara Hills, Zafraan offers a royal taste of Mughlai and other North Indian dishes. Open Sunday through Thursday 11:00 - 22:00 and Friday through Saturday 11:00 - 23.00.
Mughlai
Raj Bhavan Road,
Somajiguda,
Hyderabad - 500 082
+(91)-(40) - 23355661
Angeethi
A North Indian restaurant, Angeethi is a family restaurant that offers North Indian dishes like Papri chaat, Jaljeera, Dum Aloo Kalimirch and course Sarson Da Saag with Makki Di Roti.
Koyla was started as a small sheesha and kebab joint. They offers Kashmiri, Punjabi, Afghani and Hyderabadi (Nizami chicken) platter. Open 12:00 - 15:30 and 19:30 - 00:00.
North Indian
6th Floor, Sufi Chambers,
Above Food World, Road No.1, Banjara Hills,
Hyderabad - 500 034
+(91)-(40) - 55524455
Jiva Veg Kitchen
Located in West Hyderabad, Jiva Veg Kitchen is a famous restaurant in the Ohris Group offering authentic Rajasthani with North Western vegetarian cuisine.
Punjabi
Somajiguda, Rajbhavan Road,
Hyderabad - 500 082
Copper Chimney
Copper Chimney is located at Hyderabad Central is nice place to eat. The best thing about the restaurant is the tasty food at reasonable prices. Open 12:00 - 15:00 and 19:00 - 23:30. The average meal price for 2 is Rs. 800.
Southern Spice is a charming South Indian theme based restaurant that serves delicacies from all around South India and Andhra Pradesh. This is a must-visit restaurant for authentic Andhra and South Indian food.
Hyderabadi/Andhra
34 Road No.3,Banajara Hills,Hyderabad-34
+91-40-3353802/3353803
Deewan Restaurant
Deewan is a offers lip smacking delicacies from north Indian.
Multi-Cuisine
AlPha Business Centre Road
Road No.1,Banjara Hills,
Hyderabad-34.
Meet Rudy & Eva your local connection in Hyderabad! We moved to India from Austria in 1996 and over the years we travelled all over India & fell in love with the country, its people, its traditions and charm. After retiring we decided to stay permanently. We share a deep appreciation for India, its unique cultural traditions & most of all the generous spirit of Indians, where at every home a guest is treated warmly. It is this warmth and charm that we have built our travel service for you.