Hyderabad · By locals

The finest food spots
in Hyderabad.

66 spots across 10 areas. No sponsored listings.

All spots66

Charminar10

Shadab

Shadab

Biryani, Breakfast·Charminar

Shadab is often recommended as the go-to destination for anyone around Charminar, and while opinions may be mixed, one thing is certain – their **biryani** is absolutely delectable. However, it must be said that consistency can be a concern, especially if you arrive here after a long, tiring stroll around Charminar and are forced to wait an hour or more for a seat. But, let us not dampen your spirits! There are a few tips we can offer to make your visit to Shadab a much more delightful experience. We suggest opting for seating on the ground floor if you're on a tight budget, as the rates are much cheaper there. Besides, the ambience on the ground floor, while humble, is perfectly charming, with a raised platform featuring majlis seating that is perfect for families. We have felt that the biryani you get on the ground floor is much better, this may probably be our illusion, but do check once and let us know! The rest of the menu is also always solid. There are good **breakfast** options as well. On a scorching summer day, we highly recommend their lip-smacking **lassi** or **faluda** to cool you down. And if you're a fan of tea, you'll be delighted to know that it's consistently good at Shadab.

BiryaniLassiFaluda+1

Rumaan

Rumaan

Biryani·Charminar

We absolutely love the Charminar Rumaan branch – it's our top pick! The **Talawa**, is a must have. You can't go wrong with either the Beef or Chicken Biryanis. Unfortunately, compared to the other branches, the gravy and kebab options are somewhat limited. However, we highly recommend trying the **chai** – it's just as flavorful and aromatic as ever. And if you're on a tight budget but craving a delicious meal, you simply can't go wrong with their tagline – 'Biryani Bolay Toh Sirf Rumaan'!

TalawaBeef BiryaniChicken Biryani+1

Nayaab

Nayaab

Breakfast·Charminar

This eatery is open almost around the clock and is particularly renowned for its Shahi Hyderabadi breakfast. **Malai Paya** is the star dish here, but if you're lucky enough to visit on a Saturday, make sure to ask for their **Dum Ka Kheema**. However, be warned – the place can get pretty hectic on weekends, especially during the morning rush. The waitstaff may try to pressure you into ordering the overpriced butter nan, so be mindful. By the end of your meal, the bill for the nan could end up being higher than that for your paya or kheema. To save some money, we suggest ordering the **rumali** or **tandoori roti** instead. The waiter may claim that these are unavailable, but don't give up – they likely are in stock. These tips are particularly useful for those on a budget, but for others, the entire menu is a feast for the senses!

Malai PayaDum Ka KheemaRumali Roti+1

Milan Juice Centre

Milan Juice Centre

Desserts·Charminar

Famous for their Malai desserts. **Mulberry** would be available throughout the calendar. Same goes for their **dry fruit salad**. If it is mango season and **Himayath Malai** is there don't think twice.

Mulberry MalaiDry Fruit SaladHimayath Malai

Nimrah Cafe

Nimrah Cafe

Cafe·Charminar

While we have to admit that Nimrah's tea is not our favorite, we recommend stopping by for a photo op! For a better tea experience, we suggest taking a short walk to nearby spots like Rumaan or Pista House. Their tea is truly exceptional and well worth the extra steps.

Iqbal Cafe

Iqbal Cafe

Biryani·Charminar

If you're looking for a hidden gem in Hyderabad, you should try the **beef biryani** at this place that's just a 10-15 minute walk from Charminar. We think it's one of the best beef biryanis in town! Keep in mind that the restaurant is small and can only accommodate around 15 people at a time, so it's usually pretty crowded. If you prefer a quieter experience, you can order takeout or delivery instead.

Sohail

Sohail

Biryani·Charminar

**Marag** and **Biryani** in Malakpet.

Firdous

Biryani·Charminar

**Beef Biryani**, **Talawa**, and the iconic **Shadi ka red chicken** in Malakpet.

Beef BiryaniTalawaShadi Ka Red Chicken

Savera

Biryani·Charminar

**Biryani** and **beef fry** in Malakpet.

BiryaniBeef Fry

Niagra

Breakfast, Biryani·Charminar

**Non veg breakfast** and **Biryani** in Malakpet.

Non-Veg BreakfastBiryani

Gachibowli8

Shah Ghouse

Must TryLate night

Shah Ghouse

Biryani, Kebabs·Gachibowli

We believe the Gachibowli branch of Shah Ghouse serves almost consistently one of the best biriyani you can get in the city. On a good day, the **chicken biryani** here overtakes the mutton. **Murg Musallam**: Rich gravy with a full chicken which is nothing short of heavenly. The gravy is made with keema so it is umami land. You can have this with nan or roti, and go in a group as you won't get any smaller portions. **Irani chai** of Shah Ghouse is also usually good. **Shawarma** available at Shah Ghouse is very heavy and usually spicy. But this is also one of the favourites in the area. Pro tip: If you happen to be in Hyderabad during Ramzan, you might want to try going to Shah Ghouse after 12 AM. Dining stays open till 2 AM and take out even after. We don't know what magic it is, and it probably isn't, but the biriyani at that time is usually top notch – easily Shah Ghouse's best.

Mutton BiryaniChicken BiryaniMurg Musallam+2

The Nawaab's

Biryani, Mandi·Gachibowli

The quantity of mutton they provide with the biriyani is unbelievable. The full biriyani is easily enough for two, and chances are you might have some mutton pieces left even after the rice is finished. Once we got a slightly overcooked mutton biryani. Overcooked biryani usually puts us off, the rice gets soggy and caked. We were wrong! it turned out melt in your mouth-heavenly! The **chicken biryani** is also pretty good here. The character of Shah Ghouse biriyani and Nawaab's is different. Here, it is richer with strong flavour of saffron and ghee, closer to the shaadi biryanis. They have a majlis set up for Arabian dishes. Make sure to try their **Mutton Marag** and **Kebabs**. Irani chai is really good on their good days, but it can be too sweet on the bad days. Weekends get really crowded and you will have to wait for 20+ minutes to find a seat. They charge 5% service charge, you can politely refuse to pay.

Mutton BiryaniChicken BiryaniMutton Marag+1

Pakwaan Grand

Pakwaan Grand

Biryani, Kebabs·Gachibowli

Pakwaan gives a tough competition to their neighbour Shah Ghouse especially with their **Chicken Biryani**. Also, the menu is cheaper and less crowded than Shah Ghouse. **Irani chai** here has also been consistently good. **Grill Chicken** and **Kebabs** are also worth ordering.

Chicken BiryaniMutton BiryaniGrill Chicken+2

Pista House

Pista House

Biryani·Gachibowli

They have a premium section which serve a decent **biryani**, **kebabs**, **broasted chicken** and good gravies. We mostly prefer their outdoor'ish section which serves both normal and **Zafrani chai**. **Chicken Salad** is a bang for buck, same goes for sandwiches, rolls, burgers etc.

BiryaniBroasted ChickenZafrani Chai+1

Friends Foods

South Indian, Street Food·Gachibowli

Friends Foods is Tamil Nadu restaurant where you can get many types of dosas, porotta, paniyaram etc. All of them are excellent and you may also combine them with chicken and mutton options. Definitely try their **Ghee Dosa**, **Paniyaram**, **Thanjavur idly**, **Kothu Porotta** and **Milk Porotta**.

Ghee DosaKothu PorottaPaniyaram+2

SK Shawarma

Shawarma·Gachibowli

SK Shawarma attracts the crowd, the spicy juicy, **chicken shawarma** will be quite different from any other shawarma you had before.

Chicken Shawarma

Green Bawarchi

Green Bawarchi

Seafood, Mandi·Gachibowli

One of Gachibowli's most underrated spots. **Fish Mandi** is the speciality and worth seeking out.

Cabrito Al Mataam

Mandi·Gachibowli

**Dum Ka Chicken Mandi** is the reason to visit. Small and focused with a dedicated local following.

Dum Ka Chicken Mandi

Banjara Hills4

Mandi @ 36

Mandi @ 36

Mandi·Banjara Hills

One among the top rated mandi places in Hyderabad. We would highly recommend **Mutton Juicy Marg Mandi** and **Mutton Madfoon Mandi**. But don't hesitate to try anything on the menu. The rice remains the same, only the meat change. The **M36 Grill Chicken** here is a show stealer.

Mutton Juicy Marg MandiMutton Madfoon MandiM36 Grill Chicken

Meridian

Meridian

Biryani·Banjara Hills

Top contender for the best biryani in Hyderabad. Both Mutton and Chicken are equally good. The only issue with Mutton is the number of pieces, very less for the price point. Don't get disappointed when the waiter quotes number of chicken pieces, one chicken piece here is 1/4th a chicken unlike other places where it is 1/8th. The real show stealer here is the **salan** they serve with the biryani, hands down the best in Hyderabad. **Mutton Talawa** and **Mutton chops** are also worth a try. If you are on a budget, we would highly recommend opting take away as the price is significantly less.

Mutton BiryaniChicken BiryaniSalan+2

Gourmet Baklava

Gourmet Baklava

Sweets, Desserts·Banjara Hills

There are two stages in a foodie's life, before having **Kunafa** at Gourmet Baklava and after. This dish epitomises what and how a dessert should be. There is no going back after this, nor anything above it in India. One among us recently visited Turkey and quite surprisingly found the Kunafa here better.

Biryaniwalla and Co

Biryaniwalla and Co

Biryani·Banjara Hills

**Mutton** and **Chicken Biryani**. The biryani here has a strong saffron flavour.

Mutton BiryaniChicken Biryani

Hitech City4

Mehfil

Mehfil

Biryani·Hitech City

**Mehfil biriyani** was one of the most ordered biriyani on Swiggy in 2022, and that is for good reason. It is well priced and consistently good, whether you have it from Madhapur or from Shaikpet Junction. At madhapur junction, you might need to wait 10+ minutes to get seat.

Aazebo

Aazebo

Mandi, Yemeni·Hitech City

**Mutton Juicy Mandi** is one of the best mandi in Hyderabad, sometime only second to Mandi@36. They drench the mutton in a flavourful gravy, as if the mutton isn't already juicy enough! In a group and is confused? go for their **Arabian Mix Mandi**. They also have a branch at Tolichowki which is also of similar quality.

Mutton Juicy MandiArabian Mix Mandi

Sahib's Barbeque

Sahib's Barbeque

Biryani·Hitech City

If you want to get the niche of Hyderabadi cuisine over a buffet this is the right place. Almost all items in the spread are worth a try.

YumYum Tree Mandi

YumYum Tree Mandi

Mandi, Seafood·Hitech City

Near Durgam Cheruvu metro station. **Chicken Mandi** and **Fish Mandi** in generous portions.

Chicken MandiFish Mandi

Secunderabad5

Bawarchi

Bawarchi

Biryani·Secunderabad

The OG bawarchi that serves one of the best biryanis in Hyderabad. We prefer either the ground floor or the rooftop seating as it is pocket friendly. Moreover, the AC section does not serve biryani in family or jumbo quantities. Apart from the biryani we would recommend their **grilled** and **tandoori chicken**.

BiryaniGrilled ChickenTandoori Chicken

Mukarram

Biryani, Kebabs·Secunderabad

**Beef Biryani**, **Talawa**, **Boti kabab**, and **Sheek kabab** served here are among the best in class.

Beef BiryaniTalawaBoti Kabab+1

4m

Biryani, Kebabs·Secunderabad

**Beef Biryani** and **Boti kabab**.

Beef BiryaniBoti Kabab

Alpha

Alpha

Biryani, Cafe·Secunderabad

First place you will go if you arrive at Secunderabad station. **Biryani** is here pretty decent. You can also find decent affordable **bakery** and snack in the ground floor.

BiryaniBakery Items

Blue Sea

Blue Sea

Cafe·Secunderabad

Pretty decent **tea** and affordable snacks and bakery items.

Tolichowki12

Al Wadi

Al Wadi

Yemeni, Mandi·Tolichowki

One among the most authentic Yemeni food spots in Hyderabad. You may even feel that you've entered some restaurant in Yemen with all the hustle bustle and the waiter placing an order by yelling 'Wahid Areeka Mahalli'! They serve sizzling **Fahsa** in a stone pot. Yes, as authentic as it gets! Also try the **Mutton Mandi**, **Chicken Shawaya**, **Mutton Hanidh**, **Zurbiyan** and **Areeka**.

FahsaMutton MandiChicken Shawaya+3

Al Saba

Al Saba

Yemeni, Haleem·Tolichowki

This place has been our go-to place recently. They serve **Beef Haleem** throughout the calendar and it's pretty good. **Beef Mandi** at Al Saba is one among the cheap and best in the area. The **Talawa** and **Boti Kebab** are also worth ordering.

Beef HaleemBeef MandiTalawa+1

Kabul Darbar

Kabul Darbar

Afghan·Tolichowki

A royal Afghani addition to the cosmopolitan Tolichowki. Almost all items on the menu are worth a try. Start with **Mutton Choppan Kebab**, then order the **Afghani Dum Ka Chicken** and **Mutton Kabuli Pulao**. **Mutton Marag** and **Afghani Nan** complete the spread.

Mutton Choppan KebabAfghani Dum Ka ChickenMutton Kabuli Pulao+1

Rumaan Hotel

Rumaan Hotel

Biryani·Tolichowki

Rumaan needs no introduction for Hyderabadis. 'Biryani Bolay Toh Sirf Rumaan'. Though we don't stress on the 'Sirf', the **Beef Biryani** here is a must try. **Talawa** is also good, but not as consistent as their Charminar branch. **Irani chai** is reliable.

Beef BiryaniTalawaKheema+1

Istanbul Doner Kebab

Kebabs·Tolichowki

**Chicken Doner Kebab** here comes in different styles. You may choose according to your mood. **Grilled Chicken** is also worth trying.

Chicken Doner KebabGrilled Chicken

Aazebo

Aazebo

Mandi, Yemeni·Tolichowki

You can't go wrong with the Mandi here. Be it any form, chicken or mutton. Make sure to try the **Juicy Mutton Mandi**. The **Arabian Mix Mandi** and **Fruit Ka Meetha** are also excellent.

Juicy Mutton MandiArabian Mix MandiFruit Ka Meetha

Arman Hotel

Arman Hotel

Biryani·Tolichowki

If you are famished from a long stroll through the necropolis of the Qutub Shahis or want a bit of energy after scaling the mighty Golconda fort, don't think, go to Arman. Order a **Tahari**, carry on. **Kalyani Biryani** is the other staple here.

TahariKalyani Biryani

Nice Juice Centre

Nice Juice Centre

Desserts·Tolichowki

Go for anything in Malai. **Sitaphal Malai**, **Mango Malai** etc. are available depending on the season. **Mulberry** is evergreen. The house signature **Khuwwat-E-Jinn** is a must try.

Sitaphal MalaiMango MalaiMulberry Malai+1

Al Marjaan

Kebabs·Tolichowki

Yet another gem in the Paramount Hills serving Turkish food in a small and cozy setting. **Chicken Iskender** and **Beyti Kebab** are the highlights. **Grill Chicken** is also excellent.

Chicken IskenderBeyti KebabGrill Chicken

Haleem House

Haleem·Tolichowki

Dedicated haleem spot in Tolichowki serving **Mutton Haleem** and **Chicken Haleem** year-round.

Mutton HaleemChicken Haleem

Ice and Spice

Shawarma·Tolichowki

Quick **shawarma** and **Mutabbaq** stop in the Tolichowki strip.

ShawarmaMutabbaq

Pyare Khalu Fish Fry

Seafood·Tolichowki

The go-to **fish fry** spot in Tolichowki. Fresh fish, simple preparation, consistently good.

Barkas3

Must TryLate night

Jumera

Biryani·Barkas

Have you ever seen people nudging for a biryani at 3am? That's Jumera for you. This place serves one of the best **beef biryanis**, which is made of sona masoori rice unlike others which use basmati. If you're going as a pair, their unlimited biryani option is a great choice. However, the restaurant has a limited menu, and only serves biryani and **kheer**.

Beef BiryaniKheer

Hadrami Harees

Breakfast·Barkas

Harees is the predecessor of the famous Hyderabadi Haleem. Barkas is probably the only place that serves harees throughout the year. There are two harees shops here and are open only 5-10 in the morning. Do try their **sweet harees**, the curry they pour over the **namkeen harees** may not go well for everyone.

Sweet HareesNamkeen Harees

Noor Mandi

**Mutton head mandi** here is highly suggested.

Mutton Head Mandi

Mehdipatnam8

Peshawar

Biryani, Kebabs·Mehdipatnam

Peshawar is a relatively recent entry to the food scene in Lakdikapul area. But were quick to make their mark, for some to count among the best Biryanis in the city. They serve a consistently good **biryani** along with many unique gravies and kebabs. The **mirchi ka salan** they serve with biriyani is especially noteworthy, and shows how good it can be. Do try their **Murg Ahd e Changezi**, **Nalli Bharra**, **Balauchi Chap** etc.

BiryaniMirchi Ka SalanNalli Bharra+2

Fanooz

Fanooz

Biryani·Mehdipatnam

Fanooz has been serving consistently good Hyderabadi dishes with a premium ambience. The **Shaadi Ka Table** here is quite unique and serves the sought after Hyderabadi marriage feast. **Sufiyani biryani** is also available here, but you will have to find a group of 20 people and pre order it, as they don't prepare it in smaller portions.

Sufiyani BiryaniShaadi Ka Table

Prince

Prince

Biryani, Kebabs·Mehdipatnam

They serve one of the best, value for money Hyderabadi **grilled chicken**. Do ask for the drippings while you place the order, you won't need anything else to accompany the rotis. They also serve good **biryani**, **talawa gosht** and **boti kebab**.

Grilled ChickenBiryaniTalawa Gosht+1

Cafe Niloufer

Irani Cafe, Cafe·Mehdipatnam

There are many branches, but our favourite is their oldest branch located in Lakdikapul. There are two branches here, the oldest one is the farthest from the main road and is less posh. The **tea** here cost significantly cheaper than the new branches and is closest to the Irani chai taste profile. People go crazy over their **malai bun** which often gets sold out before sunrise!

Irani ChaiMalai Bun

Taiba Cafe

Taiba Cafe

Cafe·Mehdipatnam

For their **tea**. If you like your tea with that distant flavour of a cigarette (?), this is the place for you.

Sultan Darbar

Biryani·Mehdipatnam

**Beef Biryani**, **Talawa gosht** and **tea**.

Beef BiryaniTalawa GoshtTea

Al Kareem

Biryani·Mehdipatnam

**Biryani**, **Talawa**, **Kali mirch talawa**, **Tahari** and tea.

BiryaniKali Mirch TalawaTahari

Astoria

Astoria

Biryani·Mehdipatnam

Vintage restaurant that serves a pretty decent **biryani**.

Abids & Nampally7

Grand

Grand

Irani Cafe, Biryani·Abids & Nampally

Probably the oldest, still thriving, Irani cafe in Hyderabad. The entire menu is pocket friendly without compromising an inch on the taste. The special **chicken biryani** here comes with four pieces of chicken for just 280 Rs! The **mutton biryani** here is one among our favourites. If you are not in the mood for biryani go for their **chicken 65** or **grill chicken**. And don't forget the **tea** here, one among our top picks in the entire city.

Chicken BiryaniMutton BiryaniTea+2

Cafe Bahar

Cafe Bahar

Biryani·Abids & Nampally

An iconic spot in Hyderabad that serves one among the best biryanis. The rice here is bit overcooked and the masala overpowers it. The **kheema biryani** here is an unorthodox take as they use tomatoes in the masala, something quite blasphemous! But do try it. They have two different set of seating, a budget friendly ground floor and the upper floor with a more premium experience. We would also recommend to try their **brain masala/fry** and **grilled chicken**. Please note: this is 'Cafe Bahar', they have only one branch. You may see many 'Bahar Cafes' in the city, just cheap imitations of the OG.

BiryaniKheema BiryaniBrain Masala+2

Alhamdulillah

Must TryLate night

Alhamdulillah

Haleem, Biryani·Abids & Nampally

A legendary eatery in Nampally area and one among the few places that serves **beef haleem** throughout the calendar. Our go to dishes on the menu are **talawa gosht**, **paya** and **biryani**. Talawa here comes with the traditional chutney made of raw mango, coconut and mint leaves. It goes well with anything, even haleem! And the place is open almost around the clock!

Beef HaleemPayaTalawa Gosht+1

Gokul Chat

Gokul Chat

Street Food·Abids & Nampally

The crowd outside waiting to find spot inside explains everything about this place. Be it any chat, hot or cold, **pani puri** or **pav bhaji**, they taste best at Gokul Chat.

Pani PuriPav BhajiChaat

Hameedi Confectioners

Hameedi Confectioners

Sweets·Abids & Nampally

This legendary sweet shop is located at the heart of MJ market. The last Nizam who was fond of their Jauzi Halwa declared the shop as their official sweet shop and it named after the Ottoman Sultan Abdul Hamid II. The Turkish connection started even before that. The founder's father came from Turkey to serve in the Nizam's army. **Jauzi Halwa** is their signature dish, a rich Turkish dessert that leaves a distinct nutmegy aftertaste. Other must try sweets are, **Ashrafi** – an almond and saffron based sweet that has the imprint of the Nizam's Ashrafi gold coin. **Badam Ke Jalli** – similar to Ashrafi in ingredients, but differs in shape.

Jauzi HalwaAshrafiBadam Ke Jalli

Famous Ice Cream

Famous Ice Cream

Desserts·Abids & Nampally

A visit to the old city area is never complete without relishing the **hand made ice creams** at Famous. Sooth yourselves in their open air seating, with the seasonal pick, right in the heart of MJ market.

Hand-made Ice Cream

Al Arabia Shawarma

Al Arabia Shawarma

Shawarma·Abids & Nampally

A day in the life of a Hyderabadi is not complete without having a shawarma from Mallepally. As the adage in the viral rap Miya Bhai goes, 'Biryani hona toh Hyderabad aana, Mallepally jaake shawarma khaana'. The weight of the meat hung on those Shawarma stands proves it. You can find many shawarma spots around the Badi Masjid, our favourite is Al Arabia and its **beef shawarma**. But do try other spots as well and let us know your favourite.

Lingampally5

Hyderabad Biryani House

Biryani·Lingampally

Popularly known as Kalyani biryani house. They serve a solid **beef biryani**, but consistency has been an issue lately. Some days, biriyani contains undercooked beef pieces, which you might need to chew like chewing gum. But on their good days, it stands tall with other best biryanis of Hyderabad. It is rumoured among the University crowd that the biryani here has medicinal properties, it can cure your fever in a single serve (please don't take this as health advice). Do try their **beef fry with roti**, as fry is more consistently good than biriyani. The **raita** they serve with kalyani is extremely good. One of our friends lovingly calls it 'dahan'! It is fizzy which is a rare thing in Hyderabad as far as have seen. We think it comes from ginger garlic paste. The **Irani chai** next to the restaurant is usually good as well.

Beef Fry with RotiRaitaBeef Biryani+1

Ilahi

Breakfast, Biryani·Lingampally

**Paya**, **Kheema**, **Beef fry/masala**, and **biryani** here are pretty good and pocket friendly.

PayaKheemaBeef Fry+1

Al Kareem

Biryani·Lingampally

Located right above Ilahi. If you are not happy with ambience of Ilahi, just climb the stairs. **Biryani** and **beef items** are pretty decent here.

BiryaniBeef Items

New Ajwa

Biryani·Lingampally

Our favourite for **biryani** in Hafeezpet.

Bismillah

Biryani·Lingampally

The best **Tahari** in Hafeezpet.

About Us

Three Ph.D. researchers from Malabar. Ten years eating in Hyderabad. Fellowship money well spent.