Ayantika Malakar

Hyderabad—the city of pearls, IT hubs, and, most importantly, legendary food. Thanks to its dynastic past, the city’s cuisine is an exquisite mix of Turkish, Arabic, Persian, and native Deccani influences—all beautifully simmered together in its food culture.

So, when work took me to Hyderabad for a couple of weeks, I knew I had to prioritize my taste buds over other things. Armed with an appetite and a curious soul, I set out to devour some of Hyderabad’s most celebrated delicacies.

Chai Pe Charcha—The Irani Way

My gastronomic journey began at Nimrah Café & Bakery, just a stone’s throw from the iconic Charminar. While I expected some mind-blowing revelations from their Irani chai (tea), I must confess—it tasted like any other good cup of milk tea. But then came the Osmania biscuits—crispy, buttery, slightly sweet, slightly salty… where had it been all my life?

Absolute magic! So much so that I bought a stash to take home. I also experimented with cherry coconut and pista cookies, but let’s be real—Osmania biscuits stole the show.

Mandi Mania—The Arabian Delight

If there’s one dish Hyderabad has recently been adopted with open arms, it’s the Arabian Mandi. Drive through the city, and you’ll see Mandi joints on every street like stars in a night sky. Upon a friend’s insistence, I found myself at MDR Mandi Delight (Uppal-Ramanthapur Road), ready to try the much-hyped dish.

The Arabian Majlis-style seating made me feel like I was on a mini-vacation in the Middle East. The meal began with a comforting bowl of mutton shorba, followed by Chicken Faham Mandi and Chicken Juicy Mandi.

Now, if you’re expecting biryani, let me stop you right there. Mandi is not biryani, nor is it pulao. The rice is subtly spiced, and the slow-cooked meat is tender, juicy, and incredibly flavorful. Served with raita, mayonnaise, and salan, the experience was unique and worth every bite.

Street Food Chronicles—Kebabs, Chaat & Dosas Galore

As the sun sets, Hyderabad’s streets transform into a food carnival—vendors frying samosas, grilling kebabs, and preparing plates of chaat, dosas, and idlis. My time was short, so I had to be selective.

At Sri Raghavendra Tiffins (near Stadium Metro Station), I tried their famous Kaju Dosa. This was no ordinary dosa—it was stuffed with cashews and had a creamy, mildly sweet taste. A true hidden gem!

Biryani—The Undisputed King of Hyderabad

No food journey in Hyderabad is complete without Biryani, and I took my biryani duties seriously. Based on recommendations, I landed at Bawarchi Restaurant, one of Hyderabad’s most loved biryani spots.

The Mutton Biryani was flavorful, but I found the meat-to-rice ratio slightly disappointing. Also, the crowd was overwhelming, and I had to share my table with strangers—which made the experience less enjoyable. A word of caution: They don’t serve desserts on Sundays, so plan accordingly!

My next biryani stop was Pista House, a restaurant known for its biryani and hospitality. I tried their Zafrani Chicken Biryani and, let me tell you, it was a game-changer! Unlike my previous experience, here the chicken pieces were generous, the portion size was perfect for two, and the taste? Pure bliss.

A Realization: I’ve had Hyderabadi Biryani in many places outside Hyderabad, but nothing comes close to the real deal in the city itself. The flavors here were more aromatic, the meat more tender, and the experience far richer than any “Hyderabadi Biryani” I had tried elsewhere.

Now, for the age-old debate:

• Mutton Biryani? Kolkata’s biryani still holds the crown for me.
• Chicken Biryani? Hyderabad wins hands down!

A Taste of Andhra

Hyderabadi cuisine also embraces bold and spicy Andhra flavors. I couldn’t leave Hyderabad without trying the fiery Chicken 65, a spicy, deep-fried chicken dish that packed just the right amount of heat and crunch. It’s easy to see why this Andhra-origin dish is a favorite across India.

Mughlai Indulgence

Mughlai cuisine has heavily influenced Hyderabad’s food, and one dish that stood out was Zafrani Murgh from Pista House. This luxurious, creamy chicken gravy infused with saffron was best enjoyed with soft, warm tandoori rotis. Every bite was pure indulgence—rich, aromatic, and absolutely divine!

A Surprise Twist

And in a moment of curiosity, I ordered a Chicken Cheese Pizza (again from Pista House-Bakery). While it’s definitely not Hyderabadi in origin, the chef had given it a bold desi makeover with an extra kick of spice. One bite, and I knew—this was no ordinary pizza. It had Hyderabad’s fiery soul baked right into it!

Sweet Endings—Desserts That Melt Your Soul

Hyderabad doesn’t just excel in biryani—it also knows how to end a meal on a sweet note. The city is home to some delightful desserts, and I made sure to indulge.

Some must-try desserts include:

• Double ka Meetha – Fried bread soaked in sugar syrup, topped with dry fruits. Think of it as Shahi Tukda’s cousin.
• Qubbani ka Meetha – an indulgent apricot dessert where dried apricots are slow-cooked to a luscious, jam-like consistency, then crowned with almonds and a dollop of fresh cream. A spoonful of this, and you’ll understand why it’s a Hyderabadi classic!
• Apricot Delight – A modern delightful take on Qubbani ka Meetha.  It was irresistibly good.

But my true apricot obsession reached its peak at Pista House, where I found myself returning not once, not twice, but three times for their Apricot Trillight (Pista House’s version of Apricot delight). The more I ate, the more I craved!

The Haleem Hunt—Wait for Ramzan!

Hyderabad’s legendary Haleem from Pista House is only available during Ramzan. This slow-cooked stew made of meat, wheat, lentils, and spices is a power-packed dish. Unfortunately, I missed out this time—but hey, that gives me a solid reason to return!

Final Thoughts

One of the best things about Hyderabad’s food scene is that it’s deliciously affordable. You can feast like a king without burning a hole in your pocket. Whether you’re a hardcore biryani lover, a tea enthusiast, or a dessert addict, Hyderabad has something for everyone.

So, dear foodie, pack your bags, loosen your belts, and get ready to indulge! Hyderabad is waiting to take you on a gastronomic adventure.

Bon appétit! 🍽️✨