From biryani to delicious phirni: Here are the top foods of Hyderabad

Hyderabad: Hyderabad has a unique cuisine that is both indigenous and draws inspiration from foreign cuisines since it is a combination of Mughal, Turkish, and Arabic cuisines, as well as the impact of native Telugu and Marathwada cuisines. Hyderabadi cuisine consists of a diverse repertory of rice, wheat, and meat dishes, as well as the expert use of numerous spices, herbs, and natural delicacies.

If you’re a foodie who doesn’t want to miss out on any of the delicacies that Hyderabad has to offer, here are some Hyderabadi street foods that every visitor and local of the city of Nizams should sample and devour.

1. Hyderabadi Biriyani

Hyderabadi biryani is a type of biryani from Hyderabad that is cooked with basmati rice and different types of meat, though the best Hyderabadi biryani is always made of mutton. Developed in the kitchens of the Nizam of Hyderabad, it combines aspects of Hyderabadi and Mughlai cuisines. This is available anywhere and anyplace in Hyderabad, and you can taste it anywhere because the basic recipe is the same everywhere. This delicious meaty main meal with just the right number of spices and flavour is every spicy meat lover’s dream.

Top places to try it:

· Hotel Shadab, Ghansi Bazaar

· Meridian Cafe & Restaurant, Punjagutta

· Shah Ghouse Cafe & Restaurant, Toli Chowki

2. Hyderabadi Haleem

Hyderabadi haleem is a variety of haleem popular in Hyderabad. Haleem is a stew made from ground meat, lentils, and pounded wheat ground into a thick paste. It is an Arabic dish that was introduced to Hyderabad state by the Chaush people during the Nizams’ reign. It is commonly found during the months of Ramadan.

Top places to try it:

· Pista House, Shalibanda Road, Charminar

· Shah Ghouse Cafe & Restaurant, Toli Chowki

· Paradise, Paradise Circle, Secunderabad

3. Phirni

This delicious delicacy is another Ramadan treat. This aromatic rice and milk-based dish is typically produced and served in clay pots and is a delightful treat for your taste buds. Gentle on the stomach, this flavour-packed dessert is the one to feed on after a hefty and wonderful meal.

Top places to try it:

· Shah Ghouse Cafe & Restaurant, Toli Chowki

· The Grand Trunk Road, Madhapur

4. Boti Kebab

This appetizer kebab recipe calls for cubed mutton chunks that have been marinated in papaya paste, green chili paste, and garlic paste. These marinated mutton pieces are then prepared with a spice blend and grilled to perfection on skewers.

Top places to try it:

· Hotel Shadab, Ghansi Bazaar

· Paradise, Paradise Circle, Secunderabad

· Bawarchi, Nallakunta

5. Qubani ka Meetha

This authentic Hyderabadi dessert is made using dried apricots and is usually topped with almonds. It can be eaten with ice cream or can even be garnished with malai (thick cream). It is a main part of Hyderabadi cuisine and is a common feature at Hyderabadi weddings.

Top places to try it:

· Utsav Restaurant, Secunderabad

· Parivar Dhaba, Nizamabad

· Paradise, Paradise Circle, Secunderabad

6. Mirchi ka Salan

Together with the well-known Hyderabadi Biriyani, Mirchi ka Salan is another dish worth mentioning. The backbone of this gravy meal is coconut, peanuts, and sesame seeds, with green chilies as the major component. This is typically cooked with the long, fiery chillis found in Hyderabad.

Top places to try it:

· Hotel Rumaan Restaurant, Toli Chowki

· Hotel Nayaab, Ghansi Bazaar

· Hotel Shadab, Ghansi Bazaar

7. Hyderabadi Chicken 65

The dish was introduced in 1965 by Buhari’s hotel and hence the name. This spicy deep-fried starter garnished with coriander leaves and onion is the best way to start your three-course meal. Another way to enjoy this dish is to pair it with Rumaali Roti.

Top places to try it:

· Bawarchi, Nallakunta

· Hotel Tulips Grand, Boduppal

· Paradise, Paradise Circle, Secunderabad

8. Pesarattu Dosa

Pesarattu Dosa or Moong Dal Dosa is similar to a regular dosa except that the batter is composed of moong dal. It is a popular breakfast in Hyderabad and is also highly nutritious. It comes with ginger chutney on the side, and the combo is delicious. Several south Indian states serve dosa as street food, but this slight variation on the south classic has won this meal a spot on the list of the greatest street food in Hyderabad.

Top places to try it:

· Pragati Gully

· Charminar Market

9. Lukhmi

This unusually formed but delectable samosa is the most popular appetizer offered at any Hyderabadi wedding. It’s loaded with spice-infused minced lamb meat that’s sour and crispy on the outside, and it’s a must-try, especially for lamb lovers.

Top places to try it:

· Charminar Market

· Alpha Hotel & Restaurant, West Marredpalli

10. Nihari

Nihari is a stew originating in Lucknow, the capital of 18th-century Awadh under the Mughal Empire in the Indian subcontinent but is an absolute favourite among the Hyderabadis that they have made it their own. It consists of slow-cooked meat, mainly a shank cut of beef, lamb, mutton, or goat meat, as well as chicken and bone marrow. It is flavoured with long pepper, a relative of black pepper. This delicacy is cooked overnight and sometimes even buried underground so that the essence of the masala seeps into the meat.

Top places to try it:

· Hotel Shadab, Ghansi Bazaar

· Charminar Bazaar

· Shah Ghouse Cafe & Restaurant, Toli Chowki

11. Double ka Meetha

This renowned Hyderabadi street dish is a delectable dessert that is commonly served at Hyderabadi Muslim weddings. This bread pudding delicacy is made of bread slices steeped in saffron and cardamom-flavoured milk. It is also called ‘Double Roti’ since it swells to twice its original size after baking.

Top places to try it:

· Hyderabad House, Ameerpet

· Pragati Gully

· Hameedi Confectioners, Mozamjahi Market

12. Murgh Do Pyaza

This sweet and spicy meal, also known as ‘Chicken do Pyaza,’ is served with naan or roti. The name stems from the fact that it requires ‘twice’ the amount of onions as any other chicken dish during preparation. This delicious curry features a rich and acidic tomato gravy, and eggs are sometimes added to enhance the flavour.

Top places to try it:

· Palate House Family Restaurant, Miyapur Crossroad

· Paradise, Paradise Circle, Secunderabad

· Kangan, The Westin, Hitech City

13. Keema Samosa

Spring roll wrappers are used to make keema samosas that are filled with spiced keema and onions. Then they are fried until they are golden and crunchy. This delectable monsoon specialty is often packed with spicy masala and minced beef and is a must-have snack for any samosa fan. This renowned Hyderabadi street cuisine is especially popular during Ramzan.

Top places to try it:

· Hotel Shadab, Ghansi Bazaar

· Golkonda Fort stalls

· Sahib's Barbeque, Hitech City

14. Gosht Pasinde

This is another Ramadan dish made with marinated leg of lamb seasoned with cumin, pepper, and cardamom. This meal is typically served with naan or rice and garnished with almonds and chopped tomatoes.

Top places to try it:

· Ohri's Tansen, Necklace Road

15. Irani Chai

Irani tea, the ever-popular ‘Spirit of Hyderabad.’ The Persians introduced this delicacy to Hyderabad by docking in the Nawabi city for business. You should let Hyderabad’s cafés soothe your taste buds with the wonderful taste of Irani chai. It is best served with Osmania biscuits, another famous Hyderabad specialty.

Top places to try it:

· Nimrah Cafe & Bakery, Champapet Main Road

· Nilofer Cafe, Lakdikapul

· Paradise, Paradise Road, Secunderabad

16. Dum Pukht

Dum pukht is a traditional cooking method that can be traced to the royal kitchens of the Awadh region in India and the words “dum” and “pukht” means to breathe and to cook, respectively. It is a biryani cooked with loads of desi ghee on low flame. It is flavoured with loads of herbs found locally.

Top places to try it:

· Shahi Dastarkhwan

· Chicha’s

· Jewel of Nizam

17. Paaya

Paaya is a dish comprised of roasted spices and goat trotters. The juicy goat trotters are marinated ahead of time to make them succulent and tasty. It comes with steaming hot rice and will have you saying “delicious” in seconds. The meal has a lot of flavour in every bite and is regarded as one of the greatest in India.

Top places to try it:

· Hotel Shadab

· Shah Ghouse Café and Restaurant

· Sahib’s Barbeque by Ohri’s

18. Pathar ka Gosht

A classical Hyderabadi street food dish, Pathar ka Gosht is a popular lamb dish. This dish is made of lamb that is slowly cooked. It has a very smoky and charred flavour. Some people also load it with spices and hot chili. It is often served with onions and other vegetables on a bed of steamed rice.

Top places to try it:

· Azizia Hotel

· Al Rahaman

· Jewel of Nizam