Hyderabadi Biryani is the dominant feature of Hyderabad’s culinary landscape. When you think Hyderabad, you think biryani (or is it the other way round?). Painstakingly slow-cooked to perfect texture, aroma, and flavor, the rich and spicy Hyderabadi Dum Biryani is a treat for refined palates. It is only when you taste Hyderabadi biryani that it dawns upon you what serious connoisseurs of food the Nizams of Hyderabad were.
There are many places all over India that serve biryani, the pan-India dish, and each version comes with a unique regional flavor. But if you want to relish the best biryani in India, you need to fly down to Hyderabad. Where in this city, you ask? Well, here are the go-to places for the best biryani in Hyderabad.
Hotel Shadab:
A commonplace restaurant tucked away in the bustling stores packed shoulder to shoulder in the ever so busy streets of Charminar, Hotel Shadab has been serving its guests with authentic Hyderabadi biryani since the 1990s. Shadab’s biryani is so popular that the restaurant teems with people even at the wee hours of the night, especially during the Ramzan season. Dislike huge crowds? We bet it wouldn’t bother you when there’s such a delicious spread of Hyderabadi biryani, Mirchi ka Salan, and Raita to engross your senses. Apart from biryani, the other must-try delicacies at Shadab include Kebabs, Haleem, and Falooda.
Approximate price for two: ₹ 800
Address: Madina Circle, High Court Road, Charminar, Ghansi Bazaar, Hyderabad-500012
Open hours: 5:30 am to 12:30 am
Paradise:
Ask any local where to go for the best biryani in Hyderabad, you are most likely to hear Paradise. Hyderabadis swear by the Paradise biryani. A strong aroma of spices wafting through the air starts to tease your olfactory and gustatory cells as you enter Paradise. This place is indeed a paradise for biryani lovers. Opened in 1953 as a modest cafe, it has grown to be recognized as a legendary place for the best biryani in Hyderabad with several outlets spread across the city. The iconic restaurant has also hosted several celebrities, sportspersons, politicians and other famous personalities.
Approximate price for two: ₹ 800
Address: MG Road, Sappu Bagh Apartment, Jogani, Ramgopalpet, Secunderabad-500003
Open hours: 11:00 am to 11:00 pm
Cafe Bahar:
Hyderabadi biryani is nothing if not spicy. But if you want it mild, then go to Cafe Bahar whose biryani is not so heavy on spices but delicious nonetheless. You’d greatly enjoy their biryani and the succulent chunks of meat flavored with the right mix of spices. The best thing about Cafe Bahar is that you get the best biryani in Hyderabad at a very reasonable price. It is equally famous for its fish biryani, if not more so. Complete a fulfilling meal with a cup of creamy Irani chai and a couple of Osmania biscuits.
Approximate price for two: ₹ 500
Address: Old MLA Quarters Road, Avanti Nagar, Himayatnagar, Hyderabad-500029
Open hours: 11:00 am to 12:00 am
Bawarchi:
Feel like tickling your taste buds with extra spicy Hyderabadi biryani? Bawarchi biryani is as spicy as Hyderabadi biryani can get. The casual dining restaurant is known for serving generous portions of authentic Hyderabadi biryani, and hence, has got loyal patrons for its quality of food and service. Their Mughalai kebabs and tikkas are also a must-try. With Hyderabadi specialties, traditional Indian dishes and Chinese food, Bawarchi’s menu is quite large and appetizing. You find many eateries in the city that go by the same name, but don’t fall for them because Bawarchi has no branches.
Approximate price for two: ₹ 750
Address: Plot No. 44, RTC Cross Rd, Opp Sandhya Theatre, Jawahar Nagar, Chikkadapally, New Nallakunta, Hyderabad-500020
Open hours: 11:30 am to 11:30 pm
Jewel of Nizam:
Fancy savoring the original Hyderabadi biryani like royalty? Jewel of Nizam, the fine dining restaurant of the Golkonda Hotel, offers you this luxurious experience. The restaurant features lavish interiors inspired by the opulence of the Nizam era, and its regal ambiance is elevated by live orchestral music. Dine in luxury; feast on Hyderabad’s culinary treats like Hyderabadi Kacchi Gosht ki Dum Biryani, Patthar ka Gosht, Bagara Baingan, and Anokhi Kheer. The hotel is located just 30 minutes from Rajiv Gandhi International Airport.
Approximate price for two: ₹ 2500
Address: The Golkonda Hotel, the Golkonda Hotel Rd, Ambedkar Nagar, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad-500028
Open hours: 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm and 6:30 pm to 11:30 pm.
Have got a sweet tooth? We totally get you when you say a meal doesn’t feel complete unless accompanied by dessert. So, go try these famous Hyderabad sweets after your biryani indulgence.
