Posted 18 August 2023 in Food Tripping

10 dishes you should try in Hyderabad if you’re a foodie

Hyderabad is synonymous with great food. It is a royal city with diverse cultures and cuisines dating back to 400 years. The metropolitan city has several food joints in every nook and corner. When in Hyderabad, street food is a must-try, along with the excellent fine-dining options in the city.

When people from different backgrounds live in a place they bring their own recipes and variation to the food. Hyderabad is a historic city and the Nizams used to reside here, which has largely influenced the cuisine here.

Below you’ll find a list of some of the top dishes to try in Hyderabad. Let’s take a look at the best picks:

1. Dosa

If you are in Hyderabad, there’s no way that you won’t be having dosa for breakfast or as an evening snack. This is a classic, made in every house. It is also a popular street food option and you can visit the bandis to relish some crisp dosa with podi and coconut chutney. Not only regular dosa, but you can also try different types of dosas in Hyderabad like cheese dosa, paper dosa, pav bhaji dosa, Maggi dosa, mutton keema dosa, and more. You may have had dosas in other parts of the country but there’s nothing like Hyderabadi dosas. These are inexpensive and keep you full for a long time.

2. Biryani

This dish developed in the Mughal kitchen is famous for more than one reason. The aromatic basmati rice is made with a mix of Indian spices and the tender pieces of meat will make you salivate in no time. For vegetarians, there is a veg option also available. It is a wholesome meal and you can have it with mirch ka salan or raita.

3. Haleem

They say you will keep coming back to Hyderabad for the yummy Haleem. During the month of Ramadan, there is a high demand for it and most restaurants make it, but it gets sold out quickly. Haleem is a healthy and delicious stew made of meat, lentils, and pounded wheat. It is topped with dry fruits, saffron, ghee, and served hot. Keep in mind that all joints don’t make it throughout the year.

4. Boti Kebab

You have to thank the Mughals for the widely loved kebabs that melt in your mouth. In Hyderabad, almost all restaurants make their version of the succulent, flavourful kebabs. The well-marinated, minced mutton is cooked with fresh herbs to leave you drooling. The mouth-watering kebabs are also added to biryani and rolls. There are various types of kebabs like galouti kebabs, burra kebabs, kakori kebabs. These are best enjoyed with raw salads and lime.

5. Chicken 65

This spicy appetiser is a favourite among many. The best way to start a full-course meal is by having deep-fried chicken, garnished with coriander leaves and onion, popularly called chicken 65. Most restaurants will have it on their menu, the street stalls also sell them. It is a quick snack loved by most people.

6. Paaya

Paaya is one of the tastiest and best dishes that you’ll try in Hyderabad. Full of rich flavours, this dish is served steaming hot with steamed rice or roti. It is a traditional food and you can enjoy it in some of the well-known restaurants in Hyderabad.

7. Nihari

This particular dish is a favourite during the festival of Eid. A mouthwatering meat stew, it is cooked overnight and even buried underground to allow the essence of the spices to get into the meat. The ideal way to eat nihari is with naan or kulcha.

8. Keema Samosa

Samosas are the evening snack we all know about, but keema samosas are special. This is an instant hunger fix. A crispy exterior and a filling of minced meat is going to leave you craving for more. This is an iconic Hyderabadi street food and the best place to try it is in ld Hyderabad city while sipping a cup of Irani chai.

9. Phirni

A heartwarming Indian dessert, phirni is a must-have in Hyderabad. It is an easy and tasty dessert, made in authentic Hyderabadi style. It is served in terracotta dishes, garnished with dry fruits.

10. Shahi Tukda

The tempting, creamy Hyderabadi Shahi Tukda will satisfy your sweet cravings. It is made with bread, sugar, ghee, and cream. The taste transports you to the era of the royals and nawabs.It can be served hot or cold, and nowhere else in the world will you find such mouth-watering Shahi Tukda.

How to reach?

Hyderabad is a major city in India and well-connected. One can go around in the city in auto-rickshaws, public buses, private cabs, or Metro. To get to Hyderabad from other parts of the country, you can choose any of the below options:

By Air - The nearest airport to Hyderabad is Rajiv Gandhi International Airport. It is located in Shamshabad, which is about 24 km south of Hyderabad. IndiGo has direct, non-stop flights from many places till Hyderabad.
By Rail - There are several railway stations in and around Hyderabad, including Kacheguda, Hyderabad Deccan, Malkajgiri, Warangal, Begumpet, and more. Secunderabad is one of India's largest and busiest railway stations. Trains are available from most cities to Hyderabad.
By Road - Hyderabad is easily accessible by road from cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai, Aurangabad, Chennai, and Tirupati. The Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) manages bus terminals here and you can also opt for a drive.

Climate

Hyderabad is a city that experiences high temperatures year-round. While the hot season usually lasts from March to June, the hottest and most unbearable month of the year in Hyderabad is May. The cool season lasts from October to January.

Best time to visit

Mid-November to February is the best time to visit Hyderabad and enjoy sightseeing. The temperature remains cool enough to explore the city well and eat at the popular food joints.

Conclusion

You may be in Hyderabad for a business trip or a vacation but always keep enough time to grab some delicious food. You can also pack some for home on your way back. No matter how long or short your stay is, the food in Hyderabad will give you a reason to come again. The city of Nawabs definitely knows that the way to the heart is through the stomach.