Indians and their insatiable love for biryani can only be described as an epic love affair. It's like witnessing a nation of biryani enthusiasts with their taste buds perpetually on a flavourful rollercoaster ride. Biryani is not just a dish for Indians; it's an emotion, a passion that knows no bounds. Whether it's a family gathering, a wedding, or a random Tuesday afternoon, you can bet your bottom rupee that there's a steaming pot of biryani involved. Every state has its favourites, but if there’s one place which has become synonymous with biryani, it’s got to be Hyderabad. And with Bakra Eid so close, thoughts about biryani are at their peak.
The tale of Hyderabadi Biryani begins centuries ago, during the reign of the Nizams, who were the rulers of the Hyderabad state. Influenced by Persian and Mughlai cuisines, the Nizams' royal chefs crafted a culinary marvel that combined fragrant basmati rice, succulent meat, and an assortment of aromatic spices. This regal delicacy initially prepared exclusively for the royal court, soon transcended palace walls and enchanted the entire city.
What makes Hyderabadi Biryani truly exceptional is the 'dum' cooking technique employed during its preparation. The term 'dum' refers to slow-cooking in a sealed pot, allowing the flavours to meld together and infuse every grain of rice and piece of meat. Layers of partially cooked basmati rice and marinated meat, along with caramelised onions, fragrant saffron, and a blend of exotic spices, are carefully arranged and cooked on low heat. This method imparts an unparalleled depth of flavour and ensures that each bite is an explosion of taste and aroma.
Hyderabadi Biryani offers two main variations: the Kacchi Biryani and the Pakki Biryani. In the Kacchi Biryani, the meat is marinated with spices and yoghurt and then layered with partially cooked rice before being sealed and cooked to perfection. The Pakki Biryani, on the other hand, involves parboiling the meat and rice separately before layering and slow-cooking them together. Both methods result in a symphony of flavours, but it is the Kacchi Biryani that truly captures the essence of the Hyderabadi culinary heritage.
Slurrp caught up with Hyderabad’s foodies who gave us the inside scoop on the best Biryani (and kebab) places in the city. Read on to find your next favourite spot.
1. Biryani Times, Madhapur; Recommended by Aamir Ahmed (@aamir_foodietraveler)
Looking for a quaint but cute setting without compromising on the classic biryani flavours, look no further than Biryani Times. Though they have a wide range of offerings, it’s the biryani that keeps Aamir coming back. “This place is my personal favourite,” he admits. With endless options for kebabs and biryanis, this is sure to be your new fave as well.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ivTGwNp8EZx7CTdp6
Time: 11:30 am to 12 am
Phone Number: 087593 39999
Available Cuisines: North Indian, Chinese, Mughlai
Type: Veg and non-veg
Meals Served: Breakfast, Lunch Dinner
USP Dishes: Mutton Dum Biryani, Chicken Fry Biryani
Price for Two: Rs 1,200 (Mid-range)
Address: Plot 5/B, Survey 11/7, Madhapur, Hyderabad
2. Biryaniwalla & Co., Banjara Hills; Recommended by @hyderabadfoodich
Since 1980, this understated biryani spot has been doling out high-quality dishes and a biryani to die for. “This biryani is sure to leave you feeling full and satisfied. A special mention to their Mirchi Ka Salan.” says Hyderabadfoodich. Although it may look like a regular shawarma joint from the outside, step in to find an elegant vintage space which more often than not is packed with regulars who know that this is where to find the good stuff.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/235rx5QVzVR6GHQh6
Time: 12 pm to 10:30 pm
Phone Number: 040 6666 8111
Available Cuisines: North Indian, Chinese, South Indian
Type: Veg and non-veg
Meals Served: Breakfast, Lunch Dinner
USP Dishes: Zaffrani Biryani, Mirch Ka Salan, Kebabs
Price for Two: Rs 1,200 (Mid-range)
Address: 8-2-337/B, Road 3, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad
3. Cafe Bahar, Himayatnagar, Recommended by Chinranjeevi (@hyderabad_street_foodie_94)
Started by a Persian settler in Mumbai who then moved to Hyderabad, Cafe Bahar has been recommended by nearly every person on our list today. The restaurant is always packed with people and though it can be a bit of a wait, loyal customers are always ready to wait for their exceptional biryani. According to Chiranjeevi, “Cafe Bahar Biryani is an absolute delight for biryani enthusiasts, with its aromatic flavours, perfectly cooked rice, and tender meat that leave a lasting impression and keep you coming back for more. It truly captures the essence of a delicious and satisfying biryani experience.”
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/e8RP7W2NSeShmXYx6
Time: 11 am to 1 am
Phone Number: 040 2323 7605
Available Cuisines: Hyderabadi, Chinese, North Indian
Type: Veg and non-veg
Meals Served: Breakfast, Lunch Dinner
USP Dishes: Bahar Spl. Biryani
Price for Two: Rs 850 (Budget-friendly)
Address: 3-5/815-A, Hyderguda, Basheer Bagh, Hyderabad
4. Jashan, Abids; Recommended by Hemanth Jain (@hyderabad.food.safari)
“The other vegeterian Biryani I liked the most is of Jashan,” says Hemanth. This vegetarian option comes to you from Jashan by Santosh Dhaba. This spot carries on the promise of quality veg food that Santosh has become beloved for and offers a delectable vegetarian biryani that satisfies all the criteria in terms of flavour and comfort.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/q4EmCtPzTtQJQuPS6
Time: 12:30 pm to 1 am
Phone Number: 096666 66996
Available Cuisines: Chinese, Italian, North Indian
Type: Veg and non-veg
Meals Served: Breakfast, Lunch Dinner
USP Dishes: Vegetable Biryani
Price for Two: Rs 950 (Budget-friendly)
Address: 4-1-969/970, Ahuja Estate Lane, Opposite Santosh Sapna Theatre, Abids, Hyderabad
5. Krishnapatanam, Jubilee Hills; Recommended by @hyderabadfoodich
Andhra Biryani in Hyderabad isn’t always given the spotlight it deserves. But at Krishnapatnam, it’s the star of the show. A fiery symphony of flavours, leaving taste buds ablaze and hearts aflame. “A taste of Andhra Pradesh with their signature Krishnapatnam Nalli Ghost biryani. It’s a must-try.” says HyderabadFoodIch
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/RrX4MQHJdnbye4ti9
Time: 12 pm to 11:30 pm
Phone Number: 091696 95566
Available Cuisines: Andhra, North Indian, Chinese
Type: Veg and non-veg
Meals Served: Breakfast, Lunch Dinner
USP Dishes: Krishnapatnam Nalli Ghost biryani
Price for Two: Rs 1,300 (Mid-range)
Address: 3rd Floor, Shreshta Aura, Road 36, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad
6. Meridian Restaurant, Punjagitta; Recommended by Kiran Sahoo (@food_hud)
An up-and-comer among the top biryani spots in the city, Meridian reopened with a bang and has earned itself a cult of loyal followers. “This iconic place has one of the best aromatic and flavourful Mutton and Chicken Biryani,” says Kiran. And it seems that many people share her opinion. It’s often named as one of the best places in the city along with other older establishments. As legend goes, it was started by a butcher who had a shop on the same street and that reflects in the meat they use and the consistency in flavour.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/V6U5fqze2UhWBt2Z9
Time: 12 pm to 10:30 pm
Phone Number: +919032730504
Available Cuisines: North Indian, Chinese, Mughlai
Type: Veg and non-veg
Meals Served: Breakfast, Lunch Dinner
USP Dishes: Mutton Biryani, Chicken Biryani
Price for Two: Rs 700 (Budget-friendly)
Address: 6-3-697, 1, Mumbai Hwy, RTC Cross Road, Punjagutta, Hyderabad, Telangana 500082
7. Peshawar, Lakdikapul; Recommended by Aamir Ahmed (@aamir_foodietraveler)
Bringing the taste of Peshawar to Hyderabad, this spot is known as a haven for meat-lovers. “If you have it once, you’ll turn your car around to keep having it over and over again!” says Aamir. And with Bakrid coming up, there’s no better place to come and indulge in soft and succulent mutton biryani.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/pFBQg5PfB5TCsZLT9
Time: 12 pm to 1 am
Phone Number: 098859 58314
Available Cuisines: Mughlai, North Indian
Type: Veg and non-veg
Meals Served: Breakfast, Lunch Dinner
USP Dishes: Mutton Biryani
Price for Two: Rs. 1,200 (Mid-range)
Address: 6-2-30/E, Near DHL Office, Lakdikapul, Hyderabad
8. Shadab Hotel, Ghansi Bazaar; Recommended by Priya (@priyatripsandtastes)
“My go-to place which serves one of the best authentic biryani and kebabs in Hyderabad is undoubtedly this over 70-year-old Shadab Hotel located in Madina, Charminar,” says Priya, “We usually take everyone who visits Hyderabad to this restaurant without fail. The taste is so satisfying that it leaves you craving it. The place is pretty much always crowded. Let it be a hero or a normal person like me, we should wait in line to get a seat for approximately 15-30 minutes. This shows the popularity and how much it is loved by the people of Hyderabad. The staff really need a special shout-out. Even when thousands come in, they are so patient and welcoming. The service is undoubtedly great.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/dnGVAMmaGyfD8eD2A
Time: 6 am to 12 am
Phone Number: 040 2456 5949
Available Cuisines: North Indian, Chinese, Mughlai
Type: Veg and non-veg
Meals Served: Breakfast, Lunch Dinner
USP Dishes: Chicken Dum Biryani, Mutton Biryani, Malai chicken tikka, their chicken & mutton kebabs along with their unique Green and Malai chutneys.
Price for Two: Rs 1,200 (Mid-range)
Address: Madina Circle, 21-1-140-144, Near High Court, High Court Rd, Charminar, Ghansi Bazaar, Hyderabad, Telangana 500012
9. Shah Ghouse Hotel and Restaurant, Tolichowki; Recommended by Kiran Sahoo (@food_hud)
There’s something special about a biryani that is just as good every time you have it an Shah Ghouse has made a name for this. “Their consistency is their key,” says Kiran, “Flavours are well balanced with an extra kick of masala whenever asked for it.” For people looking for a place they can call their regular biryani spot. Shah Ghouse has everything you need.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/qw7ykYvpzsd1mZfB7
Time: 9:30 am to 10:30 pm
Phone Number: +919700150828
Available Cuisines: North Indian, Chinese, Mughlai
Type: Veg and non-veg
Meals Served: Breakfast, Lunch Dinner
USP Dishes: Special Chicken Biryani
Price for Two: Rs 1,000 (Budget-friendly)
Address: House 9-4-86/17, Salarjung Colony, Circle 10, Tolichowki, Hyderabad
10. Tosh-e-daan, Gachibowli; Recommended by Hemanth Jain (@hyderabad.food.safari)
Though it's a divisive topic for the internet, when in Hyderabad, there are some vegetarian biryanis that deserve your attention. “Being a vegeterian I tried a lot of vegetarian biryani” says Hemanth, “and the Nizami Biryani of *Tosh-e-daan* located in Gachibowli is one of my favourites.”
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/N4PLJAyQqxBY6Erx5
Time: 12:30 pm to 11:30 pm
Phone Number: 063093 32777
Available Cuisines: North Indian
Type: Veg and non-veg
Meals Served: Breakfast, Lunch Dinner
USP Dishes: Subz Biryani
Price for Two: Rs 1,400 (mid-range)
Address: 1-61/SO/202, 1st Floor, Oak Plaza, Khajaguda - Nanakramguda Road, Gachibowli, Hyderabad
(Please note: Recommendations appear in alphabetical order)