Kebab Restaurants Trail In Hyderabad's Old City

By Ujjainee Roy

Hyderabad is a paradise for foodies who cherish Mughlai and Indian cuisines. The city of Nizams has several restaurants serving lip-smacking biryani and kebabs, especially in the Old City area. Marinated meat cooked in an open tandoor makes melt-in-the-mouth kebabs. Catering to vegetarian and non-vegetarian dietary preferences, these joints have a budget-friendly menu, making them an ideal place to visit with friends. 

*Some restaurants listed in this trail serve non-vegetarian food, but have been added because they have good vegetarian options on their menu as well.

  • Shadab Hotel

    Shadab Hotel, the popular restaurant in the heart of Old City, is celebrated for its authentic Mughlai and Hyderabadi cuisine. While it is renowned for its flavorful biryanis, the restaurant also has a terrific selection of succulent kebabs. You’ll find all the classics from hariyal kebab and tangri kebab to kalmi kebab and tandoori chicken. Their kebabs are grilled to perfection, and intensely seasoned and they have a decadent flavour profile that’s high on savoury notes. They also make a mean chicken 65 which has many takers.


  • Kabab-e-Jahangiri

    Their seekh kebab with roti at Kabab-e-Jahangiri is the most popular order. You get some amazingly juicy tala hua gosht at just Rs 50 and you can pair it with their crispy paratha. At around Rs 120, you can buy enough kebabs and roti for two people, which is the best thing about this joint. It’s quite close to the Charminar and most people head to Kabab-e-Jahangiri for a hearty and economical lunch after a trip to the historic monument. 


  • Hotel Rumaan

    This hidden gem near Nizam Colony is known for its authentic Hyderabadi kebabs and other specialities. The restaurant captures the essence of local flavours, and its kebabs are celebrated for their exquisite taste and old-school preparation. The rustic charm of the ambience adds to the overall dining experience, making it a favourite among those seeking genuine Hyderabadi cuisine. Besides kebabs, some other signatures include Mirchi Ka Salan, Khichadi Kheema Khatta, Usmani Biscuit and Khichdi Kheema.


  • Shahi Dastarkhwan

    This old-timey restaurant is best known for its dum biryani but they also make some great kebabs. Besides boti kebab, tikke kebab and tangdi kebab, the diner also sells some signature items like chicken Irani jujeh, shahi hyderabadi kebab and lehsooni kebab are the most popular. Pair them with their fragrant zaffrani chicken biryani which is made with layers of seasoned meat and fluffy rice in the traditional dum-style technique.


  • Paradise Restaurant

    Paradise Restaurant is an iconic name in the culinary landscape of Hyderabad, primarily recognized for its delectable Hyderabadi biryanis. However, their kebabs are equally noteworthy. The restaurant offers a diverse menu that caters to a wide range of palates. Their kalmi kebabs are spicier than typical kebabs and feature juicy drumsticks marinated in special masalas, char-grilled to perfection. Don’t miss out on their creamy garlic-flavoured boneless chicken kebab, which is simmered to perfection.


  • Shah Ghouse Cafe

    Shah Ghouse Café has a rich history and has been serving some delicious kebabs. Their kebabs are well-marinated, perfectly grilled, and infused with a blend of spices that give it their umami-rich profile. Their signature item is the Arabian kebab featuring chicken stuffed with spinach and cheese in black pepper sauce. Their seekh kebab is also popular and famed for its char-grilled finish. 


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