If you’re looking for delicious, authentic Hyderabadi cuisine, you’ve come to the right place! From biryani to haleem, the food scene in Hyderabad is one of the most vibrant and flavorful in India.
Here we’ve compiled 12 of the most delicious dishes that you must try when you visit the city – from classic Hyderabadi dishes like Mirchi ka salan and Double Ka Meetha to less-known specialties like Marag and Khatti Dal.
So get ready to explore the amazing flavors of Hyderabad and tantalize your taste buds!
List of 12 amazing Hyderabad Food:
1) Haleem
Haleem is a famous dish from Hyderabad, India. It is a thick stew made of wheat, barley, lentils and meat, usually lamb or goat. It is usually cooked for hours until it achieves a thick consistency and a distinct flavor. It is traditionally served during the holy month of Ramadan.
Haleem is one of the signature dishes of Hyderabad, where it has been prepared for centuries. The dish is made with a combination of spices such as cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, black pepper, nutmeg, cumin, and coriander, as well as bay leaves and ginger-garlic paste. It is also often garnished with fried onions, coriander leaves, lemon juice, and green chilies.
Haleem is a filling and nutritious dish that can be served on its own or with accompaniments such as naan bread, boiled egg, and yogurt. In Hyderabad, the dish is usually accompanied by a spicy chutney. The traditional method of preparing Haleem involves slow-cooking the ingredients on low heat for several hours.
The result is a thick and fragrant stew that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more. If you’re visiting Hyderabad, make sure you try some of their delicious Haleem!
2) Biryani
Biryani is one of the most iconic dishes in Hyderabad, and for good reason. It is a delectable mix of rice and spices, cooked in either ghee or vegetable oil, and traditionally served with raita or cucumber yogurt. This dish is often served as part of a celebratory feast and is popular amongst locals and tourists alike.
The traditional Hyderabadi biryani consists of fragrant basmati rice layered with tender, succulent pieces of chicken, mutton, or fish. For vegetarians, there are a variety of vegetable-based biryanis available.
The dish is heavily spiced with cumin, coriander, red chilies, cardamom, and more, giving it a distinct aroma and flavor that you’ll never forget.
The dish is usually served with Raita (a yogurt-based accompaniment), as well as curd, onions, chutneys, pickles, and papadums. To finish off your meal, don’t forget to indulge in some local desserts like jalebi or gulab jamun!
To truly experience the flavors of Hyderabad, be sure to try their signature biryani. This dish is definitely worth a try!
3) Kebabs
If you’re a fan of kebabs, Hyderabad is definitely the place to be. The city has a range of delicious kebab dishes, many of which are well-known and popular both in India and abroad. From succulent and juicy seekh kebabs to crunchy kakori kebabs, there’s something for everyone.
One of the most beloved kebab dishes from Hyderabad is the galouti kebab. Galouti kebabs are made from minced mutton or chicken which is then spiced and marinated before being grilled. This soft and delicious kebab is served with parathas and chutney.
Another popular Hyderabad dish is the Patthar ka gosht kebab. This kebab consists of cubes of mutton which are marinated in yogurt and spices, and then cooked on a hot stone. It is typically served with naan bread.
Hyderabad also has its own version of shami kebabs, known as chicha ghosht. This delectable dish is made with ground mutton, egg, and various spices which are all blended together before being formed into small patties. Chicha ghosht is traditionally served with mint chutney or fried onions.
No matter what type of kebab you prefer, you’re sure to find something you love in Hyderabad!
4) Nihari
If you’re visiting Hyderabad, then you have to try Nihari. It is a flavorful, slow-cooked dish of beef or lamb and is considered a delicacy in the region.
The meat is cooked in a unique blend of spices until it is tender and the gravy is thick and rich. It is typically served with naan or other flatbreads and topped with fried onions, cilantro, and green chilies.
It is definitely one of the must-try dishes in Hyderabad that will leave you wanting more!
5) Paaya
If you’re in the mood for some delicious, spicy, and flavorful dishes, then you must try the famous Hyderabadi dish of Paaya. This dish is made with trotters (aka feet) of goat, cooked to perfection with a special blend of aromatic spices that create an unforgettable taste.
The trotters are usually cooked with yogurt, cardamom, nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, pepper, mace, onion, garlic, and ginger. The result is a savory and spicy dish that will tantalize your taste buds. It’s the perfect accompaniment to a Hyderabadi feast.
If you’ve never tried Paaya before, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at its complex flavors. It’s a must-try for all those who enjoy spicy food. Plus, it’s a great way to try something new and give your palate a unique experience.
So don’t forget to order Paaya when you’re in Hyderabad – it will definitely be a hit with everyone in your group!
6) Khichdi
When it comes to Hyderabad cuisine, one of the most popular dishes is Khichdi. This delicious dish is made with a combination of rice, lentils, and spices. It’s a comfort food that’s easy to make and extremely flavorful. The combination of spices used in this dish makes it unique and something you must try if you visit Hyderabad.
The main ingredients in Khichdi are basmati rice, green moong dal (lentils), turmeric powder, cumin seeds, asafoetida powder, coriander powder, red chili powder, and salt. All of these ingredients are cooked in oil until they form a thick paste.
The dish is usually served with yogurt and pickle on the side. It’s a great way to enjoy a hearty meal while still getting lots of flavor.
Khichdi is a great way to get all your essential nutrients in one dish. It’s packed with protein from the lentils, complex carbs from the rice, and healthy fat from the oil. It’s also high in fiber, which helps keep you full for longer and aids digestion.
No matter how you choose to eat it, Khichdi is definitely worth trying when you visit Hyderabad. It’s a unique dish that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more.
7) Dum Pukht
When it comes to Hyderabad cuisine, one of the most iconic dishes you have to try is Dum Pukht. This dish is a slow-cooked rice dish, made with layered basmati rice and marinated chicken, mutton or vegetables.
The dum pukht process involves cooking in a sealed vessel over low heat with steam being used to add moisture and flavor. This unique cooking method gives the rice a unique texture and the meat or vegetables a rich, succulent flavor.
Dum pukht is often served with naan or roti, making it an ideal accompaniment to any meal. If you’re looking for something different, you can also try a variety of vegetarian dum pukht dishes that make use of potatoes, onions, carrots, and other vegetables.
No matter what type of dum pukht you choose, you’ll be sure to love this classic Hyderabadi dish. So, if you’re ever in Hyderabad, don’t forget to give it a try!
8) Tahiri
Tahiri is one of the most iconic dishes from Hyderabad. It’s a savory rice dish with a delicious blend of spices, herbs, and vegetables. The name comes from the Urdu language, meaning ‘cooked rice’. This dish is a favorite amongst locals, and for good reason!
Tahiri is made with basmati rice that is cooked in clarified butter (ghee). This rice is then combined with a selection of vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, cauliflower, and peas. The unique flavor of this dish comes from the blend of aromatic spices including cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper. To make the dish even more flavorful, a dollop of curd or yogurt is added to it.
To add an extra layer of flavor, Tahiri is served with a side of pappu (lentils) and topped with crunchy fried onions. This traditional Hyderabadi dish can be found at street-side restaurants and is definitely worth trying out if you’re ever in Hyderabad!
9) Biryani
If you’re a fan of Indian food, then biryani is a dish you simply cannot miss while in Hyderabad. Biryani is a type of rice dish prepared with aromatic spices, meat, and yogurt. The flavor of biryani varies depending on the region it’s cooked. Hyderabad is famous for its particular style of biryani, with its own unique blend of spices and ingredients.
The traditional Hyderabadi biryani is made with basmati rice and flavored with saffron, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, garlic, and a variety of other spices. The spices add an amazing aroma and flavor to the dish. The meat used in biryani is usually goat or lamb, which is cooked separately from the rice.
The dish is garnished with fried onions, roasted cashews, coriander leaves, raisins, and a pinch of rosewater for that extra touch.
When it comes to experiencing authentic Hyderabadi biryani, there are many restaurants across the city that serve up this delicious dish.
You’ll find that each restaurant has its own take on the classic dish, but all will provide you with a delicious meal that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds. So make sure to give this classic Hyderabad delicacy a try while you’re in town!
10) Sohan Halwa
Hyderabad is known for its amazing cuisine, and Sohan Halwa is one of its most beloved dishes. This delicious sweet is made from wheat flour, ghee, and sugar, with a unique flavor that comes from cardamom, saffron, and almonds.
The mix of these ingredients makes it a popular treat during festivals, special occasions, and as a dessert after meals.
Sohan Halwa is also known for its unique texture. It’s made by simmering the wheat flour-ghee mixture in water until it forms a thick paste. The mix is then shaped into small balls and fried in hot ghee. This gives it a crunchy outer layer and a soft, creamy center.
Finally, it’s topped with an array of nuts, including almonds, pistachios, and cashews.
This traditional sweet can be found in most Hyderabadi restaurants and stores. But if you’re looking for the best Sohan Halwa, you should visit Nizam’s Kitchen in Secunderabad.
Here, they use the original recipe passed down through generations of Hyderabadi families. It’s sure to leave you wanting more!
11) Qubani ka Meetha
Qubani ka Meetha is a delicious dessert dish hailing from Hyderabad, India. This traditional sweet treat is made with apricot and served with rich cream and almonds. The sweetness of the apricot is balanced by the savory almonds and creamy topping.
The dish is usually served as part of a special occasion meal, but can be enjoyed anytime!
The preparation for this dish involves simmering fresh apricots with sugar and spices until it forms a thick sauce. The sauce is then spread over a layer of bread crumbs and topped with a mixture of fried cashews, almonds and raisins.
After baking, the dish is served warm with cream and sprinkled with more nuts and dried fruit.
Qubani ka Meetha is a great way to end your meal in style. Its rich flavor and texture make it a perfect sweet indulgence that can be enjoyed by all. Try this unique Hyderabad delicacy today and enjoy the sweet taste of India!
12) Double ka Meetha
Double ka Meetha is one of the most popular dishes in Hyderabad, India. This traditional sweet dish is a delicious treat for any occasion. It is made from bread slices soaked in syrup made from sugar, cardamom, and saffron.
Double ka Meetha is traditionally served hot or cold and can be served as a snack or dessert.
This simple yet delightful dish is a must-try for anyone visiting Hyderabad. The sweet taste of the syrup combined with the crunchy texture of the bread creates an unforgettable flavor experience.
To make Double ka Meetha at home, you’ll need some basic ingredients including bread, sugar, cardamom, and saffron. To make the syrup, start by heating up some sugar in a pan on medium heat. Once it starts to melt, add cardamom and saffron to the mixture and stir it constantly until it starts to thicken.
Now it’s time to add the bread slices! Place the soaked bread slices into the hot syrup and let them soak for at least 10 minutes. Once they are done soaking, take them out and serve them hot or cold with a dollop of cream or ice cream. Enjoy!
Final Words
When it comes to food, Hyderabad is a city that can truly satisfy your palate. With a vast range of traditional dishes, Hyderabad offers a delicious variety of flavors that you won’t want to miss. From classic favorites like the Biryani and Haleem to lesser-known delights such as the Double Ka Meetha, the city will leave you wanting more.
Whether you’re visiting for business or pleasure, these 12 amazing Hyderabadi dishes are a must-try! From the heavenly aromas of the Kacche Gosht Ki Biryani to the sweet-spicy notes of the Mirchi Ka Salan, these delicacies will definitely have you coming back for seconds.
So don’t miss out on the chance to sample some of the best food in India – head over to Hyderabad and enjoy all these delicious dishes!
