Biryani connoisseurs would certainly agree when I say, “Saari duniya ek taraf aur Biryani ka Pyaar ek taraf”. Such is our crave for this cuisine which is said to be brought to India by the Mughals. Though this is debatable, we don’t really care; whoever got it to India, WE THANK YOU. Be it Delhi, Mumbai or Kolkata nothing can outnumber a Hyderabadi Biryani that has a distinct blend of masala, the way the spices are blended together and the succulent tender cooked meat all intricately infusing a distinct Persian flavor to it, unmatched by any other.
So here is a list of awesome Biryani Joints one just can’t miss when in Hyderabad.
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Opening Hours: 4 PM to 4AM
Address: Ghansi Bazaar: 21, Opposite Madina Building, High Court Road, Hyderabad 500002
Cost: Rs. 700 (for two people approx)
Telephone No: 040 33165122
If there is one restaurant that tops the charts in the art of making and serving Biryani it is undoubtedly Hotel Shadab, a Non-Vegetarians delight. Nestled within the hustle bustle of Charminar, Shadbad is a tightly packed place whenever you go. Shared tables crowded ambience, lots of noise and amidst all this, the smell of mutton, korma and of course Biryani that wafts in the air. If you love variety in your humdrum non-veg cuisine, Shadab is the place.
Go alone, with friends or family, even if you have to wait for a table do so, because you simply cannot go without eating here.
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Opening Hours: 11 AM to 12 Midnight
Address: Basheer Bagh: Old MLA Quarters, Hyderguda, Basheer Bagh, Hyderabad
Cost: Rs. 550 (for two people approx)
Telephone No: 040 23243798, 040 23237605
Café Bahar is one of those joints where one can have more than their stomachs fill and yet not worry about depleting their pockets. The distinct feature of the Biryani here is that is topped with boiled eggs. There is no clear winner; both the meat and chicken Biryanis are equally exquisite. Adding to that you should also try Qubani Ka Meetha at the end of your meal and you’re bound to leave satiated.
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Opening Hours: 11 AM to 11:30 PM
Address: Charminar: Opposite Esra Hospital, Shalibanda Road, Charminar, Hyderabad
Cost: Rs. 500 (for two people approx)
Telephone No: +91 8008890786, +91 8686753064
Another delight in old Hyderabad, Pista House is famous for most mouthwatering delicacies of Hyderabad. Popularly Haleem, reshmi kebabs made of chicken, variety of sweets and yes even the spicy Hyderabadi Biryani served with curd or raita. The atmosphere is pretty much elegant with an old classy charm.
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Opening Hours: 11 AM to 11:30 PM
Address: Nallakunta: Beside Astoria Hotel, Chikkadpally, RTC Cross Road, Nallakunta, Hyderabad
Cost: Rs. 600 (for two people approx)
Telephone No: 040 27605308, 040 27634494
There are many Bawarchi Resturants all across Hyderbad but one at the RTC Cross Road tops the list, known not only for its Biryani but even Boti Kebab, Chicken 65 and Harliya Kebab to name a few. This is also known as one of the legendary and oldest restaurants in Hyderabad. Although the appearance is a little rugged the food is amazing. After all, looks can be deceiving.
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Opening Hours: 5 AM to 11 PM
Address: Malakpet: Chaderghat Road, Malakpet, Hyderabad
Cost: Rs. 550 (for two people approx)
Telephone No: 040 24517786
Located in Malakpet on the way to Charminar, Hotel Niagara is famous for its breakfast items of nahari, paya and zaban. The Biryani business starts in the afternoon till late night. The hotel is another one of the olden times one and serves the authentic Hyderabadi Biryani, though not the best it is still one that cannot be missed.
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Address: Nampally, 11-2-284, Near Tekki Masjid, Nampally, Hyderabad
Cost: Rs. 300 (for two people approx)
Telephone No: +91 9346726931
This is undeniably one of the small wallet friendly joints that you can hit at any time and be rest assured that you would be served lip smacking food that will fill your senses and appetite. It’s famous for its mutton (beef) Biryani in Hyderabad that is distinctly flavored and the tala hua gosht. There is no other place than Alhamdulillah (Praise be to Allah) that could satiate your beef kebabs and Haleem craving ending with an Iranian chai or Qubani Ka Meetha.