Biryani is an emotion, a passionate love that is so deep-rooted in the hearts of Hyderabadi locals that they will go to any extent to get their hands on this heirloom fabled dish. And let’s not forget its connoisseur, Hyderabadi biriyani experts have made taste as an art and have felt cooking their own biryani is a blessing. They know just the right amount of spices and ingredients to add, which makes it difficult for ordinary restaurants to replicate.
Biryani has its origins in Persia, going by the name “Pulao”, and over the centuries it has evolved into one of the most popular delicacies across South-Central Asia, with India taking special interest in biryani due to its rich spices and fragrant cooked rice. The typical Hyderabadi Biryani is a layered dish comprising basmati rice along with marinated chicken, mutton, or beef and a variety of different condiments like ginger garlic, garam masala, green chilli, coriander leaves all cooked together with fry onions, tomatoes, and spices.
Here are the 8 best places in Hyderabad to get the authentic taste of Hyderabadi biryani:
1. Hotel Shadab – Ghansi Bazaar
Hotel Shadab is a special place for its flavourful biryanis. The aroma of perfectly boiled rice and succulent pieces of meat makes this place a must-visit when it comes to getting your dose of biryani. It is 20 years old hotel located in Ghansi Bazaar, Charminar one of the oldest bazaars of Hyderabad, and still one of the favorite places for tourists to visit. The biryani served here is prepared using an assortment of local spices, which makes it super delectable.
2. Paradise – Begumpet
Paradise is a well-known name for the best Hyderabadi biryani in the city. Paradise has over 50 branches across 13 cities which are classy with a great ambiance. It started as a small canteen or a cafe in 1953 and expanded into a chain of restaurants. Paradise biriyani is also considered as world’s favorite biriyani by all biryani lovers. The chefs here follow the age-old Hyderabadi biryani recipes to make delicious biriyani.
3. Bawarchi – RTC X Roads
As the name implies, at Bawarchi the chefs are skilled in their culinary art. Bawarchi is a renowned name in Hyderabad for its mouth-watering biryanis. This place is a famous hangout among locals and tourists who are looking for the best biriyani in the city. Their specialty is their mutton biryani, which they make using fresh herbs and spices while cooking. There are many Bawarchi restaurants in the city but the RTC X Road branch stands out among others.
4. Cafe Bahar – Basheer Bagh
Cafe Bahar located in Basheer Bagh is a popular hangout among locals. Their Chicken Dum Biryani is always packed with flavor making it a favorite among tourists as well. The restaurant is famous for its quality and one can taste the tasteful biriyani served here. They serve biryani using fresh basmati rice which adds extra flavors to the dish and their masala and spices are specially made by chefs.
5. Meridian Biryani – Panjagutta
Meridian Biryani is the pioneer and the best chicken biryani chain in Hyderabad. The restaurant serves a variety of biryani based on customer choice, their mutton biriyani is to drool for. It is handcrafted by chefs who have their own Hyderabadi chicken biryani recipes for all of their mouth-watering dishes. The texture and the aroma of the dry spice, made with raw ground cloves, cinnamon, cumin seeds, and pepper is mouth-watering. Once you try it, you will be hooked on it.
6. Jewel of Nizam – Masab Tank
Jewel of Nizam is a must-visit place if you want to experience the rich cuisine of Nizams. The ambiance and hospitality of the place are remarkable. Pathar Ka Gosht is the must-taste dish here. Haleem is the signature dish that is available 365 days. The meat is marinated for about 24 hours with fresh ingredients and spices before it’s cooked to give a flavourful taste. The mutton biryani here is a true delight, so much so that the dish is usually sold out after being served 5 to 6 times a day.
7. Shah Ghouse – Raidurgam
This is a famous place for the people of Hyderabad, who visit to have a taste of their super delicious biryani packed with spices and aromatic masala. The chefs of this restaurant are so unique that they are well known for the Peshawari biryani, which is made from basmati rice and kebab, cooked together in a clay pot. There are many outlets across the city, but they all serve quite an authentic taste. Also, during Ramazan this is the best place to eat Haleem.
8. Mehfil – Attapur
This place is famous for its Mutton Hyderabadi Dum Biryani, which is a special type of biryani and is served in the traditional Hyderabadi style. This delicious dish is popular among tourists as well. The main ingredient used in preparing this biryani is mutton, which gives this dish a distinct and unique taste. There are many branches of Mehfil restaurant across the city serving their delicious biryani.
Hyderabad is the ultimate destination for great food and it has stood the test of time. The spicy biryani is so delicious, that it has definitely left its mark on every foodie’s mind. No wonder, Hyderabadi biriyani, is considered one of the best Indian food in all of South-East Asia. All the people across the globe crave the authentic taste of Hyderabadi Biriyani.
All the places mentioned above have various branches across the city. You can go and try at one of the places and indulge in the rich delicacy. The spice level of biryani can be chosen according to your taste. Usually, biryani goes well with mouth-watering gravies and raita packed with onions and yogurt. The best way to end biryani is by eating delicious gulab jamun or Qurbani ka Meeta sweets. You can also eat/drink famous Hyderabadi falooda after a huge meal to cool down the stomach. One should visit Hyderabad during Ramzan season to get the best taste of biriyanis.
