Hyderabad, the capital city of the Indian state of Telangana, is famous for its rich cultural heritage and diverse cuisine.
Hyderabadi cuisine, also known as Deccani cuisine had become a princely legacy of the Nizams. It is a consolidation of Mughal, Turkish, and Arabic along with the influence of the native Telugu and Marathwada cuisines.
21 best Hyderabadi cuisines that one should not miss
Here are some of the most popular foods of Hyderabad:
Hyderabadi Biryani
Hyderabadi Biryani is a popular Indian dish that originated in Hyderabad, a city in the southern state of Telangana. It is a flavorful rice dish made with long-grain basmati rice, aromatic spices, tender meat (usually chicken or lamb), and caramelized onions.
Hyderabadi Biryani is typically served with raita (a yogurt-based side dish), salan (a spicy curry made with eggplants, onions, and peanuts), and lemon wedges. It is a beloved dish in India and has gained popularity all over the world.
Hyderabadi Dum Ka Murgh
Hyderabadi Dum Ka Murgh is a traditional chicken dish from the Hyderabadi cuisine, which is known for its flavorful and aromatic dishes. Dum Ka Murgh is a slow-cooked chicken dish that is cooked in a rich and creamy sauce, which is made with a blend of spices, nuts, and yogurt.
Hyderabadi Dum Ka Murgh is usually served with naan or rice, and garnished with fresh coriander leaves and fried onions. It is a rich and indulgent dish that is perfect for special occasions or when you want to treat yourself to a delicious and comforting meal.
Mutton Dalcha
Mutton Dalcha is a traditional Hyderabadi meat and lentil stew that is usually made with mutton, chana dal (split chickpeas), and a blend of aromatic spices. It is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is often served with biryani or pulao rice.
Mutton Dalcha is a popular dish in Hyderabadi cuisine and is often prepared during special occasions and festivals. It is a hearty and filling dish that is perfect for cold winter nights or when you want to enjoy a comforting meal.
Haleem
Haleem is a popular stew that originated in Hyderabad, India and is also commonly enjoyed in other parts of India, Pakistan, and the Middle East. It is a slow-cooked dish made with a variety of lentils, grains, and meat, usually beef or lamb.
Haleem is typically garnished with fried onions, fresh coriander leaves, and a squeeze of lemon juice before serving. It is often enjoyed during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, and is a popular dish for breaking the fast.
Haleem is a hearty and nutritious dish that is often served with naan or roti. It is a delicious and comforting meal that is perfect for cold winter nights or when you want to enjoy a filling and flavorful stew.
Hyderabadi Baingan
Hyderabadi Baingan, also known as Bagara Baingan, is a popular eggplant curry from the Hyderabadi cuisine. It is a vegetarian dish that is usually served with steamed rice, biryani, or naan.
Hyderabadi Baingan is a flavorful and aromatic dish that is popular in Indian and Pakistani cuisines. It is a great vegetarian option that is hearty and filling, and can be enjoyed as a main dish or as a side dish.
Mirchi ka Salan
Mirchi ka Salan is a popular Indian dish that originates from the Hyderabadi cuisine of the Indian state of Telangana. It is a tangy and spicy curry made with long green chilies (known as bhavnagri mirch or hari mirch) cooked in a peanut and sesame seed gravy. It is typically served as a side dish with biryani, pulao, or roti.
Keema Samosa
Keema samosa is a delicious and popular snack in Hyderabad. It is a triangular-shaped pastry filled with spiced minced meat (keema) and deep-fried until crispy and golden brown. Keema samosas are typically served with chutneys or sauces and can be enjoyed as a snack or appetizer.
Shikampuri Kebab
Shikampuri Kebab is a popular appetizer known for its soft and tender texture. It is a type of kebab made with spiced minced meat and stuffed with a filling of chana dal (split Bengal gram) and spices. The name “shikampuri” means “bellyful” in Urdu, which refers to the filling nature of this kebab.
Osmania Biscuits
Osmania biscuits are a popular type of tea biscuit that originated in Hyderabad. Osmania biscuits are small, round, and crisp with a slightly sweet and salty flavor. They are typically served with tea or coffee and are a favorite snack for people in Hyderabad and other parts of India.
Double ka Meetha
Double ka meetha is a popular dessert from the Indian city of Hyderabad, Telangana. It is a sweet and rich bread pudding made with fried slices of bread soaked in a saffron-infused milk syrup, garnished with nuts and raisins.
Irani Chai
Irani chai is a popular tea beverage that originated in Persia but became famous in Hyderabad, India. It is a milky tea that is brewed with a blend of tea leaves, spices, and milk. The tea has a unique flavor that is both refreshing and soothing.
Hyderabadi Phirni
Hyderabadi phirni is a creamy rice pudding made with ground rice, milk, sugar, and flavored with cardamom, saffron, and rose water. It is usually served chilled and garnished with nuts and raisins.
Khubani Ka Meetha
Khubani ka meetha is a popular sweet dish made with dried apricots (khubani) soaked in sugar syrup and served with cream or ice cream. The dessert has a sweet, tangy, and slightly sour taste.
Nazaqati Boti Kebab
Nazaqati boti kebab is a delicious and flavorful grilled meat dish that is popular in Hyderabad. The kebab is made with marinated boneless lamb pieces that are grilled over charcoal or a tandoor oven. The marinade is made with a blend of spices and yogurt, which adds a tangy flavor to the kebab.
Bagara Egg Masala
Bagara egg masala is a spicy and flavorful dish made with boiled eggs in a rich and tangy gravy of onion, tomatoes, and spices. The dish is typically served with rice, naan, or roti.
Andhra Meals
Andhra meals is a thali-style meal that typically consists of a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes served on a banana leaf. The meal is famous for its spicy and tangy flavors and is popular all over India.
An Andhra meals thali typically include Steamed rice, Sambar or rasam, Dal or lentil curry, A vegetable stir-fry or curry, Pappu (a thick lentil soup), Pachadi (a yogurt-based side dish), Pickle and chutney, Papadum, Andhra-style chicken or mutton curry (optional).
The meal is usually served with ghee, which is clarified butter, and a dessert like payasam or kheer. It is a wholesome and nutritious meal that is enjoyed by people of all ages.
Paya
Paya, a popular meat dish which is rich and flavorful soup made with lamb or goat trotters that are simmered for hours in a blend of spices and aromatics. The dish is usually served with bread or rice.
Kachchi Gosht ki Biryani
Kachchi Gosht ki Biryani is a famous meat and rice dish that originated in Hyderabad, Telangana. It is a fragrant and flavorful biryani that is made with marinated lamb or goat meat and layered with aromatic spices and basmati rice. The biryani is cooked in a sealed pot or handi, which helps to retain the flavors and moisture of the meat.
Nihari
Nihari is a slow-cooked meat dish, it is a rich and flavorful stew made with beef or lamb shanks that are simmered for hours in a blend of spices and aromatics, resulting in a tender and juicy meat that falls off the bone.
Pathar ka Gosht
Pathar ka gosht is a traditional meat dish from Hyderabad. The name “Pathar ka gosht” means meat cooked on a stone, which refers to the traditional method of cooking the dish on a hot stone.
Dum Pukht
Dum Pukht is a traditional slow-cooking method of preparing meat dishes. The dish is typically made with marinated meat that is slow-cooked in a sealed pot or handi, over a low flame, with aromatic spices and herbs.
Final Thoughts
Hyderabadi cuisine is a unique and delicious blend of various culinary traditions that have come together to create a distinctive cuisine. The use of aromatic spices, slow-cooking techniques, and diverse ingredients make Hyderabadi cuisine one of the most flavorful and diverse cuisines in India. If you get a chance to visit Hyderabad, don’t forget to try these dishes and experience the rich culinary heritage of the city.