Share
Hyderabad Biriyani: A Brief Overview
Hyderabadi biryani is a dish that is synonymous with the city of Hyderabad. This spicy, fragrant, and aromatic dish has won hearts all over the country and is a must-try for anyone visiting the city.
Hyderabad Biriyani and its History
Hyderabadi biryani is a signature dish of the city of Hyderabad, India. It is believed to have originated during the Mughal era in India, around the 17th century, when Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb appointed Nizam-ul-Mulk as the ruler of Hyderabad. Nizam-ul-Mulk was a lover of food and art, and he is credited with introducing Persian-style biryani to Hyderabad.
The dish evolved over time as the Nizams brought in chefs from different regions of India and the Middle East, who added their own techniques and ingredients to the dish. The Hyderabadi biryani eventually became a unique blend of the Persian and South Indian styles of cooking.
The Hyderabadi biryani is made with long-grain basmati rice, meat (usually chicken or mutton), and a blend of spices that includes saffron, cardamom, cinnamon, and bay leaves. The meat is marinated in a mixture of yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, and spices and then cooked with the rice in a sealed pot, called a dum, over a low flame. The biryani is served with raita (yogurt salad) and salan (gravy).
Over time, Hyderabadi biryani became a common dish in Hyderabad, eventually gaining fame in other regions for its distinct taste. Today, it is one of the most popular dishes in India and is enjoyed by people all over the country, and the world.
10 Best Hyderabad Biriyani Restaurants
If you're looking for the best places to try Hyderabadi biryani in Hyderabad, here are the top 10 restaurants that should be on your list:
1. Paradise Biryani
Paradise Biryani is a household name in Hyderabad and is often the go-to spot for locals and tourists alike. Their biryani is made with fragrant basmati rice, succulent meat, and a blend of spices that are guaranteed to tantalize your taste buds.
Cuisine: Indian
Types offered: Chicken, Mutton, and vegetarian biryani
Address: Shilpakalavedika Compound, Hitech City Main Road, Jubilee Enclave, HITEC City, Hyderabad 500081
Timing: 11 Am to 11 Pm, Monday to Sunday
Cost for two: Rs. 800
2. Shah Ghouse Cafe & Restaurant
Shah Ghouse Cafe & Restaurant is known for its spicy and flavorful biryani that has just the right amount of heat. Their biryani is cooked in a traditional dum style, which ensures that the meat and rice are perfectly cooked and infused with the flavors of the spices.
Cuisine: Indian
Types offered: Chicken and Mutton biryani
Address: 9CWG+F25, Tolichowki Rd., Salarjung Colony, Kakatiya Nagar, Tolichowki, Hyderabad, 500008
Timing: 5 Am to 4 Am, Monday to Sunday
Cost for two: Rs. 800
3. Bawarchi Restaurant
Bawarchi Restaurant is another popular spot for biryani in Hyderabad. Their biryani is made with long-grain basmati rice and tender meat that is cooked to perfection. The dish is also served with a side of raita and salan, which complement the spicy flavors of the biryani.
Cuisine: Indian
Types offered: Chicken, Mutton, and Prawn biryani
Address: Plot No. 44, RTC X Rd., Opposite Sandhya Theatre, Jawahar Nagar, Chikkadpally, New Nallakunta, Hyderabad 500020
Timing: 12 Pm to 11:30 Pm, Monday to Sunday
Cost for two: Rs. 700
4. Cafe Bahar
Cafe Bahar is a cozy restaurant that serves some of the best biryani in Hyderabad. Their biryani is cooked in a traditional dum style, which infuses the flavors of the spices into the rice and meat. The dish is also served with a side of raita, which cools down the heat of the biryani.
Cuisine: Indian
Types offered: Chicken and Mutton biryani
Address: 3-5, 815/A, Old MLA Quarters Rd., Avanti Nagar, Himayatnagar, Hyderabad 500029
Timing: 11 Am to 1 Am, Monday to Sunday
Cost for two: Rs. 900
5. Hotel Shadab
Hotel Shadab is a popular restaurant that has been serving delicious biryani in Hyderabad for over 70 years. Their biryani is made with fragrant basmati rice and tender meat that is cooked to perfection. A zing of flavor is added to the meal by the accompaniments of raita and salan, which are served on the side of the dish.
Cuisine: Indian
Types offered: Chicken and Mutton biryani
Address: Madina Circle, 21-1-140-144, Near High Court, High Court Rd., Charminar, Ghansi Bazaar, Hyderabad 500012
Timing: 6 Am to 2 Am, Monday to Sunday
Cost for two: Rs. 700
6. Grand Hotel and Restaurant
Grand Hotel is a no-frills restaurant that serves some of the best biryani in Hyderabad at an affordable price. Their biryani is made with long-grain basmati rice, tender meat, and a blend of spices that is sure to leave you wanting more. The restaurant has been around for over 80 years and is a favorite among locals.
Cuisine: Indian
Types offered: Chicken and Mutton biryani
Address: 4-1-395, Bank St., Troop Bazaar, Koti, Hyderabad 500001
Timing: 12 Pm to 1 Am, Monday to Sunday
Cost for two: Rs. 500
7. Alpha Hotel
Alpha Hotel is a hidden gem in Secunderabad that serves some of the best biryani in Hyderabad. Their biryani is cooked in a traditional dum style, which ensures that the meat and rice are infused with the flavors of the spices. In addition to these mouthwatering Indian specialties, the restaurant offers a variety of other tasty options.
Cuisine: Indian
Types offered: Chicken and Mutton biryani
Address: Station Road, opposite to Railway Station, Shivaji Nagar, Secunderabad 500003
Timing: 5:30 Am to 10:30 Pm, Monday to Sunday
Cost for two: Rs. 600
8. Hotel Sohail
Hotel Sohail is a small restaurant near Charminar that serves delicious biryani at an affordable price. Their biryani is cooked in a traditional dum style, which infuses the flavors of the spices into the rice and meat. Try some of the other delicious Indian options at this restaurant; they are equally delicious and flavorful.
Cuisine: Indian
Types offered: Chicken and Mutton biryani
Address: No. 16-8-992, Government Printing Press Rd., beside Government Hospital, Officers Colony, Malakpet, Hyderabad 500036
Timing: 8 Am to 11 Pm, Monday to Sunday
Cost for two: Rs. 500
9. Mohini Restaurant
Mohini Restaurant is a cozy restaurant in Basheer Bagh that serves some of the best biryani in Hyderabad. Their biryani is made with long-grain basmati rice and tender meat that is cooked to perfection. The tangy raita and salty salan are perfect partners for the rich biryani served here.
Cuisine: Indian
Types offered: Chicken and Mutton biryani
Address: 3-6-342, Main Rd., Avanti Nagar, Basheer Bagh, Hyderabad 500029
Timing: 11 Am to 11 Pm, Monday to Sunday
Cost for two: Rs. 700
10. Cafe 555 - Aqeeq Restaurant
Cafe 555 is a small restaurant in Banjara Hills that serves delicious biryani at an affordable price. Their biryani is made with fragrant basmati rice and tender meat that is cooked to perfection. The restaurant also serves other Indian dishes that are worth trying.
Cuisine: Indian
Types offered: Chicken and Mutton biryani
Address: Maheshwari Complex, CF32+8V6 Road Number 1, Banjara Hills, x road, Masab Tank, Hyderabad 500028
Timing: 11 Am to 12 Am, Monday to Sunday
Cost for two: Rs. 500
Hyderabad is a biryani lover's paradise, and there are many restaurants that serve delicious biryani in the city. Whether you prefer your biryani spicy or mild, there is a restaurant in Hyderabad that will cater to your taste buds. The above list of the top 10 places for Hyderabadi biryani in Hyderabad should give you a good starting point to explore the biryani scene in the city. So, the next time you're in Hyderabad, be sure to try the biryani at one of these restaurants for an unforgettable culinary experience.
