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Hyderabad, the city of Nizams, is synonymous with many things, like its rich history, grand monuments, and, of course, its culinary heritage. But out of every dish, if there had to be a staple, Hydrabadi biryani reigns supreme. And the Hyderabadi Old City is a treasure for all biryani lovers.
Busy lanes filled with age-old eateries, family-run kitchens, smoky joint corners, and fine-dine restaurants, the Old City is where you can find biryani made with traditional recipes. So, if you are looking for the best spots for biryani in Hyderabad Old City, follow the food trail, and you'll thank yourself.
Shadab Hotel
With a history dating back to 1953, Shadab Hotel is a cherished eatery nestled in the heart of the Old City. What makes Shadab Hotel unique is its commitment to preserving the traditional flavours of Hyderabadi cuisine. The biryani here is a culinary masterpiece, featuring fragrant rice and tender, melt-in-the-mouth meat that’s prepared over a few hours.
One of the highlights of Shadab's biryani is the use of pure ghee, which adds a richness that elevates the dish to new heights. The restaurant's ambience, with its vintage charm and Mughal-inspired decor, enhances the overall dining experience. Shadab Hotel is not just a restaurant; it's a journey through time, offering a glimpse into the culinary heritage of Hyderabad.
Phone Number: 040 2456 5949
USP Dishes: Mutton biryani, seekh kebab
Available Cuisines: North Indian, Mughlai, Nizami
Type: Veg and Non-Veg
Meals Served: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Timings: 6 AM to 12 AM
Address: Madina Circle, 21-1-140-144, Near High Court, High Court Rd, Charminar, Ghansi Bazaar, Hyderabad, Telangana 500012
Cost for two: Rs. 550
Café Bahar
Café Bahar, established in 1973, is synonymous with comfort food and timeless flavours. Located near the historic Charminar, this restaurant has earned its reputation for serving soul-satisfying biryani that captures the essence of Hyderabad's culinary legacy. The biryani at Café Bahar is known for its long-grained, fragrant rice, tender meat, and a medley of spices that capture the essence of true Hyderabadi biryani.
The Dum Biryani here is the biggest USP, with each grain of rice infused with the essence of aromatic spices. The Chicken 65 Biryani, a spicy variant of the classic, is a must-try for anyone who loves spicy biryani. The biryani at Café Bahar is known for its long-grained, fragrant rice, tender meat, and a medley of spices that capture the essence of true Hyderabadi biryani. The portions are generous, making it an ideal spot for those who love to indulge. The restaurant's diverse menu also includes other Hyderabadi specialities, especially kebabs and grills.
Phone Number: 040 2323 7605
USP Dishes: Mutton biryani, chicken 65 biryani
Available Cuisines: North Indian, Mughlai, Nizami
Type: Veg and Non-Veg
Meals Served: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Timings: 11 AM to 1 AM
Address: 3-5, 815/A, Old MLA Quarters Rd, Avanti Nagar, Himayatnagar, Hyderabad, Telangana 500029
Cost for two: Rs. 600
Hotel Sohail
Tucked away in the bylanes of the Old City, Hotel Sohail is a hidden gem that deserves a spot on every biryani enthusiast's list. What sets Hotel Sohail apart is its commitment to authenticity and the use of authentic, premium ingredients. The biryani here is made with meat that has been marinated for hours. The restaurant's ambience, though modest, exudes warmth and hospitality. Don’t miss out on old-school delicacies like the Laham Mandi or Kabsa Dijaj, which is a beloved Saudi delicacy.
Phone Number: 040 2457 3593
USP Dishes: Mutton biryani, laham mandi
Available Cuisines: North Indian, Mughlai, Nizami
Type: Veg and Non-Veg
Meals Served: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Timings: 5 AM to 12 AM
Address: No-16-8-992, Government Printing Press Rd, beside Government Hospital, Officers Colony, Malakpet, Hyderabad, Telangana 500036
Cost for two: Rs. 500
Paradise Biryani
Though it’s hugely popular with modern foodies, Paradise Biryani has actually been here for decades. Nestled in the heart of the Old City, Paradise Biryani has earned its reputation as a legendary establishment. With a history dating back to 1953, this restaurant has been serving mouthwatering biryanis for generations. The ambience exudes a vintage charm, transporting diners to an era when the art of cooking biryani was a closely guarded secret. The Hyderabadi Chicken Biryani and the Mutton Biryani here are iconic, with fragrant basmati rice layered with succulent meat and aromatic spices. But the Qubani ka meetha is absolutely unmissable!
Phone Number: 093467 26931
USP Dishes: Chicken biryani, qubani ka meeta
Available Cuisines: North Indian, Mughlai, Nizami
Type: Veg and Non-Veg
Meals Served: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Timings: 11 AM to 11 AM
Address: Amrutha Estates, 3-6-238, G-13 & G-12, 399, Himayat Nagar Rd, Chandra Nagar, Basheer Bagh, Hyderabad, Telangana 500029
Cost for two: Rs. 1,000
Alhamdulillah Hotel
Alhamdulillah Hotel, located near the historic Mecca Masjid, is a culinary pilgrimage for those seeking an authentic Hyderabadi biryani experience. This low-key establishment has been a long-time favourite for its line of flavourful biryanis. The Dum Biryani here is a revelation, with perfectly marinated meat nestled between layers of fragrant basmati rice. Their other signatures are also terrific and are made using old-school methods, be it their haleem, mandi roti or paya. One of their hot sellers is the juicy and seasoned Talawa Gosht or Tala Hua Gosht which is best paired with a crispy roti.
Phone Number: 093467 26931
USP Dishes: Dum biryani, tala hua gosht
Available Cuisines: North Indian, Mughlai, Nizami
Type: Veg and Non-Veg
Meals Served: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Timings: 5 AM to 11 AM
Address: Door No.11-2, 284, Habeeb Nagar Main Rd, beside Bismillah Hotel, Aghapura, Nampally, Hyderabad, Telangana 500001
Shahi Dastarkhwan
Shahi Dastarkhwan, located in the heart of Hyderabad's Old City, lives up to its name by offering a regal dining experience that goes beyond just the taste of biryani. This restaurant is a celebration of the grandeur of the Nizami cuisine, and its biryanis are no exception. The Shahi Biryani, a speciality of the house, is a masterpiece that captures the essence of royal kitchens with its fragrant basmati rice, aromatic spices, and succulent meat. Try their pather ka kebab if you love well-seasoned Indian grills.
USP Dishes: Dum biryani, pather ke kebab
Available Cuisines: North Indian, Mughlai, Nizami
Type: Veg and Non-Veg
Meals Served: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Timings: 5 AM to 11 AM
Address: CF36+2H8, Lakdikapul, Hyderabad, Telangana 500457
Price for two: Rs 1,200
