Want a taste of being royal? Eat in Hyderabad, where culinary traditions have been passed down from the Nizam monarchy. Arabic, Turkish and Mughlai influences are easily recognizable. Known worldwide, the city is famous for its rich, aromatic biryani made with lamb, chicken or vegetables served with fragrant basmati rice, raitha and michi ka saalan. Satisfy your sweet tooth with double-ka-meetha, a bread pudding.
I was born in Hyderabad and love it when compared to other major cities in the country for multiple reasons. Known for its rich heritage and the “Nawabi” experience, this city of pearls has a lot to offer. I will not bore you with all the places the city has to offer but will select places that will give you a true nawabi experience of Hyderabad.
I will recommend you a few great experiences and leave it to you to plan the visits according to your place of stay and convenience.
A pompous show of grandeur and luxury. One of the most expensive dinner spots which will cost you around INR 7000/- per person for the set menu. You will need to make a reservation much in advance if you plan to visit here and start your visit early evening to take a tour of the palace in the evening and then have dinner. With regards to food, carefully crafted and slow-cooked Indian Hyderabadi fare recreates the wonders of the royal kitchens.
For all those who would like to experience the grandeur at a slightly more affordable price, you should add this place to your list. Make a reservation for your dinner 2-3 days in advance and please confirm if kids are allowed. Have a tour of the resort and then have a great dining experience at The Minar. I’d recommend you try the Set menu over A la carte, which will ensure that you do not miss any delicacies. Do opt for a seating which will give you a sunset view along with the great Osman Sagar lake as a picturesque landscape.
Dum Pukht Begum’s, ITC Kohenur
Grand and majestic, this place allures you to partake in a royal feast as it presents age-old recipes and authentic flavors from the kitchens of the royal families of Hyderabad. The interiors, suggestive of a bygone era, evoke a sense of the old-world charm. Would you want to miss this place? I don’t think so!
When food unites with art, the result is Ohri’s Tansen. Experience the unique combination of Mughlai food cooked to perfection and served under mesmerizing lights, with an ambiance that will enthrall your senses. I would strongly recommend you pay a visit here as this is also the most pocket friendly from all these options.
While the above will give you a truly grand experience, I want to list the below places in their selective best classes for the contemporary world -
Best night life
- Prism Club & Kitchen, Gachibowli
- 10 Downing Street, Gachibowli
- Over the Moon, Jubilee Hills
- Fat Pigeon, Jubilee Hills
Best Breweries
Best Candlelight dinner
Best Hyderabadi Biryani
Best South Indian Breakfast
Best South Indian meals
Best hotels to stay
- Taj Falanuma Palace, Falaknuma
- The Golkonda Resorts & Spa, Gandipet
- Park Hyatt, Banjara Hills
- ITC Kohenur, Madhapur
Authentic Hyderabad
The remaining part of the post might not be the definition of a nawabi experience, I’d still like to write the below for you to have a real picture of the authentic side of this city.
The trip must begin with a tour on the streets of old city in Hyderabad which depicts the authentic culture of the city. This might not end up satisfying you with a nawabi experience but will satisfy your taste buds and the local street shopping experience. I’d recommend you begin with breakfast at Govind’s Dosa. While there are numerous such spots for breakfast in the city, I’d recommend this near the old city area. It usually starts at 8 AM and served until afternoon. A must try here will be the Butter Masala Dosa and the Butter Idly. Spend your day visiting the Salarjung museum, Golkonda fort, Charminar, Mecca Masjid, Laad Bazar and nearby streets for any sort of local items shopping that interest you. While this place has a lot to offer in terms of clothing and jewelry, it depends on your taste to pick stuff. Do not forget to bargain at every store to the extent of 50-60% also. Thank me later! And here comes the best part of your tour on this day - “The Hyderabadi Biryani”. Shah Ghouse or Shadab offers you the best Biryani in the old city area. A must stop for an unforgettable foodgasm. While this might dishearten the vegetarians, I ensure that there is a something for you as well. Anil Chat Bhandaar is my personal favorite (they start serving after noon), but you can try the chat options in many places around. Just ask around and I’m sure people will point you in the right directions. I’m not sure how great it will be compared to the streets of Delhi, but Anil’s Chat Bhandar is one of the best Hyderabad has to offer. Do not forget to have the Chaas and the Summer Special Lassi at the Agra Mithai Ghar at Charkaman. For high tea, Niloufer Cafe is the most famous and serves exceptional Irani Chai with Osmania biscuits. So, for all the chai lovers, you will not want to miss this spot!
Wrapping up the day should end in a refined dining experience at the Palace Heights. The origin of this restaurant dates to old times and has a great view to offer. Spend the evening here with a peaceful view of the city, few drinks, delicious food and a great dining experience.
The city has much more to offer, but I’m sure these experiences should be a few of the finest you can visit.