Best Street Food in Hyderabad | Must-Visit Places for Foodies

 In food, hyderabad

Did you know, that Hyderabadi Biryani originated in the kitchens of the Nizam of Hyderabad and is a blend of Mughlai and Iranian cuisine? You might be surprised to learn that Hyderabad, often dubbed as the “City of Pearls,” is equally famous for its vibrant street food scene. With a rich blend of Mughlai, Persian, and Andhra influences, the street food in Hyderabad offers a unique culinary experience that is as diverse as it is delicious. 

Hyderabad, the city of Nizams, is a treasure trove for food lovers, especially those who enjoy street food and some of the most historical places in India. From the aromatic biryanis to the mouth-watering kebabs, the street food in Hyderabad is an irresistible blend of flavors, spices, and textures. In this blog, we will take you on a culinary journey through the bustling streets of Hyderabad, exploring its most Famous street food in Hyderabad items, the best places for eating to find them, and what makes Hyderabadi street food truly unique.

Top 15 Famous Best Street Food in Hyderabad:

1. Hyderabadi Biryani

hyderabadi-biryani

Hyderabad street food adventure is incomplete without tasting its world-famous biryani. This aromatic rice dish, layered with succulent meat and a blend of spices, is a must-try. Hyderabadi Biryani originated in the kitchens of the Nizam of Hyderabad and is a blend of Mughlai and Iranian cuisine. The traditional method of cooking it involves slow-cooking the rice and meat together in a sealed pot, known as dum cooking.

  • Special Feature: Cooked in a sealed pot (dum style) to retain all the flavors.
  • Where to Try: Paradise Biryani, Café Bahar

2. Haleem

haleem

Haleem is a high-calorie dish, traditionally consumed during the month of Ramadan to break the fast. It is cooked for hours until it reaches a paste-like consistency, making it both nutritious and easy to digest. A rich and hearty stew made with wheat, barley, meat (usually mutton), and a mix of spices, slow-cooked to perfection.

  • Special Feature: Traditionally prepared during the month of Ramadan.
  • Where to Try: Shah Ghouse Café & Restaurant, Pista House

3. Mirchi Bajji

mirchi-bajji

Hyderabad street food scene is incomplete with this popular street food option. These are Spicy green chilies coated in gram flour batter and deep-fried to crispy perfection. It is the top street food in Hyderabad. 

  • Special Feature: Often served with a tangy tamarind chutney.
  • Where to Try: Gokul Chat

4. Hyderabadi Keema Samosa

Hyderabadi Keema Samosa

Unlike regular samosas, Hyderabadi Keema Samosas are filled with minced meat, making them a savory delight that is especially popular during the month of Ramadan. These are deep-fried pastries stuffed with spicy minced meat.

  • Special Feature: A popular snack during festivals and special occasions.
  • Where to Try: Hotel Shadab, Charminar Area

5. Lukhmi

Lukhmi

Lukhmi is a unique Hyderabadi snack with roots in Mughlai cuisine, making it a must-try while trying Authentic Hyderabad street food. It is distinct from the regular samosa due to its square shape and the use of refined flour dough. A square-shaped, deep-fried snack filled with minced meat and spices.

  • Special Feature: Unique to Hyderabad’s culinary tradition.
  • Where to Try: Grand Hotel, Madina Building

Also Read: Best Time To Visit Chittoor: Know Your Favourable Season

6. Osmania Biscuits

osmania-biscuits

Named after the seventh Nizam of Hyderabad, Mir Osman Ali Khan, Osmania Biscuits are known for their crumbly texture and sweet-salty flavor, making them perfect to pair with Irani chai. Light and buttery biscuits, perfect with a cup of Irani chai.

  • Special Feature: Named after the last ruler of Hyderabad, Osman Ali Khan.
  • Where to Try: Nimrah Café and Bakery, Subhan Bakery

7. Pesarattu

pesarattu

Pesarattu, a type of dosa made from green gram batter, is unique to Andhra and Telangana cuisine. It’s often served with upma (a savory semolina dish) inside, making it a hearty breakfast option. A green gram dosa served with ginger chutney. It is the top street food in Hyderabad. 

  • Special Feature: Often eaten for breakfast or as a light snack.
  • Where to Try: Ram Ki Bandi

8. Boti Kebab

boti-kebab

Boti Kebabs are made from marinated chunks of meat, usually beef or mutton, which are grilled to perfection. The marination process often includes tenderizing agents like raw papaya. Tender pieces of marinated meat, are then grilled to perfection, making it a must-try while indulging in the Authentic Hyderabad street food.

  • Special Feature: Often enjoyed with mint chutney and onions.
  • Where to Try: Sarvi Restaurant, Chicha’s

9. Hyderabadi Chicken 65

hyderabadi-chicken-65

Chicken 65 is a popular Indian starter that originated from the Hotel Buhari in Chennai and Famous street food in Hyderabad. However, the Hyderabadi version is known for its extra spicy kick and is often garnished with curry leaves.  Spicy, deep-fried chicken pieces marinated with special spices.

  • Special Feature: A popular starter at many street food stalls.
  • Where to Try: Spicy Venue, Alpha Hotel

10. Nihari

nihari

Nihari, a slow-cooked stew, is believed to have originated in the Mughal kitchens and was traditionally eaten as a breakfast item after Fajr prayers. Its name comes from the Arabic word ‘Nahar,’ meaning ‘morning.’ It is a slow-cooked stew of meat and spices, traditionally eaten for breakfast.

  • Special Feature: Known for its rich and deep flavors.
  • Where to Try: Hotel Shadab, Nayaab Hotel

11. Dosa

dosa

The dosa, a crispy pancake, has variations across South India. In Hyderabad, the Dosa is often thicker and served with a variety of chutneys, including the unique peanut chutney. Thin, crispy pancakes made from a fermented batter of rice and black gram.

  • Special Feature: Served with sambar and a variety of chutneys.
  • Where to Try: Ram Ki Bandi, Chutneys

12. Panipuri

panipuri

Known as Golgappa in North India and Puchka in Bengal, Panipuri in Hyderabad is loved for its unique blend of spicy, tangy, and sweet flavors. The water used is often flavored with tamarind and mint. Hollow, crispy puris filled with spicy tamarind water, potatoes, and chickpeas.

  • Special Feature: A beloved street snack all over India, with a unique Hyderabadi twist.
  • Where to Try: Maharaja Chaat, Gokul Chat

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13. Sheer Khurma

sheer-khurma

A rich and creamy dessert made with vermicelli, milk, dates, and nuts. Sheer Khurma, which means ‘milk with dates,’ is a festive vermicelli pudding prepared during Eid. It includes a mix of dry fruits, dates, and sometimes rose petals, making it a rich and aromatic dessert. It is the top street food in Hyderabad. 

  • Special Feature: Traditionally prepared during Eid.
  • Where to Try: Shah Ghouse Café & Restaurant, Café Bahar

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14. Shikampuri Kebab

shikampuri-kebab
Source: Youtube

Soft, succulent kebabs made with minced meat and filled with hung curd. Shikampuri Kebabs are a Hyderabadi specialty where ‘Shikam’ means ‘belly’ in Persian, referring to the stuffed center of these kebabs, which is often filled with hung curd or a spiced mix. 

  • Special Feature: A Mughlai specialty.
  • Where to Try: Shikampuri Kebabs at Sarvi, Shikampuri Kebabs at Chicha’s

15. Falooda

falooda

A sweet and refreshing dessert drink made with rose syrup, vermicelli, sweet basil seeds, and milk, topped with ice cream. alooda, a dessert drink, has its roots in Persian cuisine. It includes layers of rose syrup, vermicelli, sweet basil seeds, and milk, often topped with ice cream, making it a favorite cooling treat.

  • Special Feature: Perfect for cooling down on a hot day.
  • Where to Try: Milan Juice Center, Shahi Dastarkhwan

Top 15 Street Food Joints in Hyderabad

1. Charminar Area

charminar-area

Iconic for its bustling night market, offering a variety of street food, including biryani and kebabs. The Charminar area, known for its bustling night market, transforms into a vibrant street food hub after sunset. It is not only famous for its food but also for its historic significance, with the iconic Charminar monument providing a stunning backdrop to the culinary scene. This place also offers a unique shopping experience and a chance to immerse oneself in the local culture. Fooding at Charminar is one of the best things to do in Hyderabad

  • Specialty: Hyderabadi Biryani, Haleem.

2. Shah Ghouse Café & Restaurant

Shah Ghouse Café & Restaurant
Source: Facebook

Famous for its authentic Hyderabadi Haleem and Biryani. Shah Ghouse, located in Tolichowki, is particularly famous during Ramadan for its haleem. They prepare haleem in enormous cauldrons, attracting food lovers from all over the city who queue up to get a taste of this rich, slow-cooked delicacy. The restaurant is renowned for its mouth-watering haleem, especially during Ramadan, and its perfectly cooked biryani. and it is one of the famous places to visit in Hyderabad during the monsoon for seasonal food items, especially desserts. 

  • Specialty: Haleem, Biryani.

3. Moghuls Paradise

moghuls-paradise
Source: Zomato

Renowned for its sumptuous kebabs and Biryani. Moghuls Paradise is renowned for its meticulously prepared kebabs and biryani. The restaurant prides itself on using traditional methods and secret spice blends passed down through generations to maintain the authenticity of their dishes.

  • Specialty: Biryani, Boti Kebab.

4. Paradise Biryani

Paradise Biryani
Source: Zomato

A legendary spot known for serving the best Hyderabadi Biryani. Paradise Biryani, with its origins dating back to 1953, has become synonymous with Hyderabadi biryani. What started as a small canteen has now grown into a culinary empire with numerous outlets across the city and even abroad. With multiple outlets across the city, Paradise Biryani is synonymous with Hyderabadi biryani. The restaurant has been serving this iconic dish for decades, maintaining its rich taste and quality.

  • Specialty: Hyderabadi Biryani..

5. Ram Ki Bandi

ram-ki-bandi
Source: Telegana Today

Popular for its innovative dosa varieties, open late into the night.Ram Ki Bandi started as a humble street cart selling dosas in the early hours of the morning. Today, it has achieved legendary status, known for its innovative dosa varieties like pizza dosa and cheese dosa, drawing crowds late into the night. A small food cart that has gained legendary status, Ram Ki Bandi serves some of the best dosas in the city. The variety and taste of their dosas, including the unique butter dosa and pesarattu, are a must-try. 

  • Specialty: Pesarattu, Butter Dosa.

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6. Hotel Shadab

hotel-shadab

Famous for its traditional Hyderabadi dishes. Hotel Shadab, located near Charminar, is a historical restaurant that has been serving traditional Hyderabadi cuisine for decades. It’s a popular spot for tourists and locals alike, known for its early morning nihari, a dish that’s a perfect example of the city’s Mughlai influences. Their nihari and keema samosas are particularly popular, making it a favorite spot for locals.

Specialty: Nihari, Keema Samosa.

7. Café Bahar

cafe-bahar

A go-to place for Hyderabadi Biryani and Haleem. Café Bahar is a family-owned restaurant that has been serving authentic Hyderabadi dishes for over four decades. It is a favorite among biryani lovers and has a loyal customer base that spans generations. Café Bahar, located in Basheer Bagh, is another popular spot for biryani and haleem. The restaurant offers a range of Hyderabadi dishes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds.

Specialty: Biryani, Haleem.

8. Maharaja Chaat

maharaja-chaat
Source: Zomato

A favorite for chaat lovers, offering a wide variety of street snacks. Maharaja Chaat, situated in Himayat Nagar, is not just famous for its chaat but also for its legacy. It has been serving delicious street snacks for several decades, and the recipes have been carefully preserved and passed down through the family. Maharaja Chaat in Himayatnagar is the perfect spot for chaat enthusiasts. They offer a wide variety of street snacks, including the ever-popular panipuri and bhel puri, making it a perfect stop on your Authentic Hyderabad street food journey.

  • Specialty: Panipuri, Bhel Puri.

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9. Nimrah Café and Bakery

Nimrah Café and Bakery
Source: TripAdvisor

Known for its Osmania Biscuits and Irani Chai. Nimrah Café, located near the Charminar, is not only famous for its Osmania biscuits but also for its historical significance. The café has been a meeting place for poets, artists, and intellectuals of Hyderabad for many years. The café is a popular spot for locals to relax and enjoy a quick snack.

  • Specialty: Osmania Biscuits, Irani Chai.

10. Sarvi Restaurant

sarvi-restaurant
Source: Zomato

Known for its delicious kebabs and traditional Hyderabadi cuisine. Sarvi, established in 1985, is known for its old-world charm and traditional recipes. The restaurant’s Shikampuri Kebabs and Boti Kebabs are legendary, and they take pride in preparing dishes using traditional Hyderabadi methods.  Located in Banjara Hills, Sarvi Restaurant is famous for its succulent kebabs and rich Hyderabadi dishes. The Shikampuri Kebabs, with their creamy hung curd filling, and the spicy Boti Kebabs are a must-try.

  • Specialty: Shikampuri Kebabs, Boti Kebabs.

11. Chutneys

chutneys
Source: Youtube

Famous for its South Indian breakfast items and variety of chutneys. Chutneys is famous for offering six different types of chutneys with its dosas and idlis. The variety and unique flavors of these chutneys, including peanut and ginger chutneys, have made it a standout spot for South Indian breakfast. Chutneys, with several outlets across Hyderabad, offers a delightful range of South Indian breakfast items. Their dosas, idlis, and unique selection of chutneys provide a perfect start to your day.

  • Specialty: Dosa, Idli.

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12. Spicy Venue

spicy-venue
Source: Zomato

Renowned for its spicy and flavorful Andhra and Hyderabadi dishes. Spicy Venue, located in Jubilee Hills, is known for its fiery Andhra cuisine. The restaurant’s Chicken 65 is particularly famous, and they use a special blend of spices that gives their dishes a distinctive taste. Located in Jubilee Hills, Spicy Venue is well-known for its spicy Andhra cuisine. Their Chicken 65 is a standout dish, packed with flavors and spices that will leave you wanting more.

  • Specialty: Chicken 65, Andhra Meals.

13. Alpha Hotel

alpha-hotel
Source: TripAdvisor

Popular for its traditional Hyderabadi breakfast and snacks. Alpha Hotel, located in Secunderabad, is a landmark eatery known for its hearty breakfast offerings. It is particularly popular for its haleem and chicken dishes, drawing large crowds during festive seasons. Alpha Hotel, situated in Secunderabad, is a favorite for its traditional Hyderabadi breakfast options. Their Chicken 65 and Haleem are highly recommended for those looking to savor authentic Hyderabadi flavors. And if you’re looking for offbeat places in India to explore,this place is ideal for eating. 

  • Specialty: Chicken 65, Haleem.

14. Gokul Chat

gokul-chat

A popular chaat place offering a wide range of street snacks. Gokul Chat, despite being a small chaat shop, has a huge following. It has been serving delicious street food since 1980 and is known for its resilience, bouncing back stronger after a tragic incident in 2007. Gokul Chat, located in Koti, is a beloved spot for chaat lovers. Their Mirchi Bajji and Panipuri are famous for their tangy and spicy flavors, making it a go-to place for an evening snack.

  • Specialty: Mirchi Bajji, Panipuri.

15. Milan Juice Center

Milan Juice Center
Source: Justdial

Known for its refreshing juices and delicious Falooda. Milan Juice Center, located in Nampally, is famous for its refreshing fruit juices and Falooda. The shop is a favorite among locals, especially during the summer months, offering a cool respite with its extensive menu of refreshing drinks and desserts. Situated in Nampally, Milan Juice Center offers a variety of fresh fruit juices and the deliciously refreshing Falooda. It’s the perfect place to cool down and enjoy a sweet treat on a hot day.

  • Specialty: Falooda, Fruit Juices

Hyderabad street food scene is a culinary adventure waiting to be explored. From the iconic Hyderabadi biryani to the spicy and flavorful kebabs, each dish tells a story of the city’s rich cultural heritage and culinary traditions. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, the vibrant street food in Hyderabad offers an unforgettable experience that will leave your taste buds craving for more. So, next time you find yourself in the city, make sure to indulge in the delectable street food and discover the true flavors of Hyderabad.

1. What are some famous street food items in Hyderabad?

Famous street food in Hyderabad include Biryani, Haleem, Mirchi Bajji, Hyderabadi Keema Samosa, Lukhmi, Osmania Biscuits, Pesarattu, Boti Kebab, Hyderabadi Chicken 65, Nihari, Dosa, Panipuri, Sheer Khurma, Shikampuri Kebab, and Falooda.

2. Where can I find the best street food in Hyderabad?

Some of the best places to find street food in Hyderabad include the Charminar Area, Shah Ghouse Café & Restaurant, Moghuls Paradise, Paradise Biryani, Ram Ki Bandi, Hotel Shadab, Café Bahar, Maharaja Chaat, Nimrah Café and Bakery, Sarvi Restaurant, Chutneys, Spicy Venue, Alpha Hotel, Gokul Chat, and Milan Juice Center.

3. What makes Hyderabadi street food unique?

Hyderabadi street food is unique due to its rich blend of flavors, spices, and textures, influenced by Mughlai, Persian, and Andhra cuisines. The use of aromatic spices, traditional cooking methods, and a wide variety of dishes make Hyderabadi street food stand out.

4. Can you recommend some popular street food joints in Hyderabad?

Popular street food joints in Hyderabad include Charminar Area, Shah Ghouse Café & Restaurant, Moghuls Paradise, Paradise Biryani, Ram Ki Bandi, Hotel Shadab, Café Bahar, Maharaja Chaat, Nimrah Café and Bakery, Sarvi Restaurant, Chutneys, Spicy Venue, Alpha Hotel, Gokul Chat, and Milan Juice Center. These places are known for their delicious and authentic Hyderabadi street food.

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