Hyderabad, the capital of Telangana, is a true paradise for food lovers. With a rich and diverse food culture shaped by its history and location, the city offers a wide range of dishes to try, from traditional biryani to street food, from sweet desserts to savoury snacks. The city was founded in the 16th century by the Qutb Shahi dynasty, which brought with them the culinary traditions of the Deccan plateau and Central Asia. As a result, Hyderabad's cuisine is a unique blend of Indian and Central Asian flavours with a strong Muslim influence.
Visitors to Hyderabad should also try the city's famous street food and Irani chai and visit an Irani cafe to immerse themselves in the city's rich history and culture. With so many delicious options, it's easy to see why Hyderabad is a food lover's paradise. On top of that, you can order food online in Hyderabad and enjoy it in your home. Now that it is sorted let's take a look at some popular dishes you must try in Hyderabad.
1. Biryani: The King of Hyderabadi Cuisine
Biryani, a fragrant and flavorful rice dish, is a staple of Hyderabadi cuisine and a must-try for any food lover visiting the city. It is made with meat, fish, or vegetables and a blend of spices cooked together in a sealed pot, resulting in flavorful, moist, and fluffy rice. There are wide varieties of Biryani like Chicken biryani, mutton biryani, prawn biryani and vegetable biryani. It is often served with raita (a yoghurt-based condiment) and mirchi ka salan (a chilli curry). Biryani is a staple food in many online food deliveries in Hyderabad.
2. Mughlai Delicacies
Hyderabad has a strong Muslim influence, reflected in its rich Mughlai cuisine. The Mughlai dishes are characterized by dishes made with meat, curd and nuts. Haleem, a thick stew made of meat, lentils and wheat, slow-cooked for hours, is one of the must-try dishes from this cuisine. The tender meat and creamy, flavorful broth make this dish irresistible. Another popular Mughlai dish is Kebabs, which comes in various forms, from tender chicken tikka to juicy lamb seekh. They are typically served with chutneys and naan bread.
3.South Indian Delights
Dosa is a popular South Indian dish, which is a type of crispy, savoury crepe made from fermented rice and lentil batter. It is often served with a variety of chutneys and sambar, a type of vegetable stew. Idli and sambar are other popular south Indian dishes. It's a light, and healthy breakfast option, including idli, which is a type of steamed rice cake often served with sambar (a type of vegetable stew).
4. Sweets and Desserts
Hyderabadi cuisine also includes a variety of sweets, such as kulfi, falooda, and qubani ka meetha. Qubani ka Meetha, made from apricots, is a speciality of Hyderabad. The apricots are cooked until they are soft and tender and then sweetened with sugar syrup, giving them a deliciously rich and fruity flavour. Falooda, a traditional Persian dessert, is a sweet drink made with vermicelli noodles, rose syrup, and milk. It is often garnished with basil seeds, which gives it a unique texture and flavour.
5. Street Food and Snacks
Hyderabad is also famous for its street food, which includes a variety of chaat (snacks), kebabs, and biryani. Some famous street food includes Pani Puri, samosas, gol gappa, and chaat. Samosas are deep-fried triangular pastries filled with a variety of fillings, including potatoes, peas, and meat. They are often served with chutneys or tamarind sauce.
6. Irani Chai
Hyderabad was also famous for its Irani cafes which served traditional Irani and Parsi cuisines. Irani chai is a popular breakfast drink sweetened with milk and a hint of cardamom. The chai is often served with Osmania biscuits, a famous and traditional biscuit from Hyderabad.
These are some of the most famous and delicious dishes to try in Hyderabad, and surely you'll find more delicacies to discover and savour during your visit. Whether you're looking for spicy and flavorful biryani, rich Mughlai dishes, or sweet and refreshing desserts, Hyderabad has something for every palate. Be sure to try the city's famous street food and Irani chai, and visit an Irani cafe to immerse yourself in the city's rich history and culture.
Another thing that makes Hyderabad's food special is the use of local spices, ingredients, and herbs, which makes it one of a kind and gives the taste a special and unique touch. You should also try traditional drinks like Kulfi Falooda, which is a must-try in Hyderabad.
One thing you should remember when ordering food online services in Hyderabad is that it's quite spicy and heavy. Spiciness level can vary from place to place and dish to dish. So, if you're not accustomed to spicy food, ask the restaurant to make it less spicy or choose a milder dish. You can provide the preparation instructions when you place an online food order in Hyderabad.
Overall, Hyderabad is a food lover's paradise and offers a wide variety of dishes for you to try. From traditional biryani to street food, from sweet desserts to savoury snacks, Hyderabad's food culture is diverse and delicious. So, go ahead, take a bite and experience the culinary delights of Hyderabad.