Vegetarian Delights: A Scrumptious Food Tour Through Hyderabad’s Green Culinary
Vegetarian Delights: A Scrumptious Food Tour Through Hyderabad’s Green Culinary
Hyderabad, a city renowned for its rich history and vibrant culture, is equally celebrated for its diverse and delectable vegetarian cuisine. From traditional South Indian dishes to local specialties, Hyderabad offers a plethora of vegetarian delights that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. Now let us take you on a complete day food voyage in Hyderabad.
Breakfast:
Hyderabadi breakfasts merge the city’s rich culinary legacy with classical South Indian influences, making them a feast for the palate. From hearty classics to tasty street food, here are some vegetarian dishes that you simply must eat for the ultimate Hyderabadi breakfast experience.
1. Idli and dosa

Start your culinary journey with the South Indian classics – soft and fluffy idlis and crispy dosas. Served with an array of chutneys and sambar, these fermented rice and lentil delicacies are popular choices for breakfast or a light meal. This meal is often complimented with sides of Mysore Bhajiya and Medu vada for a complete meal.
Popular Spots: Ram ki Bandi, Kamat Restaurant, Udipi, Taj Mahal hotel, Panchakattu Dosa, Hotel Swagat and Varalakshmi Tiffins.
Price range: ₹ 200 for 2 persons (approx..)
2. Khichidi Khatta
Khichidi Khatta is one of the most popular breakfasts in Hyderabad. And why not? It is so impressive how dal and rice can be married together to form a blend of aromas of different spices! The Hyderabadi Khichidi is typically served with a Khatta which is a tangy sauce made with ground sesame and peanuts mixed in tamarind paste which is tempered with fresh curry leaves and chillies.

Popular Spots: Khichidi express, Café Niloufer, Santosh Dhaba
Price range: ₹ 300 for 2 persons (approx..)
3. Saag Puri

Though originating from the north of India, Saag Puri has made a place in top favourite breakfasts in Hyderabad. It typically consists of a crispy puri (fried bread) served with a flavourful mixture of cooked vegetable curry. People line up since the dawn to have their hands on this delicacy
Popular Spots: Taj Mahal Hotel, Hotel Swagat, Kamat Hotel
Price range: ₹ 150 for 2 persons (approx..)
Tea Time and Snacks:
Hyderabadi tea time and snacks are a delicious blend of tastes and textures that reflect the city’s passion for creative cooking. These snacks provide the ideal afternoon break. Hyderabad’s tea culture offers a tasty experience that embraces the city’s varied culinary influences. It is a lovely fusion of traditional and modern.
1. Irani Chai and Osmania Biscuits

Irani chai and Osmania biscuits are an iconic duo that reflects the cultural and culinary charm of Hyderabad. Originating from the Irani cafes that became a significant part of the city’s social fabric, this combination has become a cherished tradition for locals and a must-try experience for visitors.
Osmania biscuits, named after the last Nizam of Hyderabad, Mir Osman Ali Khan, are an integral part of the city’s culinary heritage. It’s a local favourite known for their sweet and salty flavour and baked with love from milk, flour, cardamom, salt, sugar, and ghee you have a classic Hyderabadi tea-time experience that serves as a perfect tea time out.
Popular Spots: Café Niloufer, Café Bahar, Nimrah Hotel
Price range: ₹150 – ₹200 for two people (approx.)
2. Mirchi Bhajji and Pakoda

For those who love a bit of crunch in the morning, Pakodi (deep-fried gram flour fritters) and Mirchi Bajji (stuffed and fried chili fritters) are popular street food options, offering a spicy kick to start the day.
Whether you prefer a light and healthy start or a more indulgent breakfast, Hyderabad’s diverse morning offerings are sure to satisfy every craving and leave you with a lasting appreciation for the city’s culinary richness.
Popular Spots: Local tiffin centres and stalls
Price range: ₹50 – ₹100 for two people (approx.)
Lunch and Dinner:
Hyderabadi lunch and dinner experiences embody a cultural celebration steeped in warmth and hospitality. These meals are a reflection of the city’s rich heritage, where culinary traditions have been meticulously preserved and passed down through generations.
As the sun sets, the city’s vibrancy comes alive in the evening meals. Dimly lit restaurants and homes create an ambiance that invites a leisurely exploration of flavours, encouraging guests to immerse themselves in the culinary journey. These meals are not just about satisfying hunger; they are about creating lasting memories, forging bonds, and honouring the cultural legacy that makes Hyderabadi dining an experience to cherish.
1. Veg Dum Biryani

While Hyderabad is famous for its majestic biryani, the vegetarian version is equally enticing. Made with fragrant basmati rice, aromatic spices, and a medley of vegetables, the Hyderabadi vegetarian biryani is a must-try for any food enthusiast.
Popular Spots: Bawarchi, Shah Ghouse, Santosh Dhaba, Behrouz Biryani
Price range: ₹ 300-400 for 2 persons (approx..)
2. Mirchi ka Saalan

For those who appreciate a bit of spice, Mirchi ka Salan is a typical Hyderabadi dish. It consists of green chilies cooked in a peanut and sesame seed gravy, delivering a unique and fiery flavor. Pair it with freshly cooked zeera rice or kaju rice and your delicacy is ready to enjoy!
Popular Spots: Lucky Hotel, Shadab Hotel, Café Bahar
Price range: ₹ 200 for 2 persons (approx..)
3. Daalcha and Bagarah Khana

Dalcha is a comforting lentil stew with vegetables, often prepared during festivals and special occasions. It’s a hearty and nutritious dish that showcases the skillful use of spices in Hyderabad’s vegetarian cuisine.
“Bagara Khana” in Hyderabadi cuisine refers to a style of cooking that involves slow-cooking rice with aromatic spices. The term “Bagara” itself means tempering or seasoning, and “Khana” translates to food. It is enjoyed with phalli (French Beans) curry.
Popular Spots: This dish is usually a home cooked meal.
Price range: ₹ 350 for 2 persons (approx..)
4. Bagara Baigan

A flavoursome eggplant curry, Bagara Baingan is a rich and flavourful dish made with roasted spices, tamarind, and tender baby eggplants. It’s a delightful addition to any vegetarian spread. One can enjoy this with any rice of choice.
Popular Spots: café Bahar, Hotel Nayab
Price range: ₹ 300 for 2 persons (approx…)
Desserts:
Hyderabadi desserts, a sweet harmony reflecting the city’s culinary finesse, offer a diverse range of delights. From the iconic Double ka Meetha to the rich Qubani ka Meetha, these sweets blend customary Indian taste with a royal touch. Each bite is a journey through Hyderabad’s cultural richness, celebrating the perfect balance of sweetness and aromatic indulgence.
1. Double Ka Meetha

A classic Hyderabadi sweet, Double ka Meetha, also known as “Shahi Tukda,” is a rich and indulgent bread pudding. Slices of bread are deep-fried until golden, soaked in sugar syrup, and layered with thickened milk infused with cardamom and saffron. Garnished with nuts, this dessert is a symphony of seasons and textures.
Popular Spots: Pista House, Shah Ghouse, Santosh Dhaba, Hotel Shadab, Imperial Multicuisine Restaurant
Price range: ₹250 for two people (approx.)
2. Qurbani Ka Meetha

Qubani ka Meetha is a traditional Hyderabadi apricot dessert. Dried apricots are stewed until tender, sweetened, and then served with a dollop of fresh cream or custard. This velvety and fruity dessert is a staple during special occasions and celebrations. The dish is often garnished with slivered almonds and pistachios, adding a joyful crunch.
Popular Spots: Pista House, Shah Ghouse, Hotel Shadab
Price range: ₹250 for two people (approx.)
3. Sheer Khurma

Though commonly associated with festivals, Sheer Khurma is a dish that can be enjoyed year-round. A luxurious combination of vermicelli, milk, and a variety of dry fruits, Sheer Khurma is simmered to perfection, creating a sweet and fragrant dessert.
Popular Spots: Imperial Multicuisine Restaurant, sheer Khurma House
Price range: ₹200 for two people (approx.)
4. Kaddu ki Kheer

Kaddu ki Kheer is a unique dessert made from bottle gourd (kaddu). Grated bottle gourd is cooked with milk, sugar, and flavoured with cardamom, creating a creamy and mildly sweet kheer that is both refreshing and comforting.
Popular spots: Shah Ghouse Hotel
Price range: ₹200 for two people (approx.)
5. Badam Jali

Badam Ki Jali is a delicate almond-flavored dessert that’s a work of art. Finely ground almonds are mixed with sugar and shaped into intricate lattice patterns, offering a visual and palatable delight.
Popular Spots: Almond House, Sitara Foods, Dadu’s sweets
Price range: ₹300 for two people (approx.)