Let us embark on a gastronomic adventure unveiling the tapestry of flavours, spices, and cultural richness that define the culinary landscape of Hyderabad, known as the “City of Pearls”.

Hyderabad reveals a rich history and a vibrant culinary heritage blending Mughlai and Telugu influences. Steeped in Nizami traditions, Hyderabadi cuisine is a tantalizing fusion that offers a symphony of flavours. Iconic dishes like biryanis, kebabs, and soul-soothing Haleem represent the city’s culinary identity.

Prepare to be surprised and delighted as we shine a light on the unsung heroes of Hyderabadi cuisine that usually do not make it to the glossy papers of Hyderabadi food guide.

1. Saag Puri – Iqbal Restaurant

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.

The Iqbal Restaurant located in the heart of Charminar is the dearest place to have Saag Puri. People line up since the dawn to have their hands on this delicacy.

Must Tries: Mutton Biryani, Malayi paya, Tandoori roti, Irani chai

2. Munshi Naan

Munshi Naan is a 170 year old living legacy offering the most authentic form of Naan (bread).

3. Jouzi Halwa – Hameedi Confectionaries

As much as Hyderabad is synonymous with the Hyderabadi dum biryani, it is also famous for its traditional desserts – from apricot sweets to cucumber mithais.

And if you are in Hyderabad, wanting more than just the biryani, Jouzi Halwa, a Turkish sweet at the Hameedi Confectioners, is just the perfect option.

Rich and bright red in hue, Jouzi Halwa is a rich dish topped with silver foil and cashew nuts.

The store was founded more than a century ago by an 11-year-old Turkish kid who went on to become the final Nizam of Hyderabad, Mir Osman Ali Khan’s favourite halwai.

Must Tries: Special badam halwa, Badam ki jail, Malai khalakhan, Gulab Jamun

4. Burhanpur Khowa jalebi

Located on the border with Maharashtra in the southern region of Madhya Pradesh is Burhanpur, a charming little town steeped in history.

5. Khajoor and Lauz Biscuits

Hyderabadi date and nut roll known as “khajoor” is naturally sweetened by dried fruit and contains no extra sugar. Its crunchy nuts—walnuts, pistachios, and slivered almonds—make it an excellent sugar- free dessert or the ideal snack for a long climb.

Lauz is a classic dessert preparation from Hyderabad. This traditional Indian dessert combines eggs with sugar and khoya and makes one of the tastiest desserts. It is moist and nutritious at the same time.

Both Khajoor and Lauz are Hyderabadi Traditional desserts mostly made on special occasions like festivals or wedding.

6. Dum Ke Roat – Subhan Bakery

Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar, has brought the renowned Hyderabadi biscuit, Dum-ke-Roat, back to the market.

Made from wheat flour, sooji (semolina), vegetable oil, sugar, honey, clarified butter, salt, cardamom, and milk products, this delicacy has a long history.

The best and most well-known bakery in Hyderabad is Subhan Bakery, which has been producing Osmania biscuits, fruit biscuits, and dum ke roat for almost a century.

7. Ram ki Bandi

Located in Nampally, Hyderabad, it is probably the only roadside hand-pulled food cart that pops up on the screen with a simple search on Google.

Ram ki bandi is a Down-to-earth food stall dishing up dosas with a twist, plus idli rice cakes & juices and the first late-night eatery in Hyderabad with a twist in South Indian food.

What makes them special from any other South Indian eatery, is their innovation in Dishes. They are the inventors of cheese dosa, pizza dosa, paneer dosa etc. This stall is definitely unaffordable to miss!

8. Falsa Sharbat

Phalsa or Falsa is a Hindi term and known as Grewia asiatica in English, is a rare fruit was first found in India Varanasi, then was taken to other nations.

This is a kind of acidic fruit used as cooling agent which can be eaten raw or the Sharbat (drink) is prepared from the fruit pulp by mixing it with sugar.

The Falsa Sharbat of Hyderabad is a revered drink especially enjoyed in the scorching heat of Hyderabad summers.

9. Nihaari Paaya – Hotel Nayaab

Hyderabadi breakfast customs are superior to others. A hearty, traditional Hyderabadi breakfast is served at the hotel Nayaab in the old city. People are often seen queueing up from 4am to get their breakfast from this hotel.

Their Nihaari Paaya, a broth made of goat trotters, is to die for! Hotel Nayaab serves other traditional breakfasts like Khichdi Khatta with Qeema and of course, the irani chai.

10. Fruit Biscuits – Karachi Bakery

Hyderabad’s famous Karachi bakery was started in 1953. The very popular fruit biscuit is their delicious traditional baked recipe. They are still made by hand to preserve the taste people love it for!

Some of the special ingredients used in this are butter, sugar, all-purpose flour, custard powder, dry fruit & cardamom powder, baking powder, salt, tutti frutti (dried fruit jelly), milk. Its goodness of fruit and richness of biscuits makes it the best snack to combat hunger. They are a perfect accompaniment to your tea or coffee.