1. Dum Pukht Begum's at ITC Kohenur

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Rated one of the best biryanis in Hyderabad, the signature dish Dum Pukht Begum is a sure-shot way to melt your heart. At Dum Pukht, the meat is cooked over a slow flame in a sealed container with almost no water. This allows the raw meat to soak in its own juices and accentuate its flavour. While the Chef’s speciality is still in the kitchen, experience the royal hospitality of ITC with decors of impeccable white and hues of violet.

ITC Kohenur

Address: Plot 5, Survey 83/1, Opposite Inorbit Mall, Hitech City, Hyderabad

Website: Dum Pukht Begum’s at ITC Kohenur

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 7pm - 11:30pm; Sat - Sun: 12:30pm - 2:45pm, 7pm – 11:45pm

2. Meridian Café and Restaurant

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

If you happen to notice a crowd at 11 pm discussing how exquisite the mutton biryani is, you are at Meridian Café and Restaurant. With the right amount of spice, well-cooked rice, and mutton pieces that melt in the mouth, Meridian Café and Restaurant makes one of the best places to visit when you’re craving authentic biryani. Although there is limited seating space, the prompt staff service of this biryani paradise makes it a delightful experience.

Meridian Cafe & Restaurant

Address: 6-3-697/1, Officers Colony, Panjagutta Cross Road, Panjagutta, Hyderabad

Website: Meridian Café and Restaurant

Opening hours: 12:30pm - 11pm (daily)

3. Paradise

Paradise is one of the most desired and cherished names in the biryani empire. With a history dating back to 1953, Paradise has been winning food points and hearts with its trademark Hyderabadi Biryani. What started out as a small kitchen is an award-winning chain of unforgettable biryanis and unmatched customer service today. Consistent taste and fulfilling quantity is the true reflection of their philosophy - “Atithi Devo Bhava” (a guest is equivalent to God) and hard work. The ambience might seem minimalistic but the aroma in the air speaks volumes about the chefs and their skills. Dahi Ki Chutney and Special Mutton Biryani are only some of the best foods to try for biryani lovers in this classic spot.  

Paradise

Address: X Roads, Masab Tank, Hyderabad, Telangana 500004

Website: Paradise (https://www.paradisefoodcourt.in/)

Opening hours: 11am - 11pm (daily)

4. Pathar-ka-gosht at Sarvi Restaurant

Sarvi is one of the few old-school biryani restaurants in Hyderabad that makes it to this list not just for its authentic Hyderabadi biryani but also for a foodie favourite, Pathar-ka-gosht. With its familiar spicy aroma and burnt barbecue flavour, you are sure to find this lamb dish on every table in Sarvi. Start your sumptuous meal with delectable red meat followed by chicken biryani and raita. The beautiful ambience may not be what you expect but who really cares when every bite is pure deliciousness that tickles your taste buds, right?

Sarvi Restaurant

Address: No. 6-2-626, Opposite Care Hospital, Road No. 1, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, Telangana 500034

Website: Sarvi Restaurant

Opening hours: 8am - 12am (daily)

5. Biryaniwalla & Co.

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Hyderabadis take their biryani very seriously and Biryaniwalla & Co. is the embodiment of this emotion. After all, biryani is one of the famous things in the city. Afghani spices mixed with tender chicken or mutton (as per your preference) served with Mirchi-ka-salan make a meal at this place unforgettable. The interiors are low-key and don’t particularly stand out. The service, however, is exceptionally quick and attentive. Do not miss out on their amazing shawarma, famous biryani, and other sumptuous meals while you are there.

Biryaniwalla & Co.

Address: Plot No 100, Ground Floor, Road No. 3, Beside TV 9 office, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, Telangana 500034

Website: Biryaniwalla & Co.

Opening hours: 11am - 12am (daily)

6. Cafe Bahar

This legendary and famous biryani house has managed to stand the test of time keeping the true Nizami heritage of Hyderabad alive. Since its establishment in 1973, Cafe Bahar has been the go-to place for red meat lovers to delve into the tender juicy lamb and slow-cooked rice without burning a hole in their pockets. Different types of biryani, such as Hyderabadi Dum Biryani, served at a decent price have led to the growth of this tiny cafe. To accommodate the growing numbers, especially of biryani fans, the interiors have been redone and the service is prompt. What once started as a tea stall has now become one of the most popular names in Basheer Bagh and continues to serve visitors their final cup of tea before retiring to bed.

Cafe Bahar

Address: 3-5-815/A, Old MLA Quarters, Avanti Nagar, Basheer Bagh, Hyderabad

Website: Cafe Bahar

Opening hours: 11am - 1am (daily)

7. Jewel of Nizam at Golkonda Resorts

Adding to the deliciousness of the chicken biryani and traditional cuisine at Golkonda Resorts is the sumptuous view of the lake while you enjoy your platter of Afghan cuisine in a former royal residence. With Osman Sagar setting the backdrop, dig into the smoky chicken tandoori with Hyderabadi chicken biryani. Its authentic Kacchi Dum Biryani is famous for foodies as well. End your shahi meal with kulfi topped with some falooda and dry fruits like a true Nizam.

Jewel of Nizam

Address: The Golkonda Resort, Gandipet, Hyderabad, Telangana 500075

Website: Jewel of Nizam

Opening hours: 12pm – 3:30pm, 7pm – 11:30pm (daily)

8. Shah Ghouse Cafe and Restaurant

Located in Tolichowki, Shah Ghouse Cafe and Restaurant is popular for its Hyderabadi haleem. Made of wheat, barley, minced meat, lentils and spices topped with rice, this is the hot selling at Shah Ghouse Cafe. To blend in the flavours of spices, meat, barley and wheat, it is slow-cooked for seven to eight hours, which results in a paste-like consistency. Other Hyderabadi delicacies like biryani, paya are also popular with local foodies.

Shah Ghouse Cafe and Restaurant

Address: Opposite SA Imperial Gardens, Near RTA Office, Salarjung Colony, Tolichowki, Hyderabad

Website: Shah Ghouse Cafe and Restaurant

Opening hours: 24/7

9. Bawarchi Restaurant

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Adding a pinch of ghee to its famous biryani, Bawarchi has carved its way into the yummiest biryanis in town. The ambience is rather simple and doesn’t try to overpower the prompt service and authentic meals served at this little place. Despite the name and fame of its biryanis, Bawarchi continues to remain pocket-friendly making it one of the most popular places after a late-night movie at the Sandhya Theatre, located not far from the restaurant.

Bawarchi Restaurant

Address: Plot 44, RTC Cross Road, Opposite Sandhya Theatre, Chikkadpally, Nallakunta, Hyderabad

Website: Bawarchi Restaurant

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 11:30am - 11:30pm; Sat - Sun: 11am - 11:30pm

10. United Kitchens Of India

Keeping the tradition alive in Jubilee Hills is United Kitchens Of India. Apart from the famous biryani, it is popular for its Murgh Khurcha, a crispy chicken appetiser with veggies cooked over a shallow flame with exotic Indian spices and sauces. If you are craving some seafood, their menu has fish cooked with a kick of princely swag. Food adventurers, be sure to try that!

United Kitchens Of India

Address: Plot# 1187, Road Number 45, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, Telangana 500033

Website: United Kitchens Of India

Opening hours: 12:30pm – 3:30pm, 7pm – 11:30pm (daily)

Heritage is served with some spice in Hyderabad

Hyderabad acts like a foodie magnet when it comes to value-for-money meals. While you may stumble across places with delicious biryanis whilst in Hyderabad, make time to stop at at least one of the listed places for just the right amount of saffron minced with your preferred choice of meat and some freshly cooked long-grained rice. Visit during the festival of Ramazan and experience the true Nizami hospitality and lifestyle for an entire month. Do check out the best things to do and romantic places to visit as well.