Ten places for Hyderabadi biryani, from Paradise to Dum Pukht Begum's, as our 2023 guide listed them.
FROM OUR ARCHIVE · First published by Hyderabad Stories on . Positions and descriptions are as the original guide published them and have not been re-verified since — check timings and addresses before you go. Original guide ↗
Hyderabad Biryani is a popular dish in Hyderabad and is famous all over the world for its unique taste and flavors. It is believed that the Nizams of Hyderabad brought this dish to the city and it has been a staple of Hyderabadi cuisine ever since. The traditional Hyderabad Biryani is a mix of aromatic rice, succulent meat (usually chicken or mutton), spices, and herbs. The rice is cooked separately with whole spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and bay leaves. The meat is marinated in a blend of spices and then cooked with onions, tomatoes, and yogurt. The rice and meat are then layered and cooked together in a sealed pot, allowing the flavors to meld together.
There are two types of Hyderabad Biryani, the Kachhi Biryani and the Pakki Biryani. The Kachhi Biryani is made by layering the raw marinated meat and raw rice, and then cooking them together, while the Pakki Biryani is made by cooking the meat and rice separately and then layering them together.
Hyderabad Biryani is typically served with raita, salan (a spicy gravy made with peanuts and tamarind), and sliced onions. It is a dish that is loved by people of all ages and is an essential part of any celebration or festive occasion in Hyderabad.
Paradise Biryani is a popular biryani chain in Hyderabad, known for its flavorful and aromatic biryani. The restaurant was established in 1953 and has since then become an iconic food destination in the city. Paradise Biryani uses high-quality ingredients, including premium basmati rice and special spices, to prepare their biryani. The restaurant also offers a range of other Indian and Chinese dishes.
Bawarchi Restaurant is a famous biryani spot in Hyderabad, serving delicious and aromatic biryani since 1993. The restaurant is known for its unique blend of spices and long-grained basmati rice, which gives its biryani a distinct taste. Bawarchi Restaurant is a popular destination for both locals and tourists, with a casual and lively atmosphere. The restaurant also serves a variety of other Indian and Chinese dishes.
Hotel Shadab is a well-known restaurant in Hyderabad, famous for its traditional Hyderabadi biryani. The restaurant has been serving delicious biryani since 1969 and is known for its rich flavors and aromatic spices. Hotel Shadab also offers a range of other Indian and Mughlai dishes, as well as bakery items. The restaurant has a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, making it a popular dining destination for locals and tourists alike.
Biryaniwalla & Co is a popular biryani restaurant in Hyderabad, known for its authentic Hyderabadi-style biryani. The restaurant is known for using high-quality ingredients, including premium basmati rice and specially blended spices, to prepare its biryani. Biryaniwalla & Co offers a range of biryani options, including mutton, chicken, and vegetarian, as well as other Indian and Mughlai dishes. The restaurant has a cozy and inviting ambiance, making it a great place to enjoy a satisfying meal.
Pista House is a popular restaurant chain in Hyderabad, famous for its delectable biryani. The restaurant is known for its unique blend of spices and the use of high-quality ingredients, including premium basmati rice and tender meat, to prepare its biryani. Pista House offers a variety of biryani options, including mutton, chicken, and vegetarian, as well as a range of other Indian and Mughlai dishes. The restaurant has a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, making it a favorite dining spot for locals and visitors.
Shah Ghouse Cafe & Restaurant is a popular dining destination in Hyderabad, known for its authentic Hyderabadi biryani. The restaurant is famous for its unique blend of spices, which are ground fresh every day, and the use of high-quality ingredients, including premium basmati rice and tender meat. Shah Ghouse Cafe & Restaurant offers a variety of biryani options, including mutton, chicken, and vegetarian, as well as a range of other Indian and Mughlai dishes. The restaurant has a casual and welcoming ambiance, making it a great place to enjoy a satisfying meal with family and friends.
SEE THE VENUE ON HYDERABAD STORIES →The Nawaabs Restaurant is a popular dining destination in Hyderabad, known for its delicious biryani. The restaurant is known for using high-quality ingredients, including premium basmati rice, tender meat, and freshly ground spices, to prepare its biryani. The Nawaabs Restaurant offers a range of biryani options, including mutton, chicken, and vegetarian, as well as a variety of other Indian and Mughlai dishes. The restaurant has a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, making it a great place to enjoy a satisfying meal with family and friends.
Imperial Multicuisine Restaurant is a popular dining spot in Hyderabad, offering a range of cuisines, including delicious biryani. The restaurant is known for using high-quality ingredients, including premium basmati rice and special spices, to prepare its biryani. Imperial Multicuisine Restaurant offers a variety of biryani options, including mutton, chicken, and vegetarian, as well as a range of other Indian, Chinese, and Continental dishes. The restaurant has a contemporary ambiance, making it a great place to enjoy a satisfying meal with family and friends.
Sarvi Multicuisine Restaurant is a popular dining destination in Hyderabad, known for its delicious biryani. The restaurant is known for using high-quality ingredients, including premium basmati rice and special spices, to prepare its biryani. Sarvi Multicuisine Restaurant offers a range of biryani options, including mutton, chicken, and vegetarian, as well as a variety of other Indian and Mughlai dishes. The restaurant has a casual and inviting atmosphere, making it a great place to enjoy a satisfying meal with friends and family.
Legend has it that Dum Pukht Begum’s biryani was created by a Mughal queen who loved experimenting with spices and ingredients. She cooked rice and marinated meat separately with a blend of aromatic spices, and then slow-cooked them together in a pot, sealing it with dough. This slow-cooking process allowed the flavors to infuse, resulting in a delicious and fragrant biryani. Today, it is still considered one of the most decadent and flavorful biryanis in India, and a testament to the rich culinary history of the Mughal Empire.
This is an editorial list from the Hyderabad Stories archive. Its order is the order the original guide gave; we have kept it rather than re-rank places we have not revisited. Entries become links as each place gets a verified Hyderabad Stories record.
No public vote, no score and no movement arrows — none of them has a data source we could stand behind. Photographs appear only for entries we have photographed ourselves.
