Ten places for Irani chai, from Cafe Niloufer to the Grand Hotel, 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 ↗
Photo: manojkumar chidambaram / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Irani chai is a popular tea drink in Hyderabad, India, which is known for its unique flavor and brewing process. The term “Irani” comes from the Persian word for Iran, as the drink was originally introduced to India by Iranian immigrants. In Hyderabad, Irani chai is often served in traditional tea houses known as Irani cafes, which are characterized by their old-world charm and relaxed ambiance. These cafes typically serve a range of snacks and sweets to accompany the tea, such as osmania biscuits, khari biscuits, and dilkhush.
One popular story about Irani chai in Hyderabad is that it is traditionally brewed in a large kettle called a “deg,” which is heated over a coal fire. The tea is brewed for hours, and is said to be simmered with a secret blend of spices and herbs, which gives it its unique flavor and aroma.
Another story about Irani chai in Hyderabad is that it was a favorite drink of the Nizams, the former rulers of the city. According to legend, the Nizams would often hold court in the city’s Irani cafes, where they would drink tea and discuss matters of state. Over time, the drink became a symbol of the city’s rich cultural heritage and tradition.
Today, Irani chai remains an important part of Hyderabad’s food culture, and is enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. Whether sipped in a traditional Irani cafe or brewed at home, the drink continues to capture the imagination of those who taste it, and remains a beloved symbol of the city’s vibrant spirit and rich history.
Cafe Niloufer’s Irani chai is made using a unique blend of tea leaves and spices, which gives it a distinct flavor and aroma. The chai is brewed to perfection, with just the right amount of milk and sugar, and is served in traditional Irani-style glasses. The tea is best enjoyed with the cafe’s famous Osmania biscuits, which complement its rich and flavorful taste. Cafe Niloufer’s Irani chai is a must-try for anyone visiting Hyderabad.
Nimrah Cafe and Bakery is a popular eatery located in Hyderabad, India, known for its delicious snacks and desserts. The cafe has a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, making it a great place to catch up with friends or get work done. Their menu includes a variety of items such as samosas, sandwiches, and cakes, and their chai is particularly famous among the locals. Nimrah Cafe and Bakery is a must-visit spot for anyone looking to experience the vibrant food culture of Hyderabad.
Shah Ghouse Cafe is a popular chain of restaurants in Hyderabad, India, known for its delicious biryani and flavorful tea, also known as “chai”. The chai served at Shah Ghouse Cafe is made with a unique blend of spices and is a must-try for anyone visiting Hyderabad. The cafe has a cozy and welcoming ambiance, making it a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
SEE THE VENUE ON HYDERABAD STORIES →Alpha Hotel is an ideal destination to relish a variety of delectable dishes from across the globe. The restaurant’s menu boasts a vast array of mouth-watering appetizers, entrees, desserts, and beverages. The welcoming ambiance is characterized by a cordial and affable staff. In addition, the restaurant provides catering services for special events. Overall, Alpha Hotel offers an exquisite experience for savoring a cup of delicious chai.
Cafe Bahar, originally a humble Irani cafe, has transformed into a well-known restaurant in Basheer Bagh, and has garnered a devoted fan base for its mouth-watering biryani. The cafe also bakes Osmania biscuits all day, and if you’re fortunate, you may catch the tantalizing aroma of these treats wafting through the air, along with the fragrant scent of Irani Chai – a beverage that Cafe Bahar is also famous for.
The Taj Mahal Hotel is a luxury hotel chain in India known for its hospitality and high-quality services. In terms of their chai, the hotel likely serves a premium version of masala chai, which is a popular beverage in India made by boiling black tea with milk, sugar, and spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. It’s possible that the Taj Mahal Hotel in Hyderabad has their own unique recipe or blend of spices that sets their chai apart from other versions. Overall, chai is an integral part of Indian culture and is enjoyed by people from all walks of life. If you ever have the chance to visit the Taj Mahal Hotel in Hyderabad, trying their chai would be a great way to experience a delicious and authentic Indian beverage.
Lamakaan is known for their signature drink, chai, which is a beloved beverage among Hyderabadis. While it may not meet the standards of a connoisseur tea, this boiled, milky, and sweet drink is a staple of Hyderabad’s tea culture and is incredibly delicious and addictive.
Indulging in a cup of tea and biscuits is a timeless pleasure, and one of the best places to experience this in all its glory is at this charming location. Here, you can sample the delights of Irani chai and Osmania biscuits, two must-try delicacies that capture the essence of Hyderabad’s culinary heritage. For a more luxurious experience, the Zaffrani tea is highly recommended, with its delicate blend of saffron and spices that tantalizes the senses. Treat yourself to a moment of bliss at this heavenly spot.
Iqbal cafe at Purani Haveli in Hyderabad is a must-visit for anyone who loves delicious Irani chai and Lukmi, and has been a beloved spot for over 50 years.
At Grand Hotel, we know that a good cup of tea can bring hope and joy to your day. That’s why we’re proud to offer our guests some of the best Irani Chai in Hyderabad. Our chai is brewed fresh every day with a blend of premium tea leaves, milk, and aromatic spices, giving it a rich, creamy flavor that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds. So, why spill your tea when you can have a cup of our Irani Chai and make your day better? Come visit us and enjoy the authentic taste of Hyderabad’s beloved beverage.
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.
