Hyderabad, a city known for its rich history and vibrant culture, is also a haven for food lovers. The bustling streets of this Indian city offer a wide variety of mouth-watering delicacies, ranging from the iconic biryanis and kebabs to the irresistible chaats and desserts.
Exploring the local street food scene in Hyderabad is a must for anyone who wants to truly experience the flavors and aromas that make this city unique. Here, we will take you on a delectable journey through 15 of the best places to try authentic Hyderabadi street food, ensuring that your taste buds get a full tour of this culinary paradise.
From the famous Iranian Chai at Nimrah Cafe to the beloved chaats at Sardarji’s Chaat in Gachibowli, get ready to discover the unique flavors that represent the heart and soul of Hyderabad.
1. Sardarji’s Chaat
Sardarji’s Chaat, located in Gachibowli, Hyderabad, is a popular street food joint that offers some of the best chaat options in the city.
The place is known for its mouth-watering snacks, exceptional service, and affordable prices. From the lip-smacking golgappas to the delicious aloo tikki chaat, Sardarji’s menu has something for everyone. They use fresh ingredients, ensuring that each dish is flavorful and authentic. The ambience is cozy and welcoming and the staff friendly and courteous, making your visit a delightful experience.
Whether you are looking for a quick bite or a wholesome meal, Sardarji’s Chaat is the place to be. Don’t leave without trying their signature dish, the Papdi Chaat—it’s a perfect blend of sweet and spicy flavors that is sure to leave you craving for more.
2. Gokul Chaat
Located in Koti, Gokul Chaat is a must-visit spot to experience authentic Hyderabad street food. This popular snack joint has been winning hearts for over 50 years, offering an impressive selection of mouthwatering chaats and other Indian fast food items.
With its vegetarian-friendly menu, the eatery caters to a wide range of taste buds, making it an excellent choice when exploring street food in the city.
Some of the must-try dishes at Gokul Chaat include:
- Pani Puri: A classic Indian street food snack made from hollow puris filled with spicy tangy water, tamarind chutney, and a mixture of flavored water.
- Dahi Papdi Chaat: A delicious mix of crispy papdis, sweet and spicy chutneys, whipped yogurt, and a variety of toppings, creating a burst of flavors in every bite.
- Bhel Puri: A popular savory snack made from puffed rice, vegetables, and tangy tamarind sauce, offering a mix of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors.
- Sev Puri: A delightful snack made from small, crispy wheat puris topped with diced potatoes, onions, various chutneys, and sev (crunchy chickpea noodles).
At Gokul Chaat, not only will you get to savor some of the best chaats in Hyderabad, but you will also be immersed in a vibrant atmosphere that is truly indicative of the city’s love for street food.
3. Ram Ki Bandi
One of the most popular street food joints in Hyderabad, Ram Ki Bandi is famous for its innovative and delicious dosas. Located at Nampally, this food cart has made a name for itself as a must-visit spot for street food enthusiasts.
Opening early at 3 am, Ram Ki Bandi is ideal for early morning cravings, serving dosas and idlis until 8 am. According to locals, Ram Ki Bandi is considered one of the best places to have dosa in Hyderabad, offering a wide range of dosa varieties to satisfy even the most discerning taste buds.
Known for their ability to innovate, Ram Ki Bandi has redefined the dosa game by offering a multitude of variations beyond the classic plain dosa. Some of their signature dosas include cheese dosa, butter masala dosa, pizza dosa, and paneer dosa, among others.
Such is the popularity of this humble food cart that it has earned a place on the map and can be found on search platforms like Google Maps and Zomato. When in Hyderabad, don’t miss the opportunity to indulge in the exciting flavors and delightful culinary surprises at Ram Ki Bandi.
4. Bawarchi Restaurant
Located at Chikkadpally R T C Cross Road, Bawarchi Restaurant is a popular spot for delicious street food in Hyderabad. Known for its consistent quality and taste, Bawarchi has managed to win the hearts of food lovers all over the city.
One of the highlights of Bawarchi is its exquisite Biryani. The restaurant offers a variety of Biryanis, including Chicken Biryani, Mutton Biryani, and Veg Biryani. Each Biryani is prepared with a unique blend of aromatic spices, tender meat, and flavorful rice, making it an unforgettable culinary experience for everyone.
Besides Biryani, Bawarchi also offers an array of tasty dishes like Tandoori Chicken, Kebabs, and lip-smacking Chaats. The menu caters to both vegetarians and non-vegetarians, providing something for every palette. The food is served fresh and hot, ensuring a delightful experience for every customer.
With its wide range of dishes, friendly service, and affordable prices, Bawarchi Restaurant is undoubtedly a must-visit when exploring Hyderabad’s street food scene.
5. Nimrah Cafe and Bakery
Located near the iconic Charminar, Nimrah Cafe and Bakery is a popular destination for food lovers in Hyderabad. This cafe has been serving mouthwatering delicacies for years and has gained a loyal customer base. It is ranked #24 of 6058 restaurants in Hyderabad on Tripadvisor.
Nimrah Cafe and Bakery is best known for its Irani chai and Osmania biscuits, which attract crowds from all over the city. These biscuits are a perfect combination of sweet and salty flavors and are best enjoyed with a piping hot cup of Irani chai. Apart from its famous chai and biscuits, Nimrah also offers a variety of street food and fast food items like sandwiches and South Indian dishes.
Here is a list of some popular items available at Nimrah Cafe and Bakery:
- Irani Chai
- Osmania Biscuits
- Sandwiches
- South Indian cuisine
- Street Food and Fast Food
Visiting Nimrah Cafe and Bakery is a must for anyone looking to explore the authentic street food scene in Hyderabad. Its strategic location near Charminar adds to the overall experience, making it a favorite spot among tourists and locals alike.
6. Karachi Bakery
Karachi Bakery is a legendary establishment in Hyderabad, known for its exceptional baked goods and as a must-visit destination for food lovers. Founded by Sri Khanchand Ramnani, a Sindhi migrant from Karachi in 1953, this bakery has managed to maintain the taste of its cookies and consistently add new quality varieties to its offerings.
One of the bakery’s signature products is its fruit biscuits. These sweet, crumbly delights are packed with the flavors of handpicked fruits, making them an irresistible treat. Karachi Bakery’s range of macarons, snacks, and other baked assortments is also highly sought-after by both locals and tourists.
Aside from its scrumptious menu, what sets Karachi Bakery apart is its dedication to innovation and focus on adapting to the evolving needs of its customers. With multiple outlets spread across the city, including in Secunderabad and Mozamjahi Market, its expansive network allows accessibility for people from various parts of Hyderabad.
In conclusion, a trip to Hyderabad remains incomplete without indulging in the fine array of baked delights at Karachi Bakery. Its innovative products, tantalizing flavors, and customer-centric approach have earned it a top spot among the best places to try street food in Hyderabad.
7. Chutneys
Chutneys is a well-known dining destination in Hyderabad, renowned for its wide variety of South Indian delicacies, particularly dosas and idlis, served with their iconic assortment of chutneys. This eatery has become a popular spot for tourists and locals alike, owing to their delicious food and inviting ambience.
Their signature dish is the Steam dosa, which is a delicious and healthy option for breakfast or lunch. Made with fermented rice and lentil batter and steamed to perfection, the dosa is light and fluffy with a slightly sour taste that is perfectly balanced and accompanied by an array of flavorful chutneys, including peanut, coconut, tomato, and ginger. Each chutney offers a unique taste, ranging from spicy to tangy, which complements the dosa perfectly. The steam dosa at Chutney restaurant is a must-try for anyone visiting Hyderabad, as it is both delicious and affordable.
Another popular item to try at Chutneys is the 70 mm dosa, a massive and crispy dosa that can easily feed a small group. Don’t forget to taste their steaming plate of idlis, which are pillow-soft and perfectly complemented by their famous chutneys. Ghee Karam Podi Idly is another must-try dish, with soft idlis drenched in ghee and topped with a spicy podi mix.
Find Chutneys at their several branches across Hyderabad, including Banjara Hills, Kondapur, and Himayat Nagar. To experience some of the best South Indian fare and a great variety of chutneys, make sure to pay a visit to Chutneys when you’re in Hyderabad.
8. Paradise Biryani
Paradise Biryani, located in Secunderabad, is popularly known as the home of the “‘World’s Favourite Biryani“, offering a delightful treat for Hyderabad’s food lovers since 1953. This renowned restaurant has received many accolades for its mouth-watering and authentic Hyderabadi Biryani. Its biryani dishes stand out for their perfect blend of spices, succulent meat, and fragrant Basmati rice.
Along with its iconic biryani, the menu at Paradise Biryani also comprises other Hyderabadi delicacies that cater to varied tastes. These include sensational kebabs, Irani chai, Osmania biscuits, and haleem. The restaurant maintains high standards of hygiene while providing the best in service and ambience.
Some must-try dishes at Paradise Biryani are:
- Chicken Biryani
- Mutton Biryani
- Veg Biryani
- Kebabs
- Irani Chai and Osmania Biscuits
Highly recommended by locals and tourists alike, Paradise Biryani is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking an unparalleled Hyderabadi biryani experience.
9. Pista House
Located near the iconic Charminar, Pista house is a popular destination for street food lovers in Hyderabad. Known for its delicious and authentic Hyderabadi delicacies, this place is a must-visit for anyone seeking a true taste of the city’s culinary culture.
One of the most famous dishes served at Pista House is their mouth-watering Haleem. This delicacy is a thick stew made from meat, wheat, and a variety of aromatic spices. Pista House’s Haleem is highly acclaimed and even draws visitors from other cities during the Haleem season, which typically coincides with the Islamic month of Ramadan.
Additionally, Pista House offers a wide range of other scrumptious items such as Biryani, Kebabs, and an assortment of desserts like Qubani-ka-Meetha and Shahi Tukda. Another notable offering is their Irani Chai, a delightful beverage that complements their delectable dishes perfectly.
The ambience of Pista House is modest and unpretentious, focusing on providing a comfortable space for patrons to enjoy their food. Its popularity speaks for itself, and its convenient location near Charminar makes it an ideal spot to visit during a day of sightseeing in Hyderabad.
10. Shadab Hotel
Shadab Hotel, located near Charminar in Ghansi Bazaar, is a popular destination for food lovers seeking to try some authentic Hyderabadi street food. The hotel is well-known for its delicious cuisine and welcoming atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for families and friends to gather and enjoy a meal together.
Among the many dishes offered at Shadab Hotel, their signature Hyderabadi Biryani is a must-try. The restaurant has earned a solid reputation for serving one of the best biryanis in Hyderabad, drawing crowds from all over India and beyond. Diners also rave about the hotel’s mouthwatering haleem, which is considered to be one of the best in the city, especially during the Ramadan season.
Another favorite dish at the Shadab Hotel is the Qubani Ka Meetha, a delightful Hyderabadi dessert that shouldn’t be missed during a visit to this popular food spot. The menu at Shadab Hotel offers a vast selection of Indian and Asian cuisines, with vegetarian-friendly options also available.
With its reasonable prices and impressive menu, Shadab Hotel attracts both locals and tourists alike, making it an essential destination when seeking to indulge in the rich and flavorful street food scene in Hyderabad, India.
11. Lakshman Ki Bandi
Lakshman Ki Bandi is a popular food joint located in Begum Bazaar, Hyderabad, that specializes in serving mouthwatering South Indian delicacies. It is known for its authentic taste and comfortable ambience, making it a must-visit spot for street food enthusiasts.
One of the main attractions at Lakshman Ki Bandi is their fluffy and delicious dosas. These dosas are served hot and crispy, making them a perfect choice for breakfast or a filling snack. Be sure to try the special butter dosa, which is loaded with flavors and has earned rave reviews from food lovers.
Another must-try dish at this food joint is their flavorful idlis. This soft and spongy delicacy made from fermented rice and lentils is not only a staple breakfast item but also a healthy and satisfying option to satiate your hunger.
Lakshman Ki Bandi also offers a variety of chutneys and sambar to accompany their dosas and idlis. These freshly prepared accompaniments enhance the overall taste and dining experience at this popular street food spot.
In conclusion, with its mouthwatering South Indian dishes and a cozy ambience, Lakshman Ki Bandi is the perfect place to experience the best of Hyderabad’s street food scene.
12. Agra Sweets
Agra Sweets is a popular spot for street food lovers in Hyderabad. With multiple locations across the city, this restaurant has made a name for itself by serving delicious and authentic Indian sweets and snacks. Some of the must-try items include north Indian dishes and a variety of sweets that leave customers craving for more.
Located at Masab Tank on Roan no 1, Banjara Hills Agra Sweets serves a variety of tasty food items at an affordable price, making it an ideal choice for people of all budgets. In addition to the main branch, another outlet is situated at Ratnadeep Supermarket, HiTech City.
Some of the highly recommended dishes at Agra Sweets are:
- Chole Bhature
- Samosa
- Kachori
- Gulab Jamun
- Ras Malai
Agra Sweets is well-known for its consistency in quality and taste, which has helped it build a loyal customer base. If you are exploring Hyderabad street food, don’t miss out on the opportunity to visit Agra Sweets and sample some of their mouthwatering delicacies.
13. DLF Street in Gachibowli
Gachibowli, situated in the Rangareddy District of Hyderabad, is a thriving commercial hub in the city. It is also home to a vibrant street food culture, with a host of restaurants, food joints, and street vendors serving up an array of delicious dishes.
The street opposite DLF in Gachibowli is the perfect place to explore the city’s street food culture. You can find a variety of eateries ranging from upscale restaurants to small street kiosks offering numerous culinary delights. From traditional Hyderabadi fare to continental and Chinese flavours, you can find it all here.
You can take a gastronomic trip in this lane by visiting food joints like AM PM Food Court, Varalakshmi Tiffins, Momos Delight, Mohammedia Shawarma, Hunger Maggi Point, The Coco Story, Delicio Taco Truck, Falafel Affairs and I am sure you find yourself in food heaven
14. Cafe Bahar
Cafe Bahar, located at Basheerbagh, in the heart of the city, is a popular joint known for its delicious street food. The cafe offers a wide variety of mouth-watering dishes, ranging from biryani and kebabs to chaat and samosas.
Their signature dish, the Hyderabadi Biryani, is a must-try for anyone visiting the city. The restaurant’s ambience is simple and traditional, providing a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere.
Open from morning until late at night, Cafe Bahar caters to both early risers and those looking for a midnight snack. Whether you’re a local foodie or a tourist looking to explore the city’s culinary scene, Cafe Bahar is the perfect destination to indulge in some of the tastiest street food Hyderabad has to offer.
15. Govind Ki Bandi
Govind Ki Bandi, a famous street food joint in Hyderabad, is located in the old bylanes of Ghansi Bazar. This iconic food stall is popular for serving some of the best street food in town, specializing in South Indian dishes accompanied by delicious coconut chutneys.
Visitors can enjoy mouth-watering dosas, vadas, and idlis, all prepared with a unique twist to give them an extra taste kick. The stall usually attracts a large crowd, eager to grab a buttery, chutney-slathered dosa or tawa idly, making this spot a perfect example of street food at its best
In addition to the amazing flavors, Govind Ki Bandi’s proximity to the historic monument Charminar makes it a must-visit place for food lovers exploring this area. So, when looking for authentic and scrumptious street food in Hyderabad, make sure to include Govind Ki Bandi in your itinerary.
From the biryani to the Qubani Ka Meetha, Hyderabad has something for every palate. Whether you’re a fan of spicy curries or have a sweet tooth for desserts, street food in the city is not to be missed. With 15 of the best places to try street food in Hyderabad at your disposal, your journey to explore the various flavors of this city is an exploration of culinary delights. So go ahead and get out there and enjoy all that street food in Hyderabad has to offer!
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