While Hyderabadi biryani is undoubtedly the food most people associate with Hyderabad, the city's food culture goes far beyond biryani. Haleem, kebabs, lukhmi, Irani chai, Osmania biscuits and traditional Hyderabadi desserts all have their own place in the city's culinary story.
If you are visiting Hyderabad or simply looking for something different to eat this weekend, here are 10 famous foods in Hyderabad that you should try.
1. Hyderabadi Biryani
No list of the top 10 foods in Hyderabad can start without mentioning Hyderabadi biryani.
The famous dish is prepared with fragrant rice, meat, spices and saffron, with the ingredients traditionally cooked together using the dum method. The slow cooking allows the flavours of the meat and spices to develop throughout the rice. The dish is commonly served with raita and mirchi ka salan.
For many visitors, tasting authentic Hyderabadi biryani is an essential part of exploring the city.
2. Hyderabadi Haleem
Haleem is another iconic Hyderabad famous food, particularly associated with the city's Ramadan food culture.
Traditional haleem combines meat, wheat, lentils and spices and is cooked slowly until it develops a thick, creamy consistency. Fried onions, coriander, mint, cashews and lemon are often added before serving.
Haleem became deeply associated with Hyderabad and is especially popular during Ramadan. Several well-known Hyderabad establishments serve it during the season.
If you are visiting Hyderabad during Ramadan, a bowl of hot haleem is something worth adding to your food itinerary.
3. Hyderabadi Kebabs
If you enjoy grilled and smoky food, Hyderabad has plenty to offer.
Kebabs are popular around the Old City and come in different varieties, including seekh kebab, shami kebab and boti kebab. Marinated meat is cooked with spices to create juicy and flavourful kebabs.
Boti kebab, for example, is prepared using pieces of meat marinated with spices and traditionally cooked over heat before being served with chutneys or bread.
Kebabs make a great evening snack or starter when exploring Hyderabadi food.
4. Lukhmi
Lukhmi is one of those Hyderabad dishes that deserves more attention.
It is a square-shaped savoury pastry that is generally stuffed with a spicy meat filling and deep-fried until crisp. The outside is flaky and crunchy, while the filling provides a spicy and savoury centre.
Unlike samosa, which is usually triangular, lukhmi has its own distinctive square shape and is closely associated with Hyderabad's traditional cuisine.
Try it as an evening snack with a cup of chai.
5. Irani Chai
Hyderabad's food culture would feel incomplete without Irani chai.
This rich, milky tea became an important part of the city's café culture and remains popular in traditional tea shops and cafés. The tea is often enjoyed slowly while chatting with friends or family.
The Telangana government's Hyderabad tourism information also highlights Irani chai as an important part of the city's café heritage.
For a classic Hyderabad combination, order Irani chai with Osmania biscuits.
6. Osmania Biscuits
Osmania biscuits are among the most recognisable snacks associated with Hyderabad.
These soft, slightly salty and mildly sweet biscuits are traditionally enjoyed with tea. Their balanced sweet-and-savoury taste makes them a popular companion to Irani chai.
The biscuit is particularly associated with Hyderabad's old café and bakery culture, and places around Charminar are well known for the combination of Irani chai and Osmania biscuits.
7. Pathar Ka Gosht
Pathar ka gosht is a unique Hyderabadi meat preparation.
The name literally refers to meat cooked on a stone. Thin pieces of meat are marinated with spices and cooked on a heated stone or traditional cooking surface until they become tender and develop a roasted flavour.
The smoky aroma and spicy seasoning make this dish popular among people who enjoy traditional meat dishes.
It is one of the traditional foods of Hyderabad worth trying if you want to explore something beyond biryani.
8. Nihari
Nihari is a slow-cooked meat dish known for its rich gravy and deep flavour.
The meat is cooked slowly with aromatic spices until it becomes tender. It is commonly enjoyed with naan or other Indian breads.
For a hearty breakfast or meal, nihari is a popular choice in parts of the Old City and among lovers of traditional Hyderabadi and Mughlai-style food.
9. Double Ka Meetha
After all the spicy food, it is time for dessert.
Double ka meetha is a popular Hyderabadi sweet made using bread, milk, sugar and ghee. The bread is fried and soaked in a sweet milk mixture before being garnished with ingredients such as nuts.
It is often compared with shahi tukda, but the Hyderabad version has its own local character.
If you have a sweet tooth, don't finish your Hyderabad food tour without trying this dessert.
10. Qubani Ka Meetha
Qubani ka meetha is another famous dessert from Hyderabad.
It is prepared using dried apricots, which are cooked until soft and served as a sweet dessert. It may be topped with cream, ice cream or other garnishes depending on how it is prepared.
The dessert is especially associated with traditional Hyderabadi cuisine and is a popular choice after a rich meal.
Hyderabad Food Is More Than Biryani
When people talk about famous food in Hyderabad, biryani usually gets all the attention. But the city's culinary culture is much broader.
From spicy kebabs and lukhmi to creamy haleem, traditional sweets and old-fashioned Irani chai, Hyderabad offers a combination of flavours shaped by centuries of cultural influences.
If you are planning a Hyderabad food tour, don't restrict yourself to one restaurant or one dish. Explore the Old City, try traditional cafés, sample local snacks and finish your meal with a classic Hyderabadi dessert.
Quick List: 10 Famous Foods in Hyderabad
Hyderabadi Biryani
Hyderabadi Haleem
Hyderabadi Kebabs
Lukhmi
Irani Chai
Osmania Biscuits
Pathar Ka Gosht
Nihari
Double Ka Meetha
Qubani Ka Meetha
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most famous food in Hyderabad?
Hyderabadi biryani is the city's most internationally recognised dish. However, Hyderabad has many other traditional foods, including haleem, kebabs, lukhmi and traditional desserts.
What food is Hyderabad famous for besides biryani?
Haleem, kebabs, lukhmi, Irani chai, Osmania biscuits, pathar ka gosht, double ka meetha and qubani ka meetha are some of the well-known foods associated with Hyderabad.
What should I eat in Hyderabad for the first time?
If it is your first visit, you can start with Hyderabadi biryani, followed by kebabs or lukhmi, Irani chai with Osmania biscuits and a traditional dessert such as double ka meetha.
What is a famous Hyderabad dessert?
Double ka meetha and qubani ka meetha are two well-known traditional Hyderabadi desserts.
Where can I experience traditional Hyderabad food?
The Old City and areas around Charminar are particularly associated with traditional Hyderabad food. Well-known establishments and food streets in these areas offer dishes such as biryani, kebabs, haleem, Irani chai and traditional sweets.
Final Thoughts
Hyderabad is a dream destination for anyone who enjoys food. Whether you are craving a plate of spicy biryani, a bowl of haleem, crispy lukhmi, smoky kebabs or a simple glass of Irani chai, there is always something new to try.
So the next time someone asks “What is the famous food in Hyderabad?”, don't give them just one answer. Hyderabad's food story is much bigger than biryani.
Which Hyderabad food is your favourite? Tell us in the comments.
