24 Hours in Hyderabad — Food Edition (One-day tasting route)

Hyderabad is a city you don’t just visit — you eat through it. If you’ve only got one day and a good appetite, here’s a simple, delicious plan that takes you from morning chai to late-night sheermal, with tried-and-true places to try each dish. 

Irani chai + Osmania biscuit

Morning — wake up, smell the spices

Start light and soulful. These morning dishes and cafés are Hyderabad classics.

• Nihari + Kulcha — a slow-cooked beef nihari with soft kulcha from Cafe Yousufia. Comfort food for early risers.
  Tip: Best around 7–9 AM. Order small if you plan to keep tasting through the day. (~₹120–₹200)

• Paya soup — the collagen-rich trotters soup at Shah Ghouse. A breakfast staple for many Hyderabadis.
  Tip: It’s soothing and filling — a spoonful will last you a busy morning. (~₹100–₹160)

• Lukhmi — the flaky minced-meat pastry from Sahib's Barbeque by Ohri's. Bite-sized and addictive.
  Tip: Have a couple with green chutney. (~₹80–₹140)

• Irani chai + Osmania biscuit — a Hyderabadi ritual at Nimrah Cafe & Bakery. Strong, milky tea and crumbly biscuits — perfect with people-watching.
  Tip: If you’re near Charminar, make time for this. (~₹30–₹80)

Paya soup

Haleem

Lunch — the heavy hitters

Lunch is the city’s specialty hour. Pick one (or mix if you’re sharing).

• Hyderabadi Dum Biryani — the layered, saffron-scented biryani from Bawarchi (RTC X Roads) is a must-try.
  Tip: Ask for extra mirchi-ka-salan or raita. Order 1 full for two if you want to taste more dishes. (~₹220–₹350 per plate)

• Haleem — slow-cooked, rich and silky; try it at Pista House. Iconic during Ramadan, but great year-round.
  Tip: It’s very filling — pair with a light salad. (~₹120–₹220)

• Mirchi ka Salan — the spicy, nutty curry for chillies; get it with biryani at Meridian Restaurant.
  Tip: Mirchi ka Salan balances biryani beautifully.

• Pathar ka Gosht — seared, stone-cooked mutton from Al - Rahaman. Deep flavours, good for meat lovers.
  Tip: Order with sheermal or roomali roti. (~₹250–₹400)

Hyderabadi Dum Biryani

Evening — small plates and spicy snacks

Evening is when Hyderabad’s kebab culture comes alive.

• Boti Kebab — smoky marinated pieces at Khalid Cafe. Great starter or shareable plate. (~₹180–₹300)

• Chicken 65 — the crispy, spicy favourite from Rumaan Restaurant.
  Tip: Order with lime and onions for a crunchy bite.

• Hyderabadi Marag — a light meat stew (good if you want something soupy) from Paradise Biryani.
  Tip: Maraq is great with naan or rice.

• Guntur Idli — South-Indian comfort with a punch from Guntur Karam Idli. If you want a break from meat, this one’s a tasty alternative. (~₹60–₹120)

Chicken 65

Hyderabadi Marag

Dessert — finish on a sweet note

Hyderabad’s desserts are rich, nutty and often syrupy — perfect to close the day.

• Double ka Meetha — bread pudding with dry fruits at Shah Ghouse.
  Tip: Shareable and decadent.

• Qubani ka Meetha — slow-cooked apricot compote topped with nuts from Hotel Shadab. A regional speciality—light and aromatic. (~₹100–₹180)

• Phirni — creamy rice pudding at Meethe Miyan. Silky with cardamom and pistachios. (~₹60–₹150)

• Sheermal — sweet, saffron-flavoured flatbread from Shan E Delhi (Mallepally). Often eaten with kebabs or as dessert.
  Tip: If you’ve had Pathar ka Gosht, try sheermal alongside it.

Double ka Meetha

A suggested timeline (easy pace)

• 7:00–8:30 AM — Irani chai + Osmania biscuit / Paya.

• 9:00–11:00 AM — Lukhmi / Nihari if you’re still hungry.

• 1:00–3:00 PM — Dum biryani or Haleem for lunch.

• 5:30–8:00 PM — Kebabs, Chicken 65, maraq or idli (street-style or restaurant).

• 8:30–10:00 PM — Desserts: double ka meetha, qubani ka meetha, phirni & sheerm

Budget & ordering tips

• Rough per-person budget: ₹500–₹1,200 depending on whether you choose biryani/meal combos or stick to snacks and desserts.

• Many places are comfortable with single-plate portions, but biryani or haleem are filling — share if you want variety.

• Ask for “less spicy” if you’re not used to Hyderabadi heat, but do try a little — that’s where the flavour is.

• If you’re travelling around the old city (Charminar, Mallepally), plan for traffic and parking time. Use local food delivery for late-night cravings.

Local etiquette & safety

• Hyderabadi food is often communal and meant to be shared — don’t be shy to order a couple of dishes and taste around.

• Keep cash handy for smaller cafes; most restaurants accept cards but small stalls may not.

• If you have dietary restrictions (pork, beef), ask staff — menus are friendly and most places will suggest alternatives.