Eat the city: Hyderabad

The fragrant swirl of spices from a biryani waft from a simmering pot., the slow sizzle of kebabs cooking over charcoal, and the buttery richness of haleem being ladled onto plates. Hyderabad’s food scene is as bold and unapologetically flavourful as the city itself. From the grandeur of Mogul-inspired dishes to the soulful warmth of Telugu flavours, this Hyderabad dining guide will help you savour every spicy, smoky and sweet bite.

Roast CCx

A confluence of coffee, culture and cuisine, Roast CCx has transformed Hyderabad’s coffee shop scene. Spanning an impressive 60,000 square feet with seating for over 400 guests, a communal table anchors the venue, flanked by a cosy library, display counter brimming with fresh confections and an industrial-sized coffee roasting machine. Along with an extensive selection of speciality coffees is an eclectic food menu that balances staples like mirapakaya kodi and reimagined chaats with global flavours like udon noodle bowls.

Terrai – Neo-Telangana Kitchen & Bar

Telangana’s food, long overshadowed by Andhra’s, finally stands apart following its 2014 statehood, which has empowered the state to embrace its identity with flair. At Terrai , this spice-rich moreish cuisine is modernised through a neo-Telangana lens. Millets form the backbone of the menu, complemented by local meats and seasonal produce. Highlights include the umami-packed country chicken soup, a tangy street-style bhel, and the naati chicken curry, which pairs perfectly with lacy neer dosa. Showcasing fresh, organic ingredients from local farmers, Terrai has set out to transform this region’s bounty into an essence that’s as progressive as it is authentic. 

Manam Café

Enter Manam and find yourself immersed in the journey of India’s first craft chocolate brand. The earthy charm of 150-year-old columns, terracotta tiles and cool hand-crafted stone floors pairs seamlessly with a menu rooted in local ingenuity. Plates like Gongura spaghetti and kheema bunny chow speak to their ethos of creative cooking, while a playful superfood salad with cacao nib dressing cleverly repurposes byproducts from the adjacent cacao roastery. The unapologetically decadent caramelised white chocolate mocha is a must-try.

Bar Kin-Rü

Tucked away in Hyderabad's Jubilee Hills, Kin-Ru (located inside restaurant Ru ) fuses nature and design in an intimate bar that blends Indian and Japanese influences. Inspired by the Japanese art of kintsugi, this restaurant celebrates imperfection and transformation. Enjoy an omakase-style service and iterations of classic cocktails that balance local ingredients and global flavours. A favourite is the Gongura, which infuses local pickle juice with silver tequila for a refreshing tangy twist.

Broadway Brewery

Located in the heart of Jubilee Hills, an upscale area in Hyderabad, Broadway has quickly become a go-to spot for good vibes, With its rustic interiors featuring wooden beams and stacked firewood, Broadway offers a large but intimate setting. It’s complete with a long bar and amphitheatre-style seating, which sets the stage for socialising and savouring the finest brews. Many of the beers are seasonal, and each boasts a unique profile that pairs perfectly with their bar bites. Try the smooth King Killer Pilsner with creamy Malai broccoli, or pair zesty Nomad, a Belgian Witbier, with chole bhature bombs.

Jewel of Nizam - The Minar

Seeking a truly royal dining experience? This is the spot. Steeped in the majestic traditions of the Nizams, Jewel of Nizam - The Minar immerses you into a culture defined by tehzeeb (manners) and nazaakat (refinement). Once among the world’s wealthiest dynasties, the Nizams blended together Awadhi, Persian, and local Telugu flavours to create Nizami cuisine. Much like the dynasty’s 50 custom Rolls-Royce cars, each meal is a display of extravagance, offering the finest kebabs, biryanis and desserts. Don’t miss their house special subz kandhari, batter-fried vegetables simmered in a luscious cashew gravy.

Rayalaseema Ruchulu

Is any trip to India complete without indulging in a thali? For over 20 years, Rayalaseema Ruchulu has stood as a champion of home-style Telugu cuisine. Founded in 2003 by Uttam Reddy, the restaurant originated from his desire to bring his grandmother’s kitchen stories to life. Now with four locations across the city, it remains a cornerstone of authentic Andhra, Rayalaseema and Telangana cuisine. Popular dishes like paya soup and Gongura mamsam bring stories of family to life. Meanwhile the thali, offered in vegetarian, non-vegetarian and seafood versions, stands out as a meal that brings heritage right to your tastebuds.

Shadab in Old City

Hyderabad is considered the biryani capital of India. If you’re looking for the real deal, head to Shadab, an institution in Hyderabadi cuisine. Shadab has been serving authentic biryani, haleem, kebabs and curries in their most traditional forms for decades. Whether you opt for the mutton or chicken biryani, both are served with a generous helping of cooling raita and mirchi-ka-salan, a tangy chili accompaniment that’s as integral to the dish as the biryani itself. Though no visit is complete without indulging in their iconic haleem – rich, creamy and slow cooked to perfection.