Top 10 Street Foods of Hyderabad

Hyderabad is not only famous for its rich history and grand monuments but also for its irresistible street food culture. From spicy kebabs and tangy chaats to melt-in-your-mouth sweets, the city’s vibrant lanes are a paradise for food lovers. The best street food in Hyderabad blends Mughlai, Persian, and South Indian flavours, creating dishes that are both unique and unforgettable. Exploring the street food of Hyderabad is a sensory journey filled with tempting aromas, sizzling pans, and bold flavours that capture the city’s true essence. 

What’s inside this blog:

• Top 10 Street Foods of Hyderabad
• Best Time to Visit Hyderabad
• How to Reach Hyderabad
• Where to Stay 

10 Hyderabadi must-try delights you shouldn’t miss

1. Hyderabadi Biryani
2. Hyderabadi Haleem
3. Mirchi ka Salan
4. Boti Kebab
5. Mirchi Bajji
6. Lukhmi
7. Nihari
8. Phirni
9. Hyderabadi Chicken 65
10. Iranian Chai

Hyderabadi Biryani 

Hyderabadi Biryani is the crown jewel of the city’s culinary scene and one of the most famous street foods in Hyderabad. Cooked with fragrant basmati rice, succulent marinated meat, and a blend of aromatic spices, it’s traditionally slow-cooked in a sealed handi to lock in all the flavours. Whether served on bustling streets or in renowned eateries, this iconic dish captures the essence of Hyderabad’s rich food heritage and leaves every food lover craving more. A plate of this biryani is not just a meal, but an experience to savour.

Best served with: Cooling raita, spicy mirchi ka salan, and a slice of tangy lemon for added zest. The creamy raita balances the spices, while mirchi ka salan adds a rich, nutty heat. Together, they elevate the biryani into a perfectly rounded, flavour-packed meal.

Hyderabadi Haleem

Hyderabadi Haleem is a rich, slow-cooked delicacy and one of the best roadside foods in Hyderabad, especially popular during the month of Ramadan. Made with wheat, lentils, meat, ghee, and a fragrant mix of spices, it is simmered for hours to achieve a smooth, creamy texture. This hearty dish is a favourite among locals and visitors alike, offering warmth, flavour, and energy in every spoonful. Served hot on bustling streets, it perfectly captures the soul of Hyderabad’s Street food culture.

Best served with: A drizzle of ghee, a sprinkle of fried onions, fresh coriander, a squeeze of lime, and warm naan or paratha to soak up its rich, savoury goodness. These accompaniments enhance its aroma and make every bite irresistibly satisfying.

Mirchi ka Salan

Mirchi ka Salan is a flavour-packed curry that perfectly complements Hyderabadi biryani and is also enjoyed as part of the best street food in Hyderabad. Made with large green chillies simmered in a nutty, tangy gravy of sesame seeds, coconut, peanuts, and spices, it strikes a delightful balance of heat and flavour. This traditional dish showcases the city’s love for bold, aromatic gravies and is a must-try for those exploring the rich street food of Hyderabad.

Best served with: Steaming hot Hyderabadi biryani, plain basmati rice, or warm rotis to complement the tangy, nutty gravy. The rich, aromatic flavours pair beautifully with mild staples, creating a wholesome and satisfying meal.

Boti Kebab

Boti Kebab is a smoky, melt-in-the-mouth delicacy and one of the famous street foods in Hyderabad for meat lovers. Prepared from succulent chunks of mutton, it is marinated in a fragrant mix of spices and yoghurt to tenderise the meat and infuse it with flavour. The kebabs are then skewered and slow-cooked over charcoal, giving them a distinct smoky aroma. Served piping hot at bustling roadside stalls, each bite offers a juicy, spicy, and perfectly charred taste. For those exploring the city’s food scene, this kebab is a must-try for an authentic taste of Hyderabad’s culinary magic.

Best served with: Freshly sliced onions, lemon wedges, and mint chutney to add tang and freshness to every bite. The zesty accompaniments balance the smokiness of the kebab, making it even more irresistible.

Mirchi Bajji

Mirchi Bajji is a spicy, crispy snack and a popular choice among the best street foods in Hyderabad. Made by stuffing large green chillies with tangy, spiced fillings, dipping them in gram flour batter, and deep-frying until golden, these fritters are a true teatime favourite. Often served piping hot with chutney, they offer a perfect balance of heat and crunch. Found at roadside stalls across the city, Mirchi Bajji is a go-to snack for locals and visitors craving bold flavours.

Best served with: Tangy tamarind chutney or spicy green chutney to enhance its flavour. A cup of hot chai alongside makes it the perfect indulgent street snack experience. The contrasting tastes and textures make every bite memorable.

Lukhmi

Lukhmi is a crispy, savoury snack that holds a special place in the best street food in Hyderabad. This square-shaped pastry is a local variation of samosa, typically stuffed with a spicy minced meat filling, most often mutton keema. The dough is made from refined flour and rolled to perfection before being deep-fried to achieve a golden, flaky crust. Lukhmi is a popular appetiser at weddings, festivals, and street food stalls across the city. Its crisp outer layer contrasts beautifully with the juicy, well-seasoned filling inside. For anyone exploring the street food of Hyderabad, Lukhmi is an unmissable treat that captures the city’s love for bold, meaty flavours.

Best served with: Fresh mint chutney or tangy tamarind chutney to balance the richness of the filling. Pairing it with a hot cup of chai makes it even more comforting and satisfying. The combination creates a delightful blend of spice, tang, and warmth.

Nihari

Nihari is a slow-cooked meat stew that stands out as one of the most flavourful offerings in the street food of Hyderabad. Traditionally made with tender mutton or beef shanks simmered overnight with aromatic spices, it results in a rich, hearty gravy that melts in the mouth. This dish is especially popular as a breakfast delicacy, served steaming hot in the early hours at local eateries and roadside stalls. Its deep, spiced flavour and silky texture make it a comforting choice for meat lovers. Nihari not only satisfies the appetite but also reflects the city’s Mughlai culinary heritage.

Best served with: Soft khamiri roti or naan to soak up the rich, spiced gravy. A side of fresh lemon wedges and sliced onions adds a refreshing contrast to its hearty flavours. Together, they create a wholesome and deeply satisfying meal.

Phirni

Phirni is a creamy, aromatic dessert that’s a beloved part of the street food of Hyderabad, especially during festive seasons. Made from ground rice, milk, and sugar, it is slow-cooked until thick and flavoured with cardamom, saffron, or rose water. Traditionally served in small clay pots, phirni has a unique earthy aroma that enhances its delicate sweetness. This chilled dessert offers a refreshing end to a hearty Hyderabadi meal. Loved by locals and visitors alike, it’s a must-try for anyone exploring the sweet side of the street food of Hyderabad.

Best served with: A sprinkle of chopped pistachios or almonds for added crunch and richness. Serving it chilled enhances its creamy texture and makes it even more indulgent. The nutty garnish also adds a beautiful visual appeal to the dessert.

Hyderabadi Chicken 65

Hyderabadi Chicken 65 is a fiery, flavour-packed appetiser that holds a special place in the best street food in Hyderabad. Made with bite-sized pieces of chicken marinated in a blend of spices, yoghurt, and curry leaves, it is deep-fried to crispy perfection. The dish is known for its vibrant red colour, tangy-spicy taste, and irresistible aroma. Often served at roadside stalls and casual eateries, it’s a favourite snack for those who love bold flavours. Hyderabadi Chicken 65 perfectly showcases the city’s knack for creating dishes that are both mouth-watering and unforgettable.

Best served with: Fresh onion rings, lemon wedges, and a side of mint chutney to balance the spice. A chilled soft drink or buttermilk pairs perfectly, refreshing the palate between bites. These accompaniments enhance the flavours and make the dish even more satisfying.

Iranian Chai

Iranian Chai is a soulful, aromatic beverage that has become an integral part of the street food of Hyderabad. Inspired by Persian tea traditions, this brew is made by slow-cooking tea leaves with milk, sugar, and sometimes a hint of spices, resulting in a rich, creamy flavour. Served in small glasses at bustling Irani cafés and roadside tea stalls, it is more than just a drink; it’s a symbol of Hyderabad’s laid-back charm and cultural fusion. Loved by locals for morning rituals or evening breaks, Iranian Chai is a must-try for tea enthusiasts exploring the city.

Best served with: Osmania biscuits or puff pastries for a classic Hyderabadi tea-time combo. The mild sweetness of the snack pairs perfectly with the rich, creamy flavour of the chai. This pairing offers a comforting experience that captures the essence of Hyderabad’s café culture.

Best Time to Visit Hyderabad:

The best time to visit Hyderabad is from October to February, when the weather is cool and pleasant for outdoor exploration. These months are ideal for enjoying Hyderabad sightseeing and experiencing the city’s vibrant festivals without the discomfort of summer heat or heavy monsoon rains.

How to reach Hyderabad:

• By Air: The Rajiv Gandhi International Airport connects Hyderabad to major domestic and international cities with frequent flights from leading airlines.
• By Train: Secunderabad, Hyderabad, and Kacheguda railway stations offer excellent connectivity to key destinations across India via express and superfast trains.
• By Road: Hyderabad is well-connected through national highways and has regular state-run and private bus services from neighbouring states and major nearby cities.

Where to stay:

If you are visiting Hyderabad, consider extending your trip to explore the scenic beauty of Andhra Pradesh. Just about 370 km from Hyderabad, the serene town of Dindi offers a peaceful riverside escape. You can stay at Dindi RVR, a Club Mahindra Associate Resort on the Godavari, which is perfect for relaxing amidst lush coconut groves and enjoying backwater views. The resort in Andhra Pradesh offers comfortable accommodations, local cuisine, and activities such as boat rides, making it an ideal getaway after your sightseeing in Hyderabad.

Club Mahindra Membership gives you access to over 140+ Club Mahindra resorts across India and abroad, covering beaches, mountains, forests, and heritage destinations. Members enjoy easy holiday booking through the Club Mahindra app and website. The membership offers spacious, well-equipped stays along with curated in-resort activities for all age groups. It’s designed to make vacations convenient, memorable, and great value for families year after year.

From savoury snacks and aromatic curries to rich desserts and comforting beverages, the city’s food scene is a celebration of flavour, tradition, and culture. Every bite tells a story, blending influences from Mughlai, Persian, and South Indian cuisines into creations that are both unique and unforgettable. Sampling the street food of Hyderabad is not just about satisfying hunger; it’s an experience that connects you to the city’s vibrant spirit and warm hospitality. For anyone planning a food trail, exploring the best street food in Hyderabad is an essential part of truly enjoying Hyderabad’s culinary charm.