Hyderabad is indeed known for its aromatic biryani. Hyderabad’s biryani is a popular and widely recognised dish in India and around the world. It is characterised by its rich flavours, fragrant aroma, and unique cooking style that sets it apart from other regional variations of biryani.
Hyderabadi biryani is traditionally made with basmati rice, meat (such as chicken, mutton, or fish), and a blend of various spices, including saffron, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and bay leaves. The dish is cooked in layers, with the rice and meat marinated separately before being layered together and cooked on a slow flame or in a sealed pot called a handi.
There are two prominent styles of biryani in Hyderabad: The Kacchi Biryani and the Pakki Biryani. In the Kacchi Biryani, the meat is marinated and then layered with partially cooked rice before being cooked together. In the Pakki Biryani, the meat and rice are cooked separately before being layered and cooked together. Both styles result in delicious and aromatic biryani.
Hyderabadi biryani is known for its balance of flavours and the perfect blend of spices. It is often garnished with fried onions, mint leaves, and sometimes with boiled eggs. The biryani is usually served with raita (a yoghurt-based side dish) or mirchi ka salan (a tangy curry made with chilli peppers) to complement the flavours.
There are some best places to eat biryani in Hyderabad:
Dum Pukht Begum
If you want to eat dum biryani in Hyderabad, you should go to Dum Pukht Begum. This opulent restaurant at ITC Kohenur delivers the best Dum Pukht biryani in town. Their dessert menu includes Hyderabad’s most popular and famous delicacy, Qubani Ka Meetha.
Grand Hotel
Grand Hotel is another well-known biryani place in Hyderabad; it provides authentic Hyderabadi biryani with a Mughlai twist. The meat, it is said, is so well prepared that it falls from the bone the moment you touch it. What’s even better? You can say goodbye to those late-night hunger pangs as well since they’re open until 2 a.m.
When visiting Hyderabad, trying the local biryani is a must for any food lover. The city is dotted with numerous restaurants and street food joints too that serve authentic Hyderabadi biryani, each with its unique twist and flavour.