Meals or Biryani? Both are Fine Choices at Nagarjuna

Mutton Biryani, Veg Meal

Fresh Lime Soda, Buttermilk or Aerated Drinks

Dishing out one of the best Andhra biryanis and meals since the 80s.

The original Nagarjuna {the one on Residency Road} is housed at an old building that looks rather rickety on the outside. Trudge up the stairs and you’ll see a crowd of people, waiting around for their turn {these scenes are common if you drop by during weekends or during working lunch hours}. Started off in 1984 by N. Mohan Reddy, who came from Nellore and harboured a passion for food, Nagarjuna is a regular feature on food-related recommendation lists. And a meal here will prove just why.

There are two ways you start off your meal at Nagarjuna – order their biryani or sign up for their meals. It’s a hard choice, a few trips here and you’ll know that, but either way you won’t be disappointed. If you go with the first choice, a small mound of mutton biryani {we highly recommend the mutton version} comes in a small plate with a piece of lemon on top. The long biryani rice is subtly spiced and the flavours and the richness of the meat come through beautifully.

Then, there’s the meals – hot, hot helpings of ghee-sprinkled, steamed rice mixed in with paapu {dal cooked with greens}. Or with sambar, rasam or curd. Plus, endless helpings of vegetables, gongura chutney, and pickles. This is a well-executed meal for a happy tummy. Want more protein? Order up plates of their devilishly spicy Chilli Chicken {grab onto those tissues} or their Chicken Sholay Kebab, pieces of boneless chicken deep-fried in spices.

While the place has seen renovations, the ambience remains just a notch over basic. You can expect clean surroundings and cushioned seats when you visit.

will be newer restaurants that will attempt to replicate Nagarjuna’s fiery and never-failing menu. But few will pass the test, we reckon.

Where: 44/1, Residency Road; you can find other branches here. 

When: noon-3.30pm, 7pm-11pm

Price: INR 700 for two

Check out their website here.