Iconic Bites: A Newcomer's Guide To Hyderabad's Legendary Joints

Let's start with a gastronomical exploration at this cave-themed restaurant. Ohris Gufaa at Basheer Bagh is an OG in Hyderabad's food scene. The ambience literally mimics a gufaa with stoney walls, mashaals for lights and animal-printed cushions. What's the menu like? North Indian, Mughlai, Chinese, you name it! Our order? Lal Mirch Ka Paneer Tikka, Talwaar Kabab that literally comes stabbed to a talwaar, Smoked Palak Paneer, Turkministani Murg, Ohri's Butter Chicken with Aloo Kulcha and Garlic Naan. Now that's a big order, isn't it? Complete it with some Pista Gulab Jamoon and Aam Phirni. Did we forget drinks? No, we didn't! Go for their Ohri's 75 (a gin and white wine cocktail) and Wild Blossom (whiskey and red wine). It's a classic Ohris, one of the many different ones in the city, so the service is going to be impeccable. 

Price For Two: INR 3,000 approx. 

Get aboard nostalgia express because it's heading to the Exotica, not in Hi-tech City, but in Banjara Hills, where it all began! Rooftop seating, soothing fountains, green ambience and soft lighting with a candlelight dinner set up, this restaurant still makes for a great date night. It's known for it's amazing North Indian cuisine with strong, authentic flavours. You'll notice it yourself in their Achari Tangri Kebab, Paneer Tikka Peshawari, Malai Kofta, Paneer Makhni, Punjabi Teekhi Mirch and Murg Dum Biryani. It's going to be a spicy affair (unless you don't want it to be, tell that to the chef) so wash it down with Thai Mojito, a mean Negroni or a photo-worthy Coronarita. 

Price For Two: INR 2,500 without alcohol 

Think chicken biryani, think Cafe Bahar! For a millenial, this is a second-generation, cosy restaurant because it's a landmark since the boomer era. We're serious! The restaurant has been serving one of the best biryani's in the city and there's no competition in near sight. You wanna know just how popular it is? There are several rip offs in the city though they have no official branches. Coming to food, it's an all-in Hyderabadi non-vegetarian menu and the standard order for many regulars is chicken/mutton biryani (meat of your choice), Tandoori Chicken, Chicken Tikka Masala and Thums Up. If you can handle your spice, ask for double masala biryani, but remember, the portion size is huge for a normal order. Keep that in mind and change the quantity to family pack if you're going with a group.

Price For Two: INR 1,000 

Note: No good vegetarian options, strictly meat dishes, only. 

Running since 1957, Nanking is an old, vintage-looking restaurant for close-to-authentic Chinese food. It's not big on ambience and decor but makes up for it and more with it's menu. Go for their Special Cantonese Soup, Schezwan Chicken, Canton Chicken, and Soya Bean Prawns. Looking for vegetarian options? We recommend Chilli Mushroom and Schezwan Vegetables along with Vegetable Roll in Sweet and Sour Sauce.

Price For Two: INR 800

Note: They have a really tight parking situation. Prepare to park a little far and walk your way or just take a cab/auto.

An legendary restaurant for spicy Andhra cuisine, Spicy Venue is a befitting name to describe their menu. But first, vibe check! The place is quite spacious, with clean ambience, raw brick-style walls and huge tables. It's packed with foodies and servers running table to table so brace yourself for the rush hour feeling. They have both north Indian and south Indian options but focus on the regional dishes when you're here. We're talking about Natu Kodi Roast, Mamsam Keema, their signature thalis, MLA Potlam Biryani and Avakaya Mutton Biryani, all of which is served on a traditional banana leaf. Quench your thirst with majjiga (buttermilk) and finish with their popular dessert, Apricot Delight. 

Price For Two: INR 1,500

Native Hyderabadi's remember the City Center mall for two reasons – Bowling and Journey 1853. This is one of the oldest establishments with a royal train car theme decor. Ambient lighting, cushy seats and elaborate wall paper, it's all a feast to your eyes! Not just the decor, the menu also screams old-world charm. For starters, go for their Roti Pe Paneer Ki Boti, Chonk ki Tikki, Lord Mountbatten's Lobster, and Nasheela Jhinga. Once done, jump to their delicious main course with Vegetable Chop Masala, Mangal Pandey Ki Kasam (Punjabi style kabuli chana), Rajputana Lal Maas, Makhmali Murg Tikka Masala and Hari Mirch Ki Roti. End the meal with Lychee Ki Tehari and Gajar ka Halwa. But believe us, their selection is huge so you will definitely come back again for more.

Price For Two: INR 2,500 

Looking for Rajasthani cuisine? Ohri's Jiva in Begumpet has been serving some for more than a decade. It has a classic, can't-go-wrong ambience with warm lighting, comfortable seating and totally aromatic. Newsflash, it's an all vegetarian, buffet-first restaurant so here's what you can expect on a typical day – think and creamy soups, salad, desi starters, Rajasthani, North Indian and Chinese main course and desserts, of course. Go here for comfort food and quality family time but make sure to make reservations during the weekends as it runs packed. 

Price For Two: INR 1,500