Lakdi Ka Pul Guide: All Things Food, Shopping & Must-Visit Places

OG Hyderabadi's will remember Hotel Indu Deluxe as a humble restaurant with basic amenities and delicious, budget-friendly food. Well, it got a big, glam makeover! With contemporary interiors, wooden furniture, wall accents, and warm lighting, this is now a swanky place in the hustle and bustle of Lakdikapul, Hyderabad. It's still visited by MLAs who come here to have their meals during their breaks from assembly sessions. Even today, the restaurant is known for its Telugu home-style thalis. Their mutton fry among other meat-based dishes is legendary. Don’t miss their thick-set home-style curds to finish off your meals. 

Google Rating: 3.8/5

Timings: 11:30 AM to 12 PM, Tuesday Closed

Price For Two: INR 1,500

Must Try: South Indian Thali and Royal Thali 

Social handle: @indudeluxe

One of the first branches of the iconic Niloufer Cafe, the one in Lakdikapul has staff that has been serving hot cuppas and kadak Irani chai, fresh Osmania biscuits and melt-in-mouth Bun Maskas for more than 30 years. Now, we won't say that it's not always crowded but it's a big space with two floors of seating. Comfy seating, lively ambience, and the irresistible aroma of chai patti create a vibe that's perfect for unwinding. 

Google Rating: 4.4/5

Timings: 5 AM to 12 AM 

Price For Two: INR 500

Must Try: Irani Chai, Samosa, and Bun Maska

Social handle: @cafeniloufer

Pro Tip: Know more here. 

Kamat Hotel is the first restaurant that comes to people’s minds when they think of Lakdikapul. Their menu offers a host of South Indian breakfast and snack options, along with full meals. They have recently improved their interiors and made it much more plushy and comfortable. With consistent quality and service maintained over the years, Kamat Hotel continues to be a reliable go-to eatery for Hyderabadis. 

Google Rating: 4.2/5

Timings: 7:30 AM to 10:30 PM

Price For Two: INR 800

Must Try: Veg Manchurian, Sambar Idly, Alu Paneer, and Butter Naan

Tiffin spots are not alien to Lakdikapul, Hyderabad. After all, this area used to be a prime commercial and business area back in the day. So if you're thinking idlis, dosas, and upma, head to Poorna Hotel. People also love them for their curries, and lip-smacking pesarattu and it's hot and fresh off the fire. Ambience-wise, it captures a basic udipi hotel set up. 

Google Rating: 4.3/5

Timings: 7 AM to 4 PM

Price For Two: INR 150

Must Try: Masala Dosa, Onion Dosa, Pesarattu

A quick ride to Masab Tank will get you super refreshing Irani chai and freshly baked biscuits at this hidden, yet must-try Irani cafe. Taiba Cafe is frequented by proper Hyderabadis who drink chai as their elixir of life. That says a lot about this spot, eh? You'll also find your usual quick bites here like pizzas, buns, sandwiches, and bakery biscuits. 

Google Rating: 4.2/5

Timings: 6:30 AM to 11 PM

Price For Two: INR 400

Must Try: Veg Burger, Chicken Burger, Irani Chai, and Dil Khush

Cuiscent Restaurant is a good family restaurant in the area that offers a diverse selection. From regional dishes, North Indian, South Indian, Chinese, Pan Asian, and Italian hits like pastas and pizzas, there's nothing that this oldy but goody restaurant doesn't have. Find a cosy spot, maybe next to the murals that make for a good photo op or on the large seats that accommodate big foodie groups, and trust the waiters to bring you their specials. The bill won't break your bank. 

Google Rating: 4/5

Timings: 7:30 AM to 11 PM

Price For Two: INR 1,000

Must Try: Korean Fried Chicken, Gongura Fish Tikka, Panner Tikka Masala and Moti aur Phool

Non-vegetarians, this is a must-visit place for Hyderabadi mutton and chicken dishes. Peshawar Restaurant is a landmark on its own in this area and it has stood the test of time, even as many fancy restaurants closed up. With no-fluff interiors and ambiance that doesn't distract you from the fact that this is a food place first, the smell of masalas will have you addicted. Coming to food, they have North Indian, Mughlai, and Hyderabadi cuisine with iconic dishes like Khichdi Khatta Kheema, Mutton Tahari, Peshawari Rogan Ghosh, and Mutton Chapli Kabab. 

Google Rating: 3.9/5

Timings: 12 PM to 12 AM

Price For Two: INR 1,000

Must Try: Tandoori Chicken, Mutton Tahari, Peshawari Rogan Ghost and Mutton Chapli Kabab

Social handle: @peshawarhyd

Pro Tip: It's a very popular restaurant, for all these reasons. 

Now something for our vegetarian folks. Dwaraka Restaurant is a classic for affordable and delicious vegetarian meals and they have them all: Biryani, Noodles, Naan, Manchurian, and Kebabs. You can go here with your family, sit in a comfortable no-nonsense ambience, and enjoy all your comfort foods. Our picks are the thalis here because you get a taste of everything. End your meal with juice and classic ice creams like chocolate and butterscotch.

Google Rating: 4/5

Timings: 7:30 AM to 10:30 PM

Price For Two: INR 800

Must Try: Veg Pulao, Gobi Manchuria, Masala Dosa, Veg Biryani 

If Peshawar is crowded, don't lose hope and head to Shah Ghouse's Lakdikapul branch. You'll find the haleems, kebabs, and biryanis you were looking for, and the taste is excellent. They have more Lebanese options as well like Kabsa Laham and Laham Raan, and desserts to extinguish the spice like Ummalis and Soufflés. 

Google Rating: 4

Timings: 9 AM to 12 PM

Price For Two: INR 600

Must Try: Haleem, Chicken 65, Mutton Biryani

Social handle: @shahghouseofficial

LBB Pro-tip: Here's our review for Shah Ghouse. 

Nuclear fission, illusion, magnetism, gravitational pull — all may be boring topics to study in a classroom, but not at Birla Science Museum! This place is a must-visit if you’d like to witness science in action. The several real-life models and games applying concepts of physics and optical illusion will leave you pleasantly surprised and amused. 

The Birla Planetarium is a dedicated centre to promote scientific temperament among students and young learners. For the past twenty-nine years, the Planetarium has produced cosmic sky shows on different themes. You can expect to learn about the solar system, black holes, and other universal phenomena through these short, thirty-minute-long shows. 

Google Rating: 4.2

Timings: 10 AM to 9 PM 

Ticket Price: INR 325 for Planetarium, Art Museum and Science Museum

Nearest Metro: Lakdikapul Metro Station

LBB Pro-tip: Here's more deets about all the shows

Ravindra Bharathi is a 60-year-old iconic cultural centre that has hosted folk shows, classical dance shows, art exhibits, literary seminars, book launches, film festivals, and world cinema screenings over the decades. With dedicated spaces to host events related to theater, books, film, dance, arts, and music, what remains unique about Ravindra Bharathi is its commitment to safeguarding various cultures of the world.

The iconic grounds have hosted several poets, artists, dancers, singers, and authors of the world. On a typical day, you can expect to enjoy anything from traditional dance shows to international film screenings. There’s never a dull day at Ravindra Bharathi. We recommend checking out their weekly schedule before you pay a visit. 

Google Rating: 4.3

Timings: 10 AM to 8 PM 

Contact: 040 2321 2832

Ticket Price: Subjective to the show

Nearest Metro: Lakdikapul Metro Station

Inaugurated in 1976, the Birla Mandir is built on the Naubat Pahad, offering a stunning view of the city, especially the Hussain Sagar lake. It is said that the Hindu temple was built over ten years, and is made entirely of white marble stone from Rajasthan. Birla Mandir is also meant to serve as a meditation annex, also why you won’t find any temple bells here, ensuring a peaceful time for visitors. 

Head here for a moment of peace amid the hustle and bustle of the city. Visit during sunset for a gorgeous view of Hyderabad. You can also shop for little knick-knacks like bangles and flowers from local vendors on your way to the temple. 

Google Rating: 4.7

Timings: 7 AM to 9 PM

Entry Fee: Free

Nearest Metro: Lakdikapul Metro Station

Public Gardens is one of the oldest parks in Hyderabad and it's quite big. It has a small pond where you can sit down with a book or walk around amidst thick trees, pretty landscaped shrubs, and flowers with music in your ears to mum the world. It is frequented by families and children and occasional film crews on low-key days. In the evenings on weekends, you'll find people jogging, skipping, and brisk walking. 

Google Rating: 4.2

Timings: 9 AM to 12 PM, 2 PM to 6 PM, Fridays closed 

Contact: 09849563963

Ticket Price: INR 20 for adults, INR 10 for children

Nearest Metro: Lakdikapul Metro Station

LBB Tip: Kindly note that Public Gardens is adjacent to an important political center, so you should expect road closures and diversions while reaching. 

Are you a book collector or an avid reader? This is a great spot to grab old classics and modern hits at great prices. Fiction, non-fiction, and all your favorite genres can be spotted here for you to make the library of your dreams. Once you go here, the book market in Lakdikapul, Hyderabad, could be your next favourite destination! 

Timings: 8 AM to 6 PM

Landmark: BSNL Office

Before Cyberabad, Gachibowli, Madhapur, and Jubilee Hills, Lakdikapul was a commercial market and one of the shops lining up the streets were khadi stores. Many old shops still stand tall and one of them is Chandram Khadi Emporium, especially known for its good quality fabrics. They stock handloom khadi, linen, and silk fabrics in-store alongside ready-made options. They also offer custom tailoring. Go here for occasional wear gain demand during Hyderabad summers. 

Google Rating: 4.2

Timings: 10:30 AM to 9 PM

Landmark: Hotel Rajdoot

After khadi, comes handloom stores and Sri Dwaraka Cloth Stores is one of the most popular ones in the area. Snag some beautiful Handloom Sarees, trendy embroidered sarees, kurtis, fabrics, and dupattas at both wholesale and retail prices here. You can request custom tailoring and if they're all booked, they'll slide in contacts of some amazing tailors to get your fit. 

Google Rating: 4/5

Timings: 11 AM to 9 PM

Landmark: Metro Pillar KHANP24 

Kurtas, Anarkali Suits, Western tops, jeans, and more: if you are looking for everyday clothes and festive wear at steal prices, check out Brands and Bazaar. The quality is good for the price you will be paying and the sizes are inclusive, with many plus-size options available. 

Google Rating: 3.9/5

Timings: 9 AM to 11 PM

Landmark: Dwaraka Hotel