By Pamela Nandi | Apr 01, 2025

The Hyderabadi cuisine is an amalgamation of South Asian, Mughalai, Turkic, and Arabic along with the influence of local Telangana and Marathwada cuisines.

Landed at some of the famous eateries on a weekend afternoon during my business trip to the city.

PISTA HOUSE

Take the name of Pista House and its always their signature Haleem that pops up in our mind. Unfortunately, it’s my bad luck that I couldn’t make it. Checked-in to Pista House Gachibowli and based on their recommendation, tried these items.

Special Mutton Biryani – The traditional Hyderabadi ‘dum style’ Mutton Biryani. This regal dish does not need any introduction, straight from the kitchens of Nizam. The taste of the spicy succulent pieces of mutton with a little tanginess on its side and the rice doused with fragrant spices is just divine.

Mutton Seekh Kebab – The touch of aromatic spices and herbs smothered with the minced meat is very pleasant and done with perfection, however, it lacks a little bit of moistness in the meat. Otherwise, the taste is fantastic.

SHAH GHOUSE

No doubt this is another bustling place and heard to get a table for SOLO dining. However, after waiting for a while one of the service staffs managed to get a four-seater table and recommended a couple of signature dishes.Though the place is well known for its Biryani, however, due to its huge portions I missed relishing this dish.

Recommendations were –

Arabian Litchi Shake – To cool off, this fruity thick shake tastes great.

Arabian Kebab – 4 pieces of large chicken thigh leg pieces smeared in secret spices which imparts Middle Eastern influence. The juiciness, melange of spices, meat falling off from the bones is incredibly delicious.

Shah Ghouse Special Mutton Curry – Excellent flavours with boneless pieces of mutton doused in a rich creamy gravy studded with a mix of dry fruits and mutton keema leaving a sweet tinge to the buds coming from dry fruits. Tried with soft naan and rumali roti.

SHERATON HOTEL

In-room dining to satiate my Midnight Cravings

Chicken Dum Biryani – The traditional Hyderabadi ‘dum style’ Chicken Biryani. The bold and beautiful cacophony of flavours from its rich spices, spicy succulent pieces of chicken and the aromatic long rice cooked in dum (slow) style does not need any introduction, straight from the kitchens of Nizam. The fragrance of spices, pure ghee and saffron, infused with the chicken and rice is always a delight to eat.

Khubani ka Meetha – The Urdu term ‘Khubani’ means ‘dried apricot’ and ‘Meetha’ means sweet. An authentic, rich and royal Hyderabadi delicacy made with dried apricots doused in thick sugary syrup with its royal golden colour coming from saffron is served commonly at Hyderabadi weddings.

Cheers !!!