42 replies to this topic

[arnab]

i was recently asked if i could help find restaurant recommendations in hyderabad for an american who will be there in a few weeks. i have put out requests to non-as friends from the city but thought i'd try the forum as well. if you're from hyderabad or know the city well from a food perspective where would you say are the best places to eat good hyderabadi food--both veg and non-veg? fancy places are not required. where are the good places to go for proper hyderabadi biryani? and for andhra veg food not easily available elsewhere in india?

[Sue Darlow]

arnab, on Sep 13 2006, 08:30 PM, said:

i was recently asked if i could help find restaurant recommendations in hyderabad for an american who will be there in a few weeks. i have put out requests to non-as friends from the city but thought i'd try the forum as well. if you're from hyderabad or know the city well from a food perspective where would you say are the best places to eat good hyderabadi food--both veg and non-veg? fancy places are not required. where are the good places to go for proper hyderabadi biryani? and for andhra veg food not easily available elsewhere in india?

I believe Paradise is a good place for Biryani, although when I was there this recent trip I happened to be recovering from mild 'flu and had no apetitie, so merely watched as everyone else tucked in!  

[arnab]

where is it located?

[Sue Darlow]

arnab, on Sep 13 2006, 09:21 PM, said:

where is it located?

Wait for this........




Paradise Circle!  


(I think it's on MG Road, it's quite an institution, so well known.)

By the way, it is actually in Secunderabad, not Hyderabad.

Here's a review

Edited by Sue Darlow, 14 September 2006 - 01:21 AM.

[sampige]

I remember the taste of the biryani in a place called bawarchi better than the paradise biryani. Was a few years ago,not sure if things have changed now. Chutney’s in banjara hills, has some good south Indian snacks served with really good chutneys. Found a review here

[Wildflower]

I'm going to be in Hyderabad some time later this year and I think I just found myself a "project" -- eating my way through this list of top 10 biryani places in Hyderabad.  The site doesn't provide a lot of details about the variations etc.

This Rayalaseema Ruchulu (the tastes of Rayalaseema) seems interesting.  Another review of the same place.

Arnab, do report back on what your non-AS friends say about other restaurants in Hyderabad, esp if they say anything about restaurants that specialize in things (instead of being one-stop-shop for tandoori+chinese+dosa+iguru etc etc etc).


[BTW, that steam dosa at Chutney's is really very good.  I think I and others posted on AS trying to figure out how they do it.]

[jenk]

arnab, on Sep 14 2006, 12:00 AM, said:

i was recently asked if i could help find restaurant recommendations in hyderabad for an american who will be there in a few weeks. i have put out requests to non-as friends from the city but thought i'd try the forum as well. if you're from hyderabad or know the city well from a food perspective where would you say are the best places to eat good hyderabadi food--both veg and non-veg? fancy places are not required. where are the good places to go for proper hyderabadi biryani? and for andhra veg food not easily available elsewhere in india?

a lot of good ideas on this local website which looks pretty comprehensive and uptodate

http://www.fullhyd.c...rants/home.html

Hyderabad is reported to be one of those food mad places so there ought to be really excellent eating there
here is a link to some rather aged reccs

http://www.chowhound...query=hyderabad

[arnab]

jenk, welcome to another subcontinent.

the full hyderabad site doesn't mention paradise. i don't know if this reflects on paradise or on their list.

chowhound is not a site i usually look to for recommendations in indian cities, and that link explains why: apart from paradise most of the other reccs seem to be for the same sheraton restaurant franchises that every major city now has. i remember palace heights from my hyderabad schooldays--unless they've changed drastically i seem to recall that the quality of the food was not necessarily their calling card.

in secunderabad i remember we used to go for dosas to the restaurant in the hotel basera (if i'm remembering the name correctly). anyone else have a memory of this place? does it still exist? we used to also go for biryani etc. to some fairly shady places near the secunderabad railway station.

[Wildflower]

arnab, on Sep 13 2006, 02:29 PM, said:

the full hyderabad site doesn't mention paradise. i don't know if this reflects on paradise or on their list.

The top 10 list (also from fullhyd) I posted does include Paradise.

Quote

we used to also go for biryani etc. to some fairly shady places near the secunderabad railway station.

The top 10 list I posted has this quote "Alpha: The Secunderabad station advantage is what keeps Alpha going. Ask any old timer, the gripe is the same: "The quality of biryani has deteriorated over the years." Real dry and slightly spiced, the aroma itself is enough to tickle the taste buds. "

Is this the one?

[arnab]

Wildflower, on Sep 13 2006, 03:47 PM, said:

arnab, on Sep 13 2006, 02:29 PM, said:

the full hyderabad site doesn't mention paradise. i don't know if this reflects on paradise or on their list.

The top 10 list (also from fullhyd) I posted does include Paradise.

right, right. my apologies to the good people of fullhyd.

Wildflower, on Sep 13 2006, 03:47 PM, said:

arnab, on Sep 13 2006, 02:29 PM, said:

we used to also go for biryani etc. to some fairly shady places near the secunderabad railway station.

The top 10 list I posted has this quote "Alpha: The Secunderabad station advantage is what keeps Alpha going. Ask any old timer, the gripe is the same: "The quality of biryani has deteriorated over the years." Real dry and slightly spiced, the aroma itself is enough to tickle the taste buds. "

Is this the one?

for some reason i remember a place called "alps". either my memory has deteriorated, or they were once called alps or there's two of them. i'm talking mid-late 80s.

for the life of me i can't remember the name of the south indian place in the basera. i do seem to remember another place in secunderabad called kamat for dosas etc.

[Wildflower]

arnab, on Sep 13 2006, 02:51 PM, said:

for some reason i remember a place called "alps". either my memory has deteriorated, or they were once called alps or there's two of them. i'm talking mid-late 80s.

Finally, reasons to look forward to Hyderabad.  

It must be Alpha and I dunno if you and your peers did this but there was a college tendency to abbreviate names and stick an "s" at the end - like Gulab Jamun become Gjams etc.  

Here is another khaaoo's comments on Alpha:

Quote

"when i went to hyderabad for the first time about 8 years back i tried the mutton biriyani at this joint just off the hyderabad station (the area is called nampally) .. i dont rember the name ... maybe alfa...it is a muslim run joint and the main courses are served on the first floor.. the ground floor area serves only tea and snacks .... the lighting is dim ... probably to mask the despicable level of hygiene ... but once the food arrives .. a massive quantity at that ... you forget about everthing else .... you are expected to eat with yer hands ..the waiters will give you strange looks if you ask for a spoon ...

just a couple of meters away from this place is a tea centre which has this huge cauldron of simmering paya soup .... there are glowing coal embers underneath it to keep it hot .... the paya soup is to be had with pau ... absolutely yummy."  from this site..

Now I want to know about this paya place.

[jenk]

arnab, on Sep 14 2006, 02:59 AM, said:

the full hyderabad site doesn't mention paradise. i don't know if this reflects on paradise or on their list.

Thanks for the welcome and see the attached interesting writeup on Paradise.  http://www.fullhyder... Persis Heights

Quote

chowhound is not a site i usually look to for recommendations in indian cities,

I agree - thats why I'm hanging around here, yet  there are some folks with experience and enthusiasm who show up from time to time.

[Swati]

Wildflower, on Sep 14 2006, 02:46 AM, said:

This Rayalaseema Ruchulu (the tastes of Rayalaseema) seems interesting.  Another review of the same place.


[BTW, that steam dosa at Chutney's is really very good.  I think I and others posted on AS trying to figure out how they do it.]

From the first Rayalseema Ruchulu review

Quote

The Jonna Rotte here is very good, and goes great with the Gutti Vankai, the Gongura Mamsam or the Naatu Kodi Iguru.

Gongura Mamsam   !! Sounds delicious, though I've never had it. But I love gongura, and mamsam too ( ), so I'm sure I'll love this one.

And the steam dosa is the one that's Chiranjeevi's recipe, no?

[arnab]

a bit like saying you'd like butter chicken because you like butter and chicken, no? i kid, i kid.

you can get a pretty good gongura maas at a restaurant called masala in new jersey (in iselin?).

[Wildflower]

Swati, on Sep 13 2006, 07:12 PM, said:

Gongura Mamsam   !! Sounds delicious, though I've never had it. But I love gongura, and mamsam too ( ), so I'm sure I'll love this one.

And the steam dosa is the one that's Chiranjeevi's recipe, no?

The tragedy of my visits to Andhra is that I get stuck with the fyoor vegetarian brahmin relative circuit and miss out on all the chapala pulusus and gongoora mamsams (not that I don't love all that fabulous home cooked Andhra vegetarian food).   I've never even tasted GM!

This time I am determined to carve out some serious biryani, paya, gongoora mamsam, this royya and that iguru time.   Oh, and I also need to wangle an invite to the Nizams Club cos apparently their nihari and biryani is very good, better than Shadab etc according to some.  How this is going to happen on a few week schedule where I also need my Delhi chat-samosa-alloo walley bhaturey-Karims-jaleybiwallah etc fix I dunno.

Steam dosa -- apparently it is the Chiranjeevi recipe but someone had to clue me in on who he is.

[shami]

its been years since i ate out in hyderabad, but i remember that paradise and garden cafe/rest near clock tower were favourites.
not sure that basera place is still there arnab. kamat (for idli, dosas) was still there 4 years ago.

there was an irani place near nalakunta that used to serve not-so-usual fare - paiya, brain curry and the like. cant remember the name of the place though... anyone?

[anil]

Wouldnt the TOI or Indian Express (HYD) editions have an archive of the restaurants in the city ? Just a thought ...

[arnab]

anil, on Sep 14 2006, 02:38 AM, said:

Wouldnt the TOI or Indian Express (HYD) editions have an archive of the restaurants in the city ? Just a thought ...

yes, but this would probably be about as trustworthy as the zagat.

[Swati]

arnab, on Sep 14 2006, 07:57 AM, said:

a bit like saying you'd like butter chicken because you like butter and chicken, no? i kid, i kid.

you can get a pretty good gongura maas at a restaurant called masala in new jersey (in iselin?).

Ah, but the catch is to like butter chicken you have to actually like cream and chicken. But come to think of it, I actually like many dishes way more than the original ingredients. I detest apples, and yet love apple strudel.

[arnab]

what i was ribbing you about was the apparent suggestion that you might like all examples of gongura maas just because you like gongura and meat.

i'm not a big fan of cream in meat dishes yet i love well-made butter chicken.

but back to topic: shami, is the whole hotel basera gone? or just the south indian veg restaurant in it? ah, the memories--it was one of the places we went to after yocs and k-circle meetings. (please, no one ask what yocs and k-cirle are.)

[Wildflower]

arnab, on Sep 14 2006, 10:50 AM, said:

but back to topic: shami, is the whole hotel basera gone? or just the south indian veg restaurant in it? ah, the memories--it was one of the places we went to after yocs and k-circle meetings. (please, no one ask what yocs and k-cirle are.)

Lord I'm glad you started this thread -- I'm desperately trying to develop some feeling for this city and I can't till I figure out where to eat what and what is where.  [Yes, I'm like that wonly]

So I don't even know what this Hotel Basera was like, but according to google there is no south indian veg restaurant in it.  However, a post on this site suggests that there is/was an Anand Tiffins across from Basera which specializes in dosas, idlis etc.  Could this be what you are thinking about?

[arnab]

Wildflower, on Sep 15 2006, 02:11 AM, said:

So I don't even know what this Hotel Basera was like, but according to google there is no south indian veg restaurant in it.  However, a post on this site suggests that there is/was an Anand Tiffins across from Basera which specializes in dosas, idlis etc.  Could this be what you are thinking about?

no, the basera had a south indian restaurant--very popular, with their 70 mm dosa.

[shami]

arnab, on Sep 14 2006, 01:50 PM, said:

but back to topic: shami, is the whole hotel basera gone? or just the south indian veg restaurant in it? ah, the memories--it was one of the places we went to after yocs and k-circle meetings. (please, no one ask what yocs and k-cirle are.)

i think the hotel is still there. the restaurant is either gone or its changed. i could be wrong though.

and just to be a pain... what is yocs and k-circle? :-)

[arnab]

shami, on Sep 15 2006, 07:15 PM, said:

and just to be a pain... what is yocs and k-circle? :-)

why don't you explain? you were a member of yocs long after i left for delhi.

[Kim]

Wildflower, on Sep 14 2006, 02:46 AM, said:

This Rayalaseema Ruchulu (the tastes of Rayalaseema) seems interesting.  Another review of the same place.

As the sole author on the second link, I'm chipping into this conversation  

Paradise does a good "special biryani" {mix of mutton & chicken} if u don't mind the oil. Its located just off the main road & any auto guy will take u there if u tell them.

Bawarchi's biryani is low on the masala. ITs more of a boiled rice mixed with coked chicken & this is not my type of biryani at all. Their quantity is solid tho.

My personal favorite in Hyderabad is "Hyderabad House" they have outlets all over the city & do a takeaway service & home delivery for a rs 30 charge. Their biryani is quite yummilicious & best eaten at the restaurant itself. If u r eating at hyderabad house, don't miss the shikampuri's. (I pack them & freeze them to bring back to Bombay when I visit hyderabad. ) The chicken roast is a slightly sweetish semi gravy item but worth trying. try the chicken 65 if u don't mind moderately spicy food.

Nayaab & Shadaab near the charminar do excellent biryani's. Ask for the AC section if u plan to eat at the restaurant. ITs slightly cleaner & people won't stare as much. They do some excellent spare parts too like brain, liver, kidneys, paya & tongue for the non-faint-hearted.

Abhiruchi near Nankind does a lovely biryani, low on oil. More of a pulao. But if u go to Abhiruchi to eat then definitely have their thali. Unlimited servings, the best ghee ever (I've lived in the cowbelt heartland too, but no better ghee than that served at Abhiruchi) If u want to turn the meal non vegetarian ask for a chicken roast or chicken liver masala as a side order.

Thats what i can remember off hand, will add more as i remember.

[Kim]

Oh yes,

The times food guide for Hyderabad is TERRIBLE. Absolutely useless compared to the Bombay & Delhi versions. The guy who writes it startes all reviews as "One of the best biryani's in hyderabad" or some similar statement. Its only good for having a ready reference to addresses & phone numbers.  

Other places I would recommend
Dhola Ri Dhani on the outskirts of the city does a wonderful Rajasthani thali & the service is wonderful. The setting is that of a rajasthani village & the service is absolutely amazing. Its a little distance to cover but worth the drive for sure. Wonderfully tasty rajasthani veg food served with oodles of butter & love.

Haveli in the Lifestyle building does a great hyderabadi buffet for lunch at reasonable rates (around 150-200 per person) Biryani is always on the menu. gongura mamsam is a high possibility.

Ten downing street in the same building is also worth a trip for lunch for their amazing shepherds pie. The rest of the food is good too. For lunch they have an offer of main course + soup/softdrink/beer + dessert.

Ramazan is coming up soon & haleem will be available all over the city. definitely try & shift travel dates to try & get a taste of Hyderabadi Haleem.

[lakme]

arnab, on Sep 14 2006, 09:45 AM, said:

anil, on Sep 14 2006, 02:38 AM, said:

Wouldnt the TOI or Indian Express (HYD) editions have an archive of the restaurants in the city ? Just a thought ...

yes, but this would probably be about as trustworthy as the zagat.

Actually, the Hindu does- and while this may not be completely foolproof, it does offer some well-written knowledgeable pieces.

[anil]

arnab, on Sep 14 2006, 12:45 PM, said:

anil, on Sep 14 2006, 02:38 AM, said:

Wouldnt the TOI or Indian Express (HYD) editions have an archive of the restaurants in the city ? Just a thought ...

yes, but this would probably be about as trustworthy as the zagat.

Because ZAGAT is about law of averages. I used to do reviews for Zagat in its early days so I should know  

[pnwradar]

Any updates to this?  I'm going to be in Hyderabad for a few weeks, and will likely have evenings on my own for foodie exploration.  Oh, and any good lunch places near the Microsoft campus, or should I stick to the cafeteria and save the adventures for suppertime?

-jon-

[Wildflower]

I would recommend:

1.  Steam dosas at Chutneys, Banjara Hills

2.  Biryani at Shadaab, Charminar Area.  Do not show up late in the day. I'm told it is at its best from 12pm - 2pm (which is when I went).

3.  Lots of good food at Dakshin, Kakatiya Sheraton, Begumpet


Shilparamam has a changing selection of food stalls. When I was visiting there were some that were serving excellent jowar roti with green tamarind pod chutney, assorted dals and subzis.  Also some stalls that were serving the simple food eaten by various Andhra tribal communities (bamboo seed "rice" with mahua flowers etc.) very very interesting.

Ed to add:  I should say that I very biased against all the "multi-cuisine" restaurants whose menus are a jumble of matar-paneer, chicken-tikka, avial, sambar, lemon rice, chicken manchurian, stir fried noodles etc etc.

Edited by Wildflower, 05 April 2007 - 02:11 AM.