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When it comes to Indian street food, each city offers its own unique medley of flavours, aromas, and traditions — but Hyderabad, the City of Pearls, serves up a street food scene that’s as rich as its cultural heritage. While the city is world-famous for its biryani, Hyderabad’s bustling lanes and food carts offer far more than just that royal dish. From sizzling kebabs to tangy chaats and decadent desserts, Hyderabad’s street food will leave your taste buds craving more.
Whether you’re a local foodie or a curious traveler, this guide to the must-try street foods in Hyderabad will take you on a flavour-packed journey through the city’s most iconic street eats.
1. Hyderabadi Biryani (Yes, Even on the Streets!)
Let’s start with the obvious: Hyderabadi Biryani. Though typically served in restaurants, you’ll find plenty of biryani vendors dishing out generous portions at roadside stalls, especially in areas like Charminar and Mehdipatnam. Cooked with fragrant basmati rice, marinated meat, saffron, and a blend of aromatic spices, this dish is slow-cooked in a dum (sealed pot) to perfection.
Where to try: Bawarchi (RTC X Roads), Paradise takeaway stalls, and roadside carts near Charminar.
2. Keema Samosa
A twist on the classic vegetarian samosa, Hyderabad’s keema samosa is a spicy, meaty delight. These crisp, deep-fried triangles are stuffed with minced meat (usually mutton or chicken), onion, and spices, making them the perfect monsoon snack or quick bite.
Where to try: Swathi Tiffins in Ameerpet and old city lanes near Charminar.
3. Irani Chai & Osmania Biscuits
No street food tour of Hyderabad is complete without Irani Chai, a thick, milky, sweet tea served in small glasses. Pair it with Osmania biscuits, subtly sweet and slightly salty cookies that melt in your mouth — a combination beloved by locals for decades.
Where to try: Nimrah Café (Charminar), Café Niloufer (Lakdikapul), and Paradise Bakery.
4. Chicken Shawarma
Hyderabad’s food scene is heavily influenced by Middle Eastern and Persian flavors, and chicken shawarma is a popular street item that reflects this heritage. Juicy, marinated chicken is shaved from a rotating spit, stuffed into pita or rumali roti, and garnished with mayonnaise, pickled veggies, and sometimes cheese.
Where to try: Food carts near Tolichowki, Mehdipatnam, and Hitech City.
5. Mirchi Bajji
A staple in many South Indian cities, Mirchi Bajji is a deep-fried green chili fritter stuffed with tangy tamarind and spices. Don’t worry — the chilies are usually de-seeded and tamed with a chickpea flour coating, making them more flavourful than fiery.
Where to try: Necklace Road, Tank Bund, and roadside stalls near Koti.
6. Dosa & Idli with Spicy Chutneys
South Indian breakfasts in Hyderabad often spill out onto the streets with dosa carts and idli stalls attracting early risers and office-goers alike. Crispy dosas, fluffy idlis, and spicy chutneys — including the unique peanut and ginger versions — make for a hearty and affordable start to the day.
Where to try: Ram Ki Bandi (Nampally), Govind Dosa (Charminar), and Pragati Tiffin Center (Koti).
7. Paya Soup
For the adventurous foodie, paya soup is a street-side delicacy that shouldn’t be missed. Made by simmering goat trotters for hours with spices and herbs, this rich, gelatinous broth is both nourishing and flavourful — typically served in the mornings or late at night.
Where to try: Shadab Hotel takeaway counter, stalls near Mallepally and Nampally.
8. Qubani Ka Meetha
If you’ve got a sweet tooth, Qubani Ka Meetha — made from dried apricots soaked overnight and cooked down into a sweet, sticky dessert — is a Hyderabadi specialty. It’s often served at weddings, but you’ll find street vendors selling it too, especially in older parts of the city.
Where to try: Street stalls near Charminar and in local sweet shops like Hameedi Confectioners.
9. Hyderabad Chaat
While North India is usually associated with chaats, Hyderabad has its own spin on these tangy, crunchy snacks. Pani puri, dahi puri, papdi chaat, and samosa chaat are all popular on Hyderabad’s streets, often with a spicier and tangier local twist.
Where to try: Gokul Chaat (Koti), Maharaja Chaat (Sindhi Colony), and Balaji Chaat Bhandar (Himayatnagar).
10. Lukmi
Lukmi is a Hyderabadi cousin of the samosa — but with a thicker crust and a square shape. It’s filled with spiced minced meat (keema) and deep-fried until golden. You’ll often find these at evening snack carts or during Ramadan street bazaars.
Where to try: Madina Building area (near Charminar) and Moazzam Jahi Market.
Honorable Mentions:
- Falooda: A rich, layered dessert drink with vermicelli, rose syrup, and ice cream.
- Mango Ice Cream Rolls: A hit during summer months on food truck streets in Jubilee Hills.
- Double Ka Meetha: A Hyderabadi bread pudding served hot and topped with dry fruits.
Tips for Enjoying Street Food in Hyderabad:
- Go early or late – Popular stalls sell out fast, and some operate only during specific hours (especially breakfast dosa vendors and nighttime kebab stalls).
- Watch hygiene – Stick to stalls with good crowd flow and where food is freshly cooked.
- Carry cash – Many street vendors still don’t accept digital payments.
- Ask locals – Don’t be shy to ask people nearby for their favorite spots — Hyderabadis are famously proud of their food.
Conclusion
Hyderabad’s street food is not just about taste — it’s a gateway to the city’s rich history, multicultural influences, and everyday life. From sizzling grills in the old city to innovative dessert carts in Hitech City, the street food scene in Hyderabad is dynamic, diverse, and absolutely delicious.
If you’re planning a trip from the U.S., especially from Detroit to Hyderabad, you’ll find that Indian Eagle flights offer convenient and affordable travel options to explore this vibrant city and its culinary delights. So whether you’re strolling around Charminar or catching a late bite in Madhapur, make sure your appetite is ready — because the streets of Hyderabad are calling, and they’re serving up unforgettable flavors you just can’t miss.
