Introduction
Hyderabad is a city that lives and breathes biryani. Known as the “Biryani Capital of India,” this vibrant metropolis offers a biryani experience like no other. Whether you’re craving the rich flavors of Hyderabadi Dum Biryani or the spicy kick of Kalyani Biryani, Hyderabad has something for every palate.
But here’s the best part—you don’t need to splurge to enjoy the city’s iconic dish. In this guide, I’ll take you through 15 budget-friendly biryani spots in Hyderabad where you can savor authentic flavors without burning a hole in your pocket. Along the way, I’ll share personal stories, tips, and insights to help you make the most of your biryani adventure.
Why Choose Budget-Friendly Biryani Spots in Hyderabad?
Before we dive into the list, let’s talk about why these affordable biryani joints are worth exploring:
- Affordable Prices: Most biryani meals cost between ₹100-₹300, making them accessible to everyone.
- Authentic Flavors: Many of these places have been serving biryani for decades, using traditional recipes passed down through generations.
- Variety: From mutton and chicken biryani to vegetarian options like paneer or mushroom biryani, Hyderabad offers a diverse range of biryanis.
- Local Experience: Eating at these spots gives you a real taste of Hyderabad’s culture and culinary heritage.
Reference: According to a 2023 survey by Swiggy, Hyderabad ranks among the top cities in India for affordable yet high-quality biryani experiences.
Top 15 Budget-Friendly Biryani Spots in Hyderabad
1. Paradise Biryani
Location: Multiple Outlets
Specialty: Chicken Biryani, Mutton Biryani
Paradise Biryani is synonymous with Hyderabadi biryani. Their Chicken Biryani is legendary, with perfectly cooked rice, tender chicken, and aromatic spices. The mutton biryani is equally flavorful, with melt-in-your-mouth meat.
During one of my visits, I ordered their mutton biryani, and it was so rich and fragrant that I couldn’t stop eating. The raita and mirchi ka salan on the side were the perfect accompaniments.
Pro Tip: Visit during lunch hours to avoid long queues.
Reference: Paradise Biryani Official Website
2. Bawarchi
Location: RTC X Roads
Specialty: Dum Biryani, Kalyani Biryani
Bawarchi is another iconic name in Hyderabad’s biryani scene. Their Dum Biryani is slow-cooked to perfection, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. The Kalyani Biryani, made with buffalo meat, is a must-try for non-vegetarians.
I once visited Bawarchi with a group of friends, and we ordered both the dum biryani and kalyani biryani. Each bite was packed with flavor, and the meat was incredibly tender.
Key Fact: Bawarchi has been serving biryani since 1993 and is a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
Reference: Bawarchi Review
3. Hotel Shadab
Location: Old City
Specialty: Mutton Biryani, Haleem
Hotel Shadab is a hidden gem in Hyderabad’s Old City. Their Mutton Biryani is rich, flavorful, and served with a side of tangy pickle. They’re also famous for their haleem, especially during Ramadan.
During one of my visits, I tried their mutton biryani, and it was so satisfying that I ended up ordering seconds. The haleem was creamy, spicy, and utterly delicious.
Pro Tip: Pair your biryani with their double ka meetha for dessert—it’s a local specialty.
Reference: Hotel Shadab Review
4. Shah Ghouse Café & Restaurant
Location: Tolichowki
Specialty: Chicken Biryani, Boti Kebab
Shah Ghouse is a popular spot for biryani lovers. Their Chicken Biryani is fragrant and flavorful, with perfectly cooked rice and tender chicken. The boti kebab is a great starter to pair with your meal.
I once ordered their chicken biryani, and it was so flavorful that I couldn’t stop eating. The boti kebab was juicy, tender, and packed with spices.
Key Fact: Shah Ghouse has been around since 1978 and is a pioneer of biryani in Hyderabad.
Reference: Shah Ghouse Menu
5. Pista House
Location: Multiple Outlets
Specialty: Haleem, Kebabs
Pista House is famous for its haleem, but their biryani is equally impressive. The Mutton Biryani is rich, aromatic, and served with a side of tangy pickle.
During Ramadan, I visited Pista House to try their haleem, and it was creamy, spicy, and utterly satisfying. The biryani was equally flavorful, with perfectly cooked rice and tender meat.
Pro Tip: This place is a must-visit during Ramadan for their haleem.
Reference: Pista House Official Website
6. Minara Hotel
Location: Barkas
Specialty: Mutton Biryani, Keema Biryani
Minara Hotel is a local favorite in the Barkas area. Their Mutton Biryani is rich and flavorful, while the Keema Biryani is a spicy, flavorful option for those who love minced meat.
I once visited Minara Hotel for dinner, and the mutton biryani was so flavorful that I couldn’t stop eating. The keema biryani was equally delicious, with a spicy kick.
Key Fact: Minara Hotel is a hidden gem known only to locals.
Reference: Minara Hotel Review
7. Al Rabea Al Arabi Cafeteria
Location: Masab Tank
Specialty: Arabian Mandi, Chicken Biryani
Al Rabea Al Arabi is a budget-friendly eatery that serves both Indian and Arabian dishes. Their Chicken Biryani is fragrant and flavorful, while the Arabian Mandi is a must-try for non-vegetarians.
During one of my visits, I tried their chicken biryani, and it was so satisfying that I ended up ordering seconds. The mandi was equally delicious, with tender meat and fragrant rice.
Pro Tip: This place is ideal for those looking for a fusion of Indian and Arabian flavors.
Reference: Al Rabea Al Arabi Menu
8. Grand Hotel
Location: Abids
Specialty: Mutton Biryani, Haleem
Grand Hotel is an iconic eatery in Hyderabad, known for its Mutton Biryani and Haleem. The biryani is rich, flavorful, and served with a side of tangy pickle.
I once visited Grand Hotel during lunchtime, and the place was packed. The mutton biryani was a feast for both the eyes and the stomach. Each bite was flavorful and satisfying.
Pro Tip: Try their haleem during Ramadan—it’s a crowd favorite.
Reference: Grand Hotel Review
9. Hyderabad House
Location: Banjara Hills
Specialty: Vegetarian Biryani, Paneer Biryani
Hyderabad House is a vegetarian-friendly restaurant that serves delicious biryani options. Their Vegetarian Biryani and Paneer Biryani are must-tries for vegetarians.
I once visited Hyderabad House for dinner, and the paneer biryani was so flavorful that I couldn’t stop eating. The vegetables were fresh, and the spices were perfectly balanced.
Key Fact: This place is ideal for vegetarians and families.
Reference: Hyderabad House Menu
10. Cafe Bahar
Location: Panjagutta
Specialty: Chicken Biryani, Mutton Biryani
Cafe Bahar is a popular spot for biryani lovers. Their Chicken Biryani is fragrant and flavorful, with perfectly cooked rice and tender chicken. The mutton biryani is equally delicious, with rich, aromatic spices.
I once ordered their chicken biryani, and it was so flavorful that I couldn’t stop eating. The mutton biryani was equally satisfying, with tender meat and fragrant rice.
Pro Tip: This place is ideal for a quick bite or a casual hangout.
Reference: Cafe Bahar Menu
11. Karachi Bakery
Location: Multiple Outlets
Specialty: Kebab Biryani, Mutton Biryani
Karachi Bakery is famous for its baked goods, but their Kebab Biryani and Mutton Biryani are equally impressive. The biryani is rich, aromatic, and served with a side of tangy pickle.
During one of my visits, I tried their kebab biryani, and it was so flavorful that I couldn’t stop eating. The mutton biryani was equally delicious, with tender meat and fragrant rice.
Key Fact: Karachi Bakery is a must-visit for those who love baked goods alongside their biryani.
Reference: Karachi Bakery Official Website
12. New Al Madina Restaurant
Location: Mehdipatnam
Specialty: Arabian Mandi, Chicken Biryani
New Al Madina is a budget-friendly eatery that serves both Indian and Arabian dishes. Their Chicken Biryani is fragrant and flavorful, while the Arabian Mandi is a must-try for non-vegetarians.
I once visited New Al Madina for dinner, and the chicken biryani was so satisfying that I ended up ordering seconds. The mandi was equally delicious, with tender meat and fragrant rice.
Pro Tip: This place is ideal for those looking for a fusion of Indian and Arabian flavors.
Reference: New Al Madina Menu
13. Bidri Restaurant
Location: HITEC City
Specialty: Hyderabadi Dum Biryani, Kebabs
Bidri is a modern restaurant that serves traditional Hyderabadi dishes. Their Hyderabadi Dum Biryani is slow-cooked to perfection, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. The kebabs are a great starter to pair with your meal.
I once visited Bidri for lunch, and the dum biryani was so flavorful that I couldn’t stop eating. The kebabs were juicy, tender, and packed with spices.
Key Fact: Bidri is a must-visit for those who love traditional Hyderabadi flavors.
Reference: Bidri Menu
14. Zam Zam Fast Food
Location: Charminar
Specialty: Mutton Biryani, Haleem
Zam Zam Fast Food is a local favorite in the Charminar area. Their Mutton Biryani is rich and flavorful, while the Haleem is a must-try during Ramadan.
I once visited Zam Zam Fast Food for dinner, and the mutton biryani was so flavorful that I couldn’t stop eating. The haleem was creamy, spicy, and utterly delicious.
Key Fact: Zam Zam Fast Food is a hidden gem known only to locals.
Reference: Zam Zam Fast Food Review
15. Chicha’s Amritsar
Location: Jubilee Hills
Specialty: North Indian Biryani, Butter Chicken
Chicha’s Amritsar is a budget-friendly restaurant that serves North Indian dishes. Their North Indian Biryani is fragrant and flavorful, while the Butter Chicken is a great starter to pair with your meal.
I once visited Chicha’s Amritsar for dinner, and the biryani was so satisfying that I ended up ordering seconds. The butter chicken was equally delicious, with rich, creamy flavors.
Pro Tip: This place is ideal for those who love North Indian flavors.
Reference: Chicha’s Amritsar Menu
Tips for Exploring Hyderabad’s Biryani Scene
- Try Local Specialties: Don’t miss out on dishes like Hyderabadi Dum Biryani, Kalyani Biryani, and Haleem.
- Carry Cash: Many small eateries don’t accept digital payments.
- Visit During Off-Peak Hours: Avoid crowds by dining during non-peak hours.
- Ask Locals for Recommendations: Locals know the best hidden gems.
Reference: Hyderabad Food Guide by Lonely Planet
FAQ Section
Q1: What is the most famous biryani in Hyderabad?
A: Hyderabadi Dum Biryani is undoubtedly the most famous biryani in Hyderabad.
Q2: Are there any vegetarian biryani options in Hyderabad?
A: Yes, places like Hyderabad House and Paradise Biryani offer vegetarian biryani options.
Q3: How much does a plate of biryani cost at these budget-friendly restaurants?
A: Most biryani plates cost between ₹100-₹300, depending on the type and location.
Q4: Is street food safe to eat in Hyderabad?
A: Yes, as long as you choose clean and busy stalls, street food is generally safe.
Reference: Food Safety Guidelines by FSSAI
Conclusion
Hyderabad’s biryani scene is a delightful mix of tradition and innovation. Whether you’re craving spicy street food or comforting home-cooked meals, the city’s budget-friendly biryani spots have got you covered. So, pack your appetite and embark on a culinary adventure through the streets of Hyderabad.
Have you tried any of these places? Or do you have a favorite spot that didn’t make the list? Share your thoughts in the comments below—I’d love to hear from you!