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What Food To Try in Hyderabad and Food Prices

How much does lunch and dinner cost

Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Hyderabad for 2024.

National currency: Ngultrum, symbol — ₹ (international currency code INR).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Hyderabad cafes and restaurants
$3.1 
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $1.22
$13.4 
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $7.32
$6.1 
Combo Meal
Starting from $3.66

What to Try in Hyderabad

Must-try Dishes
Khichdi - Comforting Rice and Lentils - A creamy blend of rice and lentils cooked with spices and veggies, often topped with ghee. Locals enjoy it for breakfast or a light lunch, especially during rainy days when they crave warmth.

Mirchi Ka Salan - Spicy Chili Curry - Long green chilies simmered in a tangy peanut-based gravy, offering a delightful heat. You'll often find this dish accompanying biryani at family gatherings, where it adds an extra kick to the meal.

Hyderabadi Biryani - Aromatic Rice and Meat - Marinated meat layered with fragrant basmati rice, skillfully cooked together in a sealed pot to lock in flavors. People typically indulge in this during festive occasions, and you can feel the excitement in the air as families gather.

Paya - Trotter Soup - A rich and flavorful soup made from slow-cooked goat trotters and spices, often served with naan or rice. It's a popular breakfast item, commonly enjoyed in the early hours at roadside eateries, where the aroma of spices welcomes you.

Bread Omelette - Eggy Bread Delight - A sunny-side-up egg nestled between two slices of bread, seasoned with onions, green chilies, and spices, then toasted to crispy perfection. Street vendors whip this up quickly; it's a go-to for a filling morning meal, typically starting around 6 AM.

Kebabs - Grilled Skewered Meats - Juicy meat marinated in vibrant spices and grilled on skewers, resulting in a smoky flavor. People typically savor these as an evening snack, often topped with mint chutney, while bonding with friends over chai.

Roti with Dill - Shepu Bhaji - Soft flatbreads served with a nutritious stir-fry of fresh dill and lentils, creating a unique savory combo. It's often a lunch item during the winter months when dill is in season, giving nourishing warmth on cool days.

Besan Chilla - Savory Chickpea Pancake - A flexible pancake made from chickpea flour with veggies and spices, cooked flat and crispy. Local eateries often serve this as a light meal in the afternoon, and it's delightful paired with green chutney.

Desserts & Drinks
Irani Chai - ایرانی چائے (milky tea) - A rich blend of black tea, milk, and cardamom, often slow-brewed to develop a unique flavor. It’s a go-to drink for friends chatting in cafes, especially during the leisurely afternoon hours.

Fresh Lime Soda - नींबू सोडा (zesty soda) - Combines fresh lime juice, soda water, and a hint of sugar, served ice-cold for a refreshing kick. It’s particularly enjoyed during the sweltering summer months, perfect after strolling through local markets.

Beer - बियर (local varieties) - Crafted from malt and hops, you can find both mainstream and local microbrews at various establishments. Served chilled, it's a popular choice for unwinding with friends after a long workday or on weekends.

Patties - पत्ती (flaky pastry) - Savory treats filled with spicy potatoes and peas, encased in a crisp, buttery crust. These are usually enjoyed as snacks over tea, making for a delightful evening bite, especially during the rainy season.

Khubani ka Meetha - खुबानी का मीठा (apricot dessert) - A luscious dish made from dried apricots cooked in syrup, topped with fresh cream or custard. Served during festive occasions, this dessert showcases the region’s love for sweet and tangy flavors.

By the way, locals often pick their desserts based on the season—Khubani ka Meetha is especially popular during festivals!

Food and Groceries in Hyderabad

Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
Bread $0.6
Bananas $0.73
Oranges $1.25
Potatoes $0.44
Apples $2.51
Beverages
Water 1.5L $0.37
0.5L Local Beer $1.98
Imported Beer $3.3
Wine Rating >4.0 $12.2
Milk 1L $0.78

Various Groceries
Chicken $3.7
Cigarettes $4.27
Rice $0.67
Local Cheese $5.59

Overview of Cuisine and Specialties

The streets of Hyderabad are often abuzz during lunchtime, with bustling eateries filled with locals. It's common to see office workers tucking into their meals around 1 PM, while families may have their hearty lunches a bit earlier, around noon. This typical mealtime rhythm allows small eateries and larger restaurants alike to thrive, with many offering a thali that caters to all tastes. I recently paid around ₹250 for a satisfying thali near Masab Tank, which showcases how you can enjoy wholesome meals without breaking the bank.

Speaking of districts, areas like Banjara Hills and Jubilee Hills are known for their upscale dining options, where a comparable meal could cost somewhere upwards of ₹800. Mid-range neighborhoods like Secunderabad provide great options, too, with rich flavors and friendly prices, often around ₹400. It's fascinating how these price variations directly relate to the locale's affluence and clientele.

Payment customs here can be a bit unique. While cash is still a common means of settling bills, cards are widely accepted as well. I've noticed that many places also offer digital payment options like UPI, which has become incredibly popular among locals for its convenience. Just the other day, I saw a street vendor happily receiving ₹50 via UPI from a customer buying chaat – a true sign of modern times blending with traditional practices.

During evenings, typically around 7 PM, popular street food spots come alive, offering everything from kebabs to samosas. Tourists often seem to make the mistake of showing up too late, missing out on the early bird specials and popular dishes that sell out quickly. In fact, I recommend arriving before 7 PM to avoid the rush and ensure you can sample a wider array of delicious options.

One unique local custom worth noting is the communal dining experience prevalent in certain restaurants. It’s quite common for people to share tables and engage in conversations, even with strangers, promoting a friendly atmosphere. If you're hoping to dine at a popular restaurant, a reservation is usually a good idea, especially on weekends or during festivals, when locals flock to their beloved spots.

As we move toward seasonal changes, the local food scene adapts in intriguing ways. In the coming months, the early onset of summer will bring marvelous mango desserts and lighter dishes. Meanwhile, Hyderabad's food culture remains grounded in its culinary traditions, while continuously evolving with youthful influences, ensuring there's always something fresh and exciting to explore.