Top 7 Food Hopping Places in Old City, Hyderabad

Hyderabad, commonly called “the City of Pearls,” attracts millions of tourists yearly who want to see the famous Charminar and sample the renowned Hyderabadi Biryani. However, Hyderabad is not just known for its Biryani; it is also home to some of the country’s best food carts and street food, some of which are so mouthwateringly good that you won’t be able to get enough.

The alluring aroma of street food has a unique ability to appeal to the taste buds of both tourists and locals. When you type street food in Hyderabad near me, you tend to get a list of the best street food places in the city. However, to narrow down the list, we have thoughtfully curated a list of top hopping places in Hyderabad. Numerous posh eateries and old-fashioned food stands, some of which date back to the middle of the eighteenth century, can be found in Hyderabad, a historically significant city.

Best places to Eat Near Old City

The Charminar is more than just a stunning piece of architecture that guards the crowds of people passing by its four minarets daily as they drive and walk. You may also devour the delicious street cuisine in this area, including specialties from the Telangana region. You will find several well-known businesses within the crowds that local customers and tourists favor, making it one of the best places for street food in Hyderabad. The following are some local favorites around the Charminar:

1. Akbar fast food corner

Akbar fast food corner

Akbar Fast Food is another well-known eatery close to the Charminar, renowned for its juicy kebabs and other “meaty” treats. The furnishings are decorated with old photographs from Hyderabad’s royal past, and service is swift. So come here for a little history lesson with your grilled chicken. They are also known to serve some of the most popular street food in Hyderabad.

  • Location: Next to the Mecca Masjid
  • Must-try foods include Rumali roti, chicken 65, warqi paratha, and tandoori chicken.
  • Timings: 2:00 p.m. until 2:00 a.m every day

2. Shadab hotel

Shadab hotel

Shadab Hotel, a well-known center for Hyderabadi cuisine, is the first to open and the last to close. Expect a rush when the entire city is starving in the late afternoons and evenings. It is a beautiful place for people to eat because it is in a busy area. According to evaluations from the community, Shadab is reportedly the best spot to eat Hyderabadi biriyani, variety of other Mughlai specialties and street food in Hyderabad.

  • Location: Ghansi Bazaar, High Court Road
  • Haleem, falooda, kebabs, paya, qubani ka meetha, and nihari (a delectable lamb stew) are must- try foods.
  • Timings: 5:00 am till 2:00 am everyday

3. Nimrah café and bakery

Nimrah cafe and bakery

The Nimrah Café and Bakery, an Iranian establishment that opened in the 1960s, is one of the local legends in this neighborhood. This location, close to the Mecca Masjid, is well-known for serving Osmania biscuits and chai, which are staples of daily Hyderabadi rituals. Don’t forget to snap a photo with the magnificent Charminar in the background as you dip the cookie into a steaming cup of tea!

  • Location: Next to the Mecca Masjid
  • Must-try foods include sulemani, veg puff, egg puff, malai bun, Osmania biscuits, and Irani tea.
  • Timings: 4:00 am till 11:00 pm every day

4. Rajasthani Jalebi and namkeens

Rajasthani Jalebi and namkeens

 

Rajasthani Jalebi and Namkeens, one of the oldest jalebis and namkeen shops in the famed Charminar neighborhood is a culinary delight. Another highlight is the store’s focus on delicious jalebis and imartis that will leave you wanting more. Indulge in the sweet joy at this well-known Hyderabadi Street food delicacy.

  • Location: Chintal MET, close to Ruhi Cafe
  • Must try: Kachoris and samosas served with chutney that is orange in hue and green chilies that have been sautéed.
  • Timings: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day.

5. Shah ghouse

Shah ghouse

With its astounding selection of vegetarian and non-vegetarian cuisine, this Iranian café will tantalize your taste buds whether it’s for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The city’s oldest and busiest of Shah Ghouse’s three locations is the one next to the Charminar. This establishment has everything, from platters and sweets to soups and nibbles, making it one of the best locations to have street food in Hyderabad.

  • Location: Shali Banda Road
  • Must-try foods include phirni, Irani chai, mutton haleem, khichdi kheema, boti kebabs, and mutton biriyani.
  • Timings: 12:30 p.m. until 12:30 a.m. every day

6. Hotel Rumaan

Hotel Rumaan

There are two locations for Hotel Rumaan: one in Towlichowki and one close to Chowmahallah Palace in the ancient city. Both establishments are open all day, serving everything from a traditional Hyderabadi breakfast in the morning to Irani Chai in the afternoon and evenings to Biryani late into the night. If you are open to trying beef, try their Tala Hua Gosht (Beef) and Beef Biryani. Additionally, they offer beef haleem throughout the month of Ramadan.

  • Location: Toli Chowki
  • Timings: Evening or at night from 7:00 PM to 1:00 AM
  • Order the meat biryani, tala Hua gosht, and Irani chai. (Mutton dishes on the menu are actually beef.)

7. Mashallah Ghawa

Mashallah Ghawa

A common Arabic beverage known as ghawa is made by steeping coffee in rose water, saffron, and cardamom. It is a soothing beverage that is frequently sipped following a meal. In a few locations in Hyderabad, an Arabic Ghawa variation with milk is offered. One of the most well-known is “mashallah.” If you want to try something a little different, it’s worth a try.

  • Location: Ghansi Bazaar
  • Timings: from 7 to 9 p.m.

Final Words:

In conclusion, exploring Hyderabad’s Old City on a food hopping experience is a sensory treat that captures the rich culinary traditions of this historic location. Each bite narrates a tale of tradition,culture, and flavors passed down through centuries, from the legendary biryanis that personify the essence of Hyderabadi cuisine to the mouthwatering kebabs, aromatic haleem, and delectable desserts. A unique culinary experience is produced by the complex blending of spices, the skilled work of regional chefs, and the friendliness of the locals. It’s about more than just satisfying your palate; it’s about getting to know a city fundamentally defined by its cuisine. You not only fill your stomach with fantastic food as you meander through the busy streets, but you also fill your heart with the energy of Hyderabad.

The soul-stirring smells and tastes that linger in every nook and cranny of Old City add to its allure and magnificent historical structures. A food-hopping trip in Hyderabad’s Old City is a voyage that promises to provide you with moments to relish and tastes to remember for the rest of your life, whether you’re an experienced foodie or a curious traveler. It pays tribute to culinary expertise. that transforms Hyderabad into a real refuge for foodies, creating an ever-lasting impression on your palate and luring you back for more.

Chhavi
Latest posts by Chhavi (see all)