Hyderabad’s vibrant street food scene is a paradise for food lovers in 2025. From spicy treats to indulgent desserts, every corner of the city offers mouthwatering flavors. Whether you're a local or a tourist, these street foods combine tradition and innovation. In this blog, explore ten must-try dishes that showcase Hyderabad’s rich culinary heritage—served hot, affordable, and full of character.

Hyderabadi Biryani – Paradise Circle Must-Have

Hyderabadi Biryani is the crown jewel of the city’s street food scene, offering rich, aromatic layers of flavor. It combines marinated meat with fragrant basmati rice and traditional spices. Vendors at Paradise Circle serve this dish with unmatched authenticity and generous portions. Whether it’s Diwali or a regular weekday, this meal delivers royalty in every bite. Tourists and locals enjoy it as a complete lunch or dinner at pocket-friendly prices. It’s also a top pick for family meals during festive seasons.

• The slow-cooked biryani is infused with saffron, ghee, and traditional Hyderabadi spices that enrich every grain of rice.
  
  
• Served with tangy salan and creamy raita, it offers a balance of spice and coolness in one affordable plate.
  
  
• Paradise Circle is the city’s landmark for authentic biryani that matches the quality of premium restaurants at lower costs.

Cost: ₹150 – ₹200 per plate

Pro Tip: Use Paytm UPI during food orders to unlock cashback rewards through linked wallet offers and dining-specific promos.

Chicken Shawarma – Tolichowki’s Arabian Touch

Tolichowki is Hyderabad’s go-to destination for Middle Eastern street food, and shawarma reigns supreme. This dish features succulent grilled chicken wrapped in a warm pita or rumali roti with tangy sauces. Shawarma is filling, flavorful, and available even late at night for foodies on the move. Young professionals, students, and tourists all enjoy this savory roll after long work hours or sightseeing. Its affordability and generous fillings make it a top street food pick. Every bite blends international flavor with Indian spice preferences.

• The chicken is marinated in Arabic spice mixes and grilled slowly on vertical rotisseries to retain juiciness and smoky flavor.
  
  
• Each roll is packed with garlic mayo, pickled vegetables, and optional spicy sauces that add layers of taste and texture.
  
  
• Vendors in Tolichowki serve shawarmas with extras like fries or chutneys, providing great value for money and quantity.

Cost: ₹60 – ₹80 per roll

Pro Tip: Redeem SavePlus Swiggy promo codes on takeaway shawarma orders to save more during lunch breaks or Iftar evenings.

Mirchi Bajji – The Monsoon Delight

Mirchi Bajji is the perfect blend of crispiness and heat, especially loved during Hyderabad’s monsoon evenings. Prepared using large green chilies dipped in seasoned gram flour, it is deep-fried until golden. Street vendors across the Tank Bund serve it hot with tangy chutneys and onion slices. It’s a favorite for students, workers, and couples enjoying lakeside walks. Affordable, filling, and fiery—it captures the city’s love for bold flavors. This snack defines the spirit of Hyderabad’s spicy street cuisine.

• Fried to perfection, the batter is crisp while the inner chili remains juicy, offering a unique texture that keeps you craving more.
  
  
• It’s often topped with chopped onions, lime, and tamarind sauce to add tangy relief to the spice of the chili.
  
  
• This snack is widely available near popular hangouts and is especially popular during rainy days and shopping pauses.

Cost: ₹30 – ₹40 for 4 pieces

Pro Tip: During festive seasons, scan vendors’ Google Pay QR codes to unlock scratch card offers and earn instant cashback on your snacks.

Haleem – The Ramzan Season Showstopper

Haleem is Hyderabad’s crown jewel during the holy month of Ramzan, but foodies relish it year-round at select outlets. This thick, meaty stew made from wheat, lentils, ghee, and slow-cooked meat offers unmatched richness and energy. Popular near Toli Chowki and the Old City, it draws long queues during evenings. High in protein and flavor, it’s a complete meal in itself. Served hot with fried onions, lemon, and ghee, it’s a royal treat not to be missed.

• Prepared over 6–8 hours, it blends broken wheat, ghee, meat, and spices into a creamy consistency.
  
  
• Topped with crispy onions, lemon wedges, and mint, each bowl is both nourishing and indulgent.
  
  
• Available from food stalls and branded outlets like Pista House, especially during Ramzan evenings.

Cost: ₹120 – ₹180 per bowl

Pro Tip: Order online from famous Haleem outlets via Zomato during Ramzan and use SavePlus promo codes for timely discounts.

Kebabs – Charcoal-Grilled Flavor on a Stick

Kebabs in Hyderabad are a sizzling favorite, offering juicy bites of marinated meat grilled to perfection. Found across roadside stalls in Barkas, Charminar, and Abids, they’re loved for their smoky flavor and quick serving time. From chicken malai to mutton seekh, the variety is impressive. These skewered delights are perfect evening snacks or accompaniments to naan or rumali roti. Often served with mint chutney and onions, they embody the city's Mughlai influence.

• Kebabs are marinated in yogurt, spices, and herbs, then grilled over charcoal for an authentic taste.
  
  
• They’re offered in varieties like malai, tandoori, hariyali, and reshmi, catering to all spice preferences.
  
  
• Served fresh off the grill with lemon, chutney, and onions for a complete flavor-packed meal.

Cost: ₹60 – ₹100 per plate

Pro Tip: Scan vendor UPI QR codes using the BHIM app to unlock limited-time cashback while enjoying fresh kebabs.

Cheese Dosa – The HITEC City Favorite

The cheese dosa trend has taken Hyderabad by storm, especially around HITEC City’s bustling tech hubs. Combining traditional dosa with a cheesy twist, it is rich, flavorful, and extremely satisfying. The crisp texture of the dosa pairs perfectly with melting cheese and spicy potato fillings. Served hot with various chutneys, it’s ideal for tech workers seeking tasty and quick meals. Food stalls in Madhapur are especially known for serving this indulgent snack. It’s become a favorite among evening walkers, students, and commuters.

• The dosa is spread with butter, filled with masala and cheese, and cooked until the cheese melts and the edges turn crispy.
  
  
• Served with tomato, mint, and coconut chutneys, it balances spice, coolness, and umami in a way that keeps crowds coming back.
  
  
• It’s a common pick for post-office hunger pangs and late-night cravings among software engineers and college-goers alike.

Cost: ₹100 – ₹120 per dosa

Pro Tip: Combine a Zomato Gold membership with SavePlus discount coupons to enjoy buy-one-get-one dosa deals near HITEC City.

Osmania Biscuits – Heritage in Every Bite

No trip to Hyderabad is complete without enjoying Osmania biscuits, a sweet-and-savory snack rooted in the city’s Irani café culture. Found mainly near Charminar, especially at Nimrah Café, these biscuits are iconic. Perfectly paired with Irani chai, they offer comfort and nostalgia with every bite. Locals often gift them during Diwali and Eid, as they come in attractive, affordable boxes. Their buttery texture and soft crumble make them a favorite across all age groups. These biscuits also pair well with evening tea sessions at home.

• Made using flour, milk, sugar, and a pinch of salt, the flavor strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory.
  
  
• Their shelf life makes them ideal for bulk purchases, gifting, or travel munching during long journeys or holiday seasons.
  
  
• Nimrah Café’s version is city-famous and sold fresh daily near the buzzing Charminar tourist area.

Cost: ₹20 – ₹30 per pack

Pro Tip: Order in bulk via Amazon Pantry or BigBasket grocery sales using SavePlus offers for maximum seasonal savings.

Keema Samosas – Evening Iftar Special

Keema samosas are savory delights filled with spiced minced meat, making them perfect for hearty evening snacks. Sold predominantly in Malakpet and during Ramzan markets, these crispy treats sell out fast. They offer the richness of meat with the convenience of a handheld snack. Ideal for breaking fasts or satisfying late-evening hunger, they’re a hit across age groups. They’re frequently seen at street corners, especially near mosques and shopping zones. Their rich flavors and crisp shells have made them a staple in local food culture.

• Prepared using finely ground mutton or chicken, the filling is seasoned with cloves, cinnamon, and green chili paste.
  
  
• Fried until golden brown, the outer shell remains flaky and crisp, enclosing juicy meat for an indulgent experience.
  
  
• Found mostly during religious events, they're also available at evening markets and food carts in high-traffic areas.

Cost: ₹10 – ₹15 per piece

Pro Tip: Avail Mobikwik SuperCash offers while placing large snack orders during Ramzan via food delivery platforms.

Dahi Puri – Chatpata Street Charm

Dahi Puri brings together the best of India’s chaat tradition—crunch, spice, sweetness, and cooling yogurt in one bite. Served near Koti Women’s College, it is beloved for its bold taste and vibrant presentation. Each puri is carefully stuffed and topped, making it as delightful visually as it is to eat. It's an excellent light lunch or post-shopping snack for all age groups. Popular especially among students, it's often enjoyed with friends during breaks or casual meetups. Quick to prepare and full of flavor, it’s street food perfection.

• The puris are filled with a mix of potatoes and chana, topped with chilled curd, tamarind chutney, and spicy sauces.
  
  
• Garnished with sev, coriander, and sometimes pomegranate, it is both crunchy and refreshing in every mouthful.
  
  
• The sweet-sour balance makes it ideal for those who prefer milder but flavor-rich snacks on busy afternoons.

Cost: ₹30 – ₹40 per plate

Pro Tip: Scan and pay with the SBI YONO app during college festival seasons to enjoy dining cashback on chaat purchases.

Paya Soup – A Winter Comfort Classic

Paya Soup is a warming, nutritious mutton broth made from trotters and bones, slow-cooked with spices. It is especially popular during winter and served at early morning stalls in areas like Barkas and Malakpet. Hyderabadis enjoy this dish for its health benefits and rich flavor. Often eaten with naan or served solo, it’s a traditional favorite. It’s highly recommended for boosting immunity and aiding recovery. Locals swear by it during cold weather or early mornings.

• Slow-cooked for hours, the soup is infused with garlic, pepper, turmeric, and bones to extract full flavor and nutrients.
  
  
• Often consumed by older adults and fitness-conscious locals for its high protein and healing properties.
  
  
• Best enjoyed early in the morning, it’s commonly sold between 5–8 AM at known food joints.

Cost: ₹50 – ₹70 per bowl

Pro Tip: Carry your ICICI or HDFC card to food stalls that accept UPI/card to avail early bird and breakfast cashback offers.

Irani Chai – The City’s Quintessential Beverage

Irani Chai is synonymous with Hyderabad’s old-world charm and bustling café culture. Served in small glasses across iconic spots like Charminar, it’s a creamy and aromatic tea. Unlike regular chai, this version is slow-brewed with thick milk, giving it a strong yet smooth taste. Locals sip it throughout the day, especially with biscuits or puffs. It’s a staple beverage during meetups, work breaks, and casual catch-ups. The tradition of sharing Irani Chai is deeply embedded in the city’s social fabric.

• Made by boiling tea leaves with milk and cardamom, it has a rich consistency and bold flavor that keeps tea lovers coming back.
  
  
• Typically served with Osmania biscuits, it’s enjoyed while people-watching, chatting, or reading newspapers at roadside cafés.
  
  
• Found at Nimrah Café, Alpha Hotel, and roadside stalls that have been serving generations of Hyderabadis.

Cost: ₹15 – ₹25 per cup

Pro Tip: Use PhonePe or Paytm QR payments at local cafés to unlock cashback and bill payment rewards.

Double Ka Meetha – A Festive Sweet Favorite

Double Ka Meetha is a Hyderabadi dessert made from fried bread slices soaked in sugar syrup, milk, and dry fruits. Traditionally served during weddings and Eid celebrations, it's rich, sweet, and deeply satisfying. Vendors across Mallepally and Charminar serve this dessert warm, often garnished with almonds and saffron. It’s a dessert loved for its nostalgic feel and royal taste. Often ordered in bulk during festivals, it’s now a popular street-side sweet. Whether hot or cold, it captures the city’s dessert legacy.

• Prepared by deep-frying bread in ghee, then simmering it in flavored milk and cardamom syrup for richness.
  
  
• Garnished with dry fruits and sometimes khoya, it offers both texture and a luxurious taste experience.
  
  
• Available during festive periods at local mithai shops and dessert stalls across the Old City.

Cost: ₹40 – ₹60 per serving

Pro Tip: Buy from trusted vendors and pay using the Mobikwik wallet offers during festive seasons to earn SuperCash rewards.

Conclusion

Hyderabad’s street food culture continues to thrive in 2025, offering a feast for every palate. From sizzling shawarmas to comforting paya soup, each dish is a delicious representation of the city’s diverse heritage. So grab your wallet, follow the aromas, and treat yourself to the city’s best street eats—each bite a flavor-packed memory waiting to happen.

Savor the flavors of Hyderabad without burning a hole in your pocket—use SavePlus deals, discount codes, and smart tips to enjoy every bite affordably. Happy feasting!

FAQ

Where can I find the best Hyderabadi biryani on the street?
Paradise Circle in Secunderabad is famous for its authentic and affordable Hyderabadi biryani.

What is the best time to enjoy Paya Soup in Hyderabad?
Early mornings, between 5–8 AM, are the ideal times to enjoy freshly prepared Paya Soup, especially in Barkas.

Are these street foods budget-friendly for students and families?
Yes, most dishes range from ₹10 to ₹200 and are ideal for budget-conscious foodies.

Is Irani Chai different from regular tea?
Absolutely. Irani Chai uses slow-brewed tea leaves and thick milk, giving it a richer, creamier flavor.

Can I use digital payments with local vendors?
Yes, many street food vendors accept UPI payments through apps like Paytm, PhonePe, and Google Pay.