Been busy with my upcoming move so haven't really posted in the last coupla months. Was browsing my haunt for food related questions Another Subcontinent where someone asked me to chip in on the Hyderabad discussion with my recommendations.
I'm reproducing my post here.
Paradise does a good "special biryani" {mix of mutton & chicken} if u don't mind the oil. Its located just off the main road and any auto guy will take u there if u tell them.
Bawarchi's biryani is low on the masala. Its more of a boiled rice mixed with coked chicken & this is not my type of biryani at all. Their quantity is solid though.
My personal favorite in Hyderabad is "Hyderabad House" they have outlets all over the city and do a takeaway service and home delivery for a 30Rs charge. Their biryani is quite yummilicious and best eaten at the restaurant itself. If you are eating at Hyderabad House, don't miss the shikampuri's. (I pack them and freeze them to bring back to Bombay when I visit Hyderabad. ) The chicken roast is a slightly sweetish semi gravy item but worth trying. Try the chicken 65 if you don't mind spicy food.
Nayaab and Shadaab near the Charminar do excellent biryani's. Ask for the AC section if you plan to eat at the restaurant. Its slightly cleaner and people won't stare as much. They do some excellent spare parts too like brain, liver, kidneys, paya and tongue for the non-faint-hearted.
Abhiruchi near Nanking does a lovely biryani, low on oil. More of a pulao. But if you go to Abhiruchi to eat, then definitely have their thali. Unlimited servings, the best ghee ever (I've lived in the cowbelt heartland too, but no better ghee than that served at Abhiruchi) If you want to turn the meal non vegetarian, ask for a chicken roast or chicken liver masala as a side order.
The Times Food Guide for Hyderabad is TERRIBLE. Absolutely useless compared to the Bombay and Delhi versions. The guy who writes it, starts all reviews as "One of the best biryani's in Hyderabad" or some similar statement. Its only good for having a ready reference to addresses and phone numbers.
Other places I would recommend
Dhola Ri Dhani on the outskirts of the city does a wonderful Rajasthani thali and the service is wonderful. The setting is that of a Rajasthani village and the service is absolutely amazing. Its a little distance to cover, but worth the drive for sure. Wonderfully tasty Rajasthani veg food served with oodles of butter and love.
Haveli in the Lifestyle building does a great Hyderabadi buffet for lunch at reasonable rates (around 150-200 per person) Biryani is always on the menu. gongura mamsam is a high possibility.
Ten Downing Street in the same building is also worth a trip for lunch for their amazing shepherds pie. The rest of the food is good too. For lunch they have an offer of main course + soup/softdrink/beer + dessert.
Ramazan is coming up soon and haleem will be available all over the city. Definitely try and shift travel dates to try and get a taste of Hyderabadi Haleem and head to Pista House to taste this delicacy.
Thats what I can remember off hand, will add more as I remember."
