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Being the Biryani lover that I am, I’ll try to find out who has got the Best Veg Biryani in Hyderabad in this updated blog post. I might not have eaten at all the places, but have a fair understanding of Veg Biryani in Hyderabad after spending 10+ years here. The game has changed since I first wrote this – more players, better options, and thankfully, more respect for vegetarian biryani. So let’s dig in.
If you want to be laughed at, then you must visit a typical Hyderabadi restaurant and order a veg biryani. While the world believes that Veg Biryani is nothing but Pulao, I feel that Veg Biryani exists and it’s damn good.
I’ve been staying in Hyderabad for the last 10+ years and have explored quite a lot I can say. Being a vegetarian in Hyderabad is tough, but the landscape has definitely improved with some solid additions to the scene.
My First Veg Biryani in Hyderabad
About 10 years ago when I moved to Hyderabad, I used to stay in a PG. And weekends were meant for exploration. I and my friends one day decided to go on a Biryani lunch. We first watched a movie at Prasads and then headed for Biryani lunch at the original Bawarchi at RTC x roads. That was my first Veg Biryani in Hyderabad. After that, I had it at Paradise which I didn’t enjoy much. Read my experience about Paradise vs Bawarchi – Who’s got the best Biryani?
That first experience set my standards, and honestly, it’s been quite a journey discovering who truly serves the best veg biryani in this city. Here’s my updated tier list based on 8+ years of consistent biryani hunting.
Best Veg Biryani in Hyderabad – My Favorites
Tier 1 – Must Try
Bawarchi RTC X Roads – Still the king
The original Bawarchi at RTC x roads is dubbed as the Mecca for Biryani in Hyderabad. Their Mutton Biryani is the most popular variant that is relished by the locals. Talking about the Veg Biryani, the double masala Veg Biryani at Bawarchi still remains my favorite Veg Biryani in Hyderabad.
The generous amounts of veggies, the extra masala and the flavourful rice just makes for a perfect Veg Biryani. The salan too accompanies the Biryani perfectly. So is Bawarchi serving the best Veg Biryani in Hyderabad? I’d still say Yes!
Jashan by Santosh Dhaba – New favorite
The folks at Santosh Dhaba got smart and launched Jashan as their premium offering, and it’s been trending since 2024. While maintaining the Santosh Dhaba DNA, Jashan elevates the experience with better ambiance and refined preparations.
Their Veg Biryani strikes a perfect balance between the rustic charm of the original and a more polished presentation. The spice levels are more controlled here, making it accessible to a wider audience. I had been to the original Santosh Dhaba outlet a few years ago and it has a good fanbase for a reason.
Aish The Park – Premium experience
This one’s for when you want to splurge a bit. Aish The Park brings authentic Nizami cuisine to the table, and their Veg Dum Biryani is something else entirely. The presentation is top-notch – they serve it in traditional copper vessels that keep the biryani warm.
Yes, it’s pricey, but the quality of ingredients and the cooking technique justify it. The saffron-infused rice paired with perfectly cooked vegetables makes this a premium experience. Another dish that I absolutely love here is their Jackfruit Haleem which I feel is the best Veg Haleem in Hyderabad. Read my review of Aish.
Pista House
Pista House has been one of the oldest restaurants in the city. Known for it’s Irani Chai, Haleem and Mutton Biryani, it’s visited by a lot of people. Their Zaffrani Veg Biryani is a good one , though I’ll be honest – consistency can be an issue across their multiple outlets. When they get it right, it’s fantastic. The saffron flavor is prominent, and the portions are generous. Just make sure to order from their main branches for the best experience.
Tier 2 – Solid Options
Ulavacharu, Unique Telugu style
Here’s where things get interesting. Ulavacharu brings a Telugu twist to the traditional Hyderabadi biryani, and honestly, it works! Their Veg Biryani has this unique tangy flavor profile that sets it apart from the usual suspects.
The horse gram (ulavacharu) base adds depth to the biryani that you won’t find elsewhere. It’s different, but in a good way. Also the Ulavacharu flavour will not be liked by everyone on the first go, and it’s an acquired taste. I had a terrible experience first time I tried and still not at terms with the flavours.
Shah Ghouse – Generous portions
The next restaurant that serves a decent Veg Biryani in Hyderabad is Shah Ghouse in Tolichowki. Again a popular destination for Biryani and Paya for the localities, the Veg Biryani served at Shah Ghouse is good too.
The serving amount is generous and more than enough for a single person. In terms of taste, I’d say it falls behind the double Masala Veg Biryani at Bawarchi, but overall does get the flavors and aromas right.
Hotel Green Park – Midnight biryani legacy
If you’ve come across the term ‘Midnight Biryani’, then you must know who coined it first. Folks at Hotel Green Park coined this term a few years ago and it became an instant hit. Their restaurant Once Upon A Time is known for its set menu, but the hotel has made its mark when it comes to Veg Biryani across the city.
The Biryani is flavorsome and has a good ratio of rice and veggies. While it’s priced slightly higher than others, the Veg Biryani doesn’t disappoint at all. So if you’re craving biryani late in the night, this is where you can head to for a guaranteed biryani!
Cafe Bahar
Started in 1973 as a chai-coffee place, Cafe Bahar’s identity has grown from a humble cafe to a full-fledged restaurant. A lot of offices in Hyderabad also have their outlet and that’s where I tried it first. Their veg biryani is decent, though they’re more famous for their non-veg options.
The food is good and they also a range of north Indian and south Indian dishes. The place is usually crowded, which speaks to its popularity, but parking can be an issue.
Tier 3 – Worth Trying
Biryaniwalla & Co – Modern approach
This is what happens when modern food entrepreneurs take on traditional biryani – and surprisingly, they’ve done it well! Biryaniwalla & Co brings a contemporary approach to veg biryani without losing the essence. Their packaging is Instagram-worthy, the flavors are consistent, and they’ve managed to create a biryani that appeals to the younger crowd. It’s not traditional, but it’s tasty. I’ve had it just once at one of my friend’s place where they got it parcelled, it was good.
Parampara – Regional varieties
Established in 2020, we offer an exquisite fusion of flavors from multiple cuisines Parampara. Parampara brings a pan-Indian approach to vegetarian dining. Their veg biryani draws from different regional styles, which can be hit or miss depending on your preference for traditional Hyderabadi flavors. The ambiance is good, and they’re 100% vegetarian, which is a plus for many. Apart for that, they also had a Rajathani sit-down setup the last time I was there which was pretty good.
Delivery Champions
Biryani by Kilo
Fresh vegetables are marinated in a mixture of freshly ground BBK spices & layered with long grain basmati rice in the handi and slow cooked in the sealed handi. Their packaging game is strong, portions are consistent, and the delivery experience is top-notch. While it’s not the most authentic, it’s reliable and tasty. I’ve had their veg biryani in Hyderabad, Pune and Lucknow and I’d say they are decent. Perfect if you’re have friends and family over and want to havea Biryani evening without you cooking.
Behrouz
A cloud kitchen that launched a few years ago in Hyderabad, has carved out a separate fanbase for their Biryani. I had reviewed Behrouz Biryani at launch and have ordered quite a few times since then. Their Zafrani Paneer Biryani is pretty good. It has huge chunks of Paneer with lots of spices.
While their distinct packaging is good, the quantity of rice is on the lower side when compared to others. Also for a lot of people (my mom) they rose / (kevda) flavour might be overpowering and hence might not like it.
Veg Biryani in Hyderabad Comparison Table
I’ve compiled below the prices of veg biryani in Hyderabad. While I’ve tried to collate this list with the latest pricing, the prices may differ when you go. So ensure to check before visiting. Most biryanis are in the range of Rs 120 to Rs 300 on an average.
| Restaurant | Price | Serves | Spice Level |
| Bawarchi RTC X Roads | ₹120 | 1-2 people | High |
| Jashan by Santosh Dhaba | ₹220 | 1-2 people | Medium |
| Aish The Park | ₹925 | 1-2 people | Medium |
| Pista House | ₹299 | 1-2 people | Medium-High |
| Ulavacharu | ₹180 | 1-2 people | Medium-High |
| Shah Ghouse | ₹140 | 1-2 people | Medium-High |
| Hotel Green Park | ₹350 | 1-2 people | Medium |
| Cafe Bahar | ₹140 | 1-2 people | Medium-High |
| Biryaniwalla & Co | ₹240 | 1 person | Medium |
| Parampara | ₹350 | 1-2 people | Medium |
| Biryani by Kilo | ₹360/699 | 1-2 people / 2-3 peopel | Medium |
| Behrouz Biryani | ₹295 | 1-2 people | Medium |
Other restaurants to try Veg Biryani in Hyderabad
These were my favorite restaurants to eat Veg Biryani in Hyderabad. If you ever ask me, it would be one of these places that I’ll take you to. Apart from these, there are a lot of other restaurants in Hyderabad that serve Veg Biryani. They might not serve the Best Veg Biryani in Hyderabad but do a good job. Some of these places are Paradise, Alfa Restaurant, Shahdab, Taj Mahal, Smoky Pitara, Exotica, Ohri’s Mehfil, and Pakka Local to name a few.
So the next time you are visiting Hyderabad or are looking for the Best Veg Biryani in Hyderabad, you know where to go now! Let me know your thoughts on this post in the comments below, Tweet to me at @Atulmaharaj, DM me on Instagram or Get In Touch.
Biriyani isn’t biriyani if it’s veg. Lmao.
Nothing beats Chicken Biriyani, my favorite ^-^
I had eaten Biriyani from ‘Paradise’ (when they opened an outlet in Bengaluru, but didn’t like it much. I expected a lot!).
Great article btw 😀
Most people think that, but I’m of the fact that Veg Biryani does exist. How about we take this debate to a Biryani restaurant when you are here next?
Haha, sure sure 😀