The state of Andhra Pradesh is renowned for its delectable cuisine along with its rich cultural heritage. Unlike most other states, the cuisine of Andhra Pradesh includes both the original Andhra cuisine and the more famous Hyderabadi cuisine. The cuisine of Andhra is mostly vegetarian though the coastal areas are more known for their preference for sea food. A typical Andhra meal usually consists of five types of dishes comprising of pickles, chutneys and powders besides rice, which is served with sambar, vegetables and some other lentil preparations on a banana leaf. Non-vegetarian dishes also form a part of traditional Andhra cuisine. The Pulihara or tamarind rice, an aromatic green chutney called 'Gongoora' , savories such as murkus, appadams, pakodas, vadas besides the typical south indian dishes idlis, dosas, upma and uthapam are hugely popular.

As opposed to the traditional delicacies of Andhra which are characterized by a liberal use of spices, the Hyderabadi cuisine is more hot and spicy.First developed in the kitchens of the Nizams, the cuisine is largely inspired by the Mughlai cuisine. A result of the amalgamation of Muslim techniques and meats with the vibrant spices and ingredients of the Hindus, the cuisine is the ultimate thing in fine dining. A fine blend of herbs, spices, fresh fruits and condiments give the mouthwatering dishes a very distinguishable taste. Its tastes range from sour and the sweet, the hot and the salty and studded with dry fruits and nuts.

Hyderabadi cuisine is famous for its non vegetarian preparations and its most famous dish is the biryani- prepared with rice and meat. Other popular non-vegetarian dishes are'Kababs', which are meat pieces or minced meat cooked in many different styles such as 'Boti Jhammi', 'Kalmi', 'Shikampur', 'Sheek', 'Lagan-ke-Kababs', 'Dum-ke-kababs). 'Kormas' is yet another preparation inwhich r meat or vegetables is cooked in rich with creamy gravy.Another specialty of this cuisine is 'Keema Methi' which is minced meat with fenugreek Lamb is the most widely used meat in the non-vegetarian dishes. Among vegetarian dishes 'Bagara Baingan', 'Mirch-ka-salan', ''Tomato Qoot' and 'Shahi Dahi Vadas' are some of the popular fares.Hyderabad is also famous for its wide range of desserts. Payasam, a pudding made with rice and milk ;'Double-ka-Meetha', a bread and cashew nut pudding ;Sheer Khurma - a Hyderabadi delicacy with dry fruits and dates; 'Qubani-ka-Meetha', a stewed apricot dessert; Ande-ka-Piyosi made with eggs, almonds and purified butter; 'Badam-ki-Jhab', a candy and 'Dil-e-Firdaus', a rich, milk-based sweet are some of the city's popular desserts.

A look at some of the places where one can enjoy a sumptuous meal:

Coffee Shops

Fast Food Joints

Hyderabadi Food Restaurants