By: B. K. Vijay
Hyderabad is a melting pot of different cultures and one can experience some of the tasty cuisines from different parts of country and entire world. One can relish spicy Mughlai cuisines, Andhra meals, while also experience Continental, Chinese, Thai food etc. There are several Punjabi restaurants in Hyderabad where one can taste Punjabi food.
There is variety of choices in Punjabi dishes for Vegetarians and Non-Vegetarians. Vegetarians can relish dishes like Aloo Matar, Palak Paneer, Paneer Kababs, Matar Panner, Malai Kofta, Punjabi Kadhi, Dal Makhani etc. For those liking non-vegetarian dishes there is delicious Tandoori Chicken, Chicken Makhani, Chicken Kofta etc. Lastly, a perfect way to end a meal at a Punjabi restaurant is with a Lassi or Chhach (butter milk).
Punjabi restaurants in Hyderabad:
There are many Punjabi restaurants in Hyderabad. Some of the popular ones are:
Jeet’s Kitchen: Located opposite MacDonald in Kharkhana area, one can get the feel of authentic Punjabi culture in this restaurant. It has been one of the oldest restaurants from Kharkhana area. It has been able to thrive for several years as many Armed forces people living and settled in Hyderabad are closeby.
Sagar Papaji Ka Dhaba: Located at Hanuman Tekdi in Abids, this dhaba is also one of the oldest Punjabi Dhaba’s in town and still maintains excellent taste despite many decades of serving patrons. The place is neat but nothing fancy is there. It has a separate section for families. They serve dishes for all types of middle class. This is not a fine restaurant, but a great restaurant when you crave for authentic Punjabi style cooking. There is limited parking in front of the store. Although it’s not a fancy place, but one can get a great taste of food whenever visited. The Dhaba can be reached after taking first left after Big Bazaar Abids while proceeding towards Koti.
Mohini’s Restaurant: It is one of the landmark eating places in Basheerbagh and remains a very crowded place in working days for lunch. However, there is very less rush in the evenings and it is suitable time to visit with family. Parking is also not a problem as it has abundant on-street parking. Ever since the Basheerbagh flyover is in place, very few vehicles come below anyway. They have recently revamped and still revamping the restaurant. One can also enjoy good meals with family due to a recently added swank family section. The restaurant’s ‘Zafrani Biryani’ is the favorite delicacy for some people. Other standard Punjabi items like pepper chicken, ginger chicken, jeera rice, chicken 65 are also good. This is not a fine restaurant, but is a great restaurant where the waiters make you feel welcome.
Degchee: Located at Habsiguda / Tarnaka area, it is one of the oldest restaurants in the area that has been serving consistently good authentic Punjabi food for decades. If one is lucky (in season), he can even get Sarsoon ka Saag and Makke ki roti over here. This is a non-fancy place and one can experience a great food which is inexpensive. One can find a decent parking on-street in front of the restaurant.
Desh Punjabi Dhaba: This is a very small take out place opposite the old Hyderabad Stock Exchange building. What is great about this place is its low prices and great tasting ‘Kalmi Kabab’. If there is a contest for Kababs in Hyderabad City, the ‘Kalmi Kabab’ from Desh Punjabi would be among the top 3 winners. It is worth the effort of ordering only this one item from here, even if one has to get the rest of items from else where. The best part is that it is priced very affordably at about Rs.100/- or so for 4 pieces.
Reshmi Dhaba: It is another old restaurant tucked away on the first floor on Park Lane diagonally opposite Hiking Restaurant (another good Chinese restaurant). The ambience is good and the food is consistently good. This place can be visited when one is looking for a good Punjabi Cuisine in the Secunderabad / Paradise area. There is a place for on-street parking. However, finding parking on this street is a little tricky.