From Osmania biscuits to biryani at Shadab, capturing Hyderabad’s best eats

Nearly five years ago, Sanjay Borra returned from a decade-long stint in the US, and took up photography as he set about reacclimatising himself to life in Hyderabad, his hometown. Since then, he has recorded the city’s food like very few photographers have. Borra says that while the food at Muslim weddings in Hyderabad is outstanding, Barkas, Charminar and Sindhi Colony all serve great food. “My favorite place to try out biryani are Shadab, Cafe Bahar and the Grand Hotel. If you love barbeque, Absolute Barbeque is a must-visit. And then, there are other regional cuisines as well — Andhra, Telangana... Raju Gari Kodi pulao at Ulavacharu, and Ragi Mudda with Naatu Kodi Pulusu at Kritunga Restaurant are some of the popular dishes. Among street food, Govind’s and Pragathi Tiffin’s Dosa are must-tries.” (Source: Rajesh_India/Flickr)

A worker prepares char koni naan or Square Naan, while others pack them for sale early morning in Purani Haveli. (Source: Sanjay Borra)

Paradise Biryani is still a huge draw for Biryani lovers in both Hyderabad and Secunderabad. Paradise sells its biryani as the ‘World’s Favourite Biryani’. (Source: Sanjay Borra)

Govind,owner of popular Govind Bandi (food cart), in Charminar, has been making tawa idlis and butter dosas for the last 30 years. He recently opened his first restaurant in the upmarket Banjara Hills area. (Source: Sanjay Borra)

Haleem is another popular dish served during Ramzan. It is available all year at some places in Hyderabad. This photograph was shot at the Shah Ghouse Restaurant. (Source: Sanjay Borra)

The famous Shadab Cafe serves one of the best Hyderabadi biryanis. A visit to Charminar is incomplete without eating biryani at Shadab. (Source: Sanjay Borra)

A customer at a local cafe dips an Osmania biscuit in chai. (Source: Sanjay Borra)

An apple vendor uses Apple’s logo, and the words ‘Real App Store’ to sell his wares. (Source: Sanjay Borra)