You might spot these dishes elsewhere in India, but their real heart and soul are in Telangana!
Telangana food is all about bold flavours and spices. Ingredients like tamarind, sesame seeds, red chillies, and asafoetida pop up in a bunch of dishes. Roselle is a staple for curries and pickles. While Telangana loves millet roti, its neighbour Andhra Pradesh prefers rice. Hyderabad, the shared capital, is famous for biryanis. But honestly, Telangana's food has way more hidden gems than most people realise!
Sarva Pindi is a fantastic option if you're looking for a healthy breakfast or snack. It's a savoury pancake made with rice flour, chana dal, peanuts, and chilli, cooked in a deep, round pan. To keep the recipe just right, remember to poke holes in the dough before cooking. Also known as Ginne Appa, it’s a tasty way to cover all the bases of the food pyramid!
Got leftover chapathis? Instead of just reheating them with sabji, why not transform them into something tasty and sweet? Enter Malidalu! It's a delicious treat made by mixing chapathi pieces with jaggery, cashews, pista, and ghee, and then shaping them into small balls. Packed with nutrients and perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth after a meal, Malidalu is a brilliant way to make the most of those leftover chapathis!
Feeling too under the weather to cook or just craving Rasam but too lazy to make it from scratch? Pachi Pulusu is your lifesaver! Unlike Rasam, Pachi Pulusu requires minimal cooking—just a quick tempering of the seasoning. Instead of boiling tamarind, you only need to soak it in lukewarm water. This easy recipe is perfect for when you want something wholesome without the hassle!
Hyderabadi Biryani is basically the crown jewel of Telangana cuisine. Created by the Hyderabadi nawabs, this spicy, flavorful rice dish is famous for its special cooking style. Over time, it’s evolved with two different cooking methods and even has a veggie version. It’s a crowd-pleaser, for sure!
Gutti Vankaya Kura is the star of Telangana’s veggie dishes. This eggplant curry is all about small brinjals stuffed with a tasty mix of onions, ground nuts, spices, and grated coconut. Cooked in a rich tomato puree, it’s a flavorful display of Telangana’s love for plant-based cuisine.
Chegodilu is a must-try tea-time snack that's super addictive. These crunchy, deep-fried treats are packed with toasted sesame seeds, which add a nutty flavour and a touch of mild spice. Once you start munching, it's hard to stop!
Mirchi Bajji is a street food superstar in Telangana. This spicy and tangy snack highlights the region’s love for bold flavors. The star of the show is the “Bhavnagari” or “Banana Pepper” chilli, perfect for stuffing and frying. Coated in flour and filled with a savoury potato mix, this crunchy treat is not to be missed!
Desserts are the cherry on top of any meal, and Qubani ka Meetha is a stellar example of why! This beloved Telangana sweet is all about dried apricots, which are soaked overnight and then blended with spices and other ingredients to create a rich, flavorful treat. It's a standout Hyderabadi dessert often featured at weddings and special occasions, adding that perfect final touch to any feast.
These are some of Telangana’s most iconic dishes that give you a real taste of the region’s flavour-packed cuisine. Whether you’re into tangy rice dishes or spicy snacks, Telangana’s food scene is full of tasty surprises!
