I want to have biryani

When we have our business associates coming to Hyderabad for meetings, they normally have an open mind for all business issues except that when it comes to lunch, they just want to have the 'renowned Hyderabadi biryani'. Except that there's a problem. The fact is that there is no 'one' hyderabadi biryani.

People would say Paradise biryani is the best. But frankly, I personally think it's over-rated. Having eaten chicken biryani there, I can vouch that chicken can be better cooked. If you are a vegetarian, don't even try the veg biryani at Paradise - you are likely to find bones in it. And the restaurant staff won't even think it is a problem - "chhota haddi hai saab" is what you are likely to hear. But Paradise is legendary (despite the fact that I hate the place) and its tales of fame continues to grow. Try going for dinner to Paradise on a weekend!

Hyderabad House is a good stop for biryani. The meat is far better cooked and is tastier than the food you would get at Paradise. What started out as a simple take away place now has a sitting area too. It is possibly one of the few places where take away food is given on weight.

My favourite is a place called "The Hub" near the Punjagutta circle. I thought they made the best biryanis in town - the people I took there vouch for the taste of The Hub. My parcel comes from there once in a while even though I haven't been there for some time now - the place itself is too dark for my comfort but the food makes up for it.

Yes, Hyderabad is famous for its biryani but which biryani are you talking about? What perception you take home after your visit to Hyderabad will entirely depend on where you get that biryani from.