There is a saying that the best way to learn about a city is through its food and Hyderabad is one of India’s best places to go on a food adventure. In addition to the famous biryani, Hyderabadi desserts are in a league of their own as well. The city is home to a rich variety of desserts that you cannot get from anywhere else. There is a sense of sophistication and quality to Hyderabadi dessert recipes that you will not find anywhere besides here.
Here are some of the best Hyderabadi desserts that will satisfy your sweet tooth and leave you wanting more.
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Qubani Ka Meetha
Those who love apricots will enjoy this traditional Nizami dessert that is subtly sweet and healthy too. Qubani ka meetha is made with dry apricots and is one of the most important desserts in Hyderabadi weddings. This mouth-watering sweet is a must-have during Hyderabad’s favourite festival, Eid. This dish is enhanced by the crunchy almonds and dry fruits added as toppings. This is undoubtedly a dish that should not be missed.
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Double Ka Meetha
Double-ka-Meetha, a sweet dish made from bread, condensed milk, and dry fruits, gives ordinary bread a new form, look, and taste. The aroma of this dessert, which is nothing short of pure indulgence, is enhanced by a hint of cardamom. Also known as Shahi Tukre, it is a prominent dish in Mughlai cuisine. This dessert has crunchy bread that’s been soaked in milk and tastes great whether it’s served hot or cold.
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Sheer Korma
Sheer korma is a vermicelli pudding commonly served during Eid-ul-Fitr in nearly every household. Vermicelli, ghee, dates and dry fruits make up its heavenly taste. The combination of roasted cashew nuts and raisins makes it a light dessert you won’t mind another serving of. This dessert is worth having at least once in a lifetime.
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Gil-e-Firdaus
Gil-e-Firdaus is an iconic dessert from Hyderabad kitchens that is served at wedding feasts, celebrations, and other gatherings. This dessert is heavenly and melts in the mouth. It is made with sabudana, bottle gourd, khoya, cashew paste and milk. It can be served cool or warm and is traditionally served in earthen bowls, which lend it an earthy flavour. Hence why Gil-e-Firdaus means clay of paradise.
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Falooda
Faluda or Falooda is a rich, milk-based dessert that is refreshing and extremely tasty. This Mughlai dessert is served chilled in tall glasses by layering rose syrup, falooda sev or falooda noodles (vermicelli), soaked sweet basil seeds (sabja seeds), thick and creamy milk, ice cream and dry fruits. Besides being pleasing to the eyes, the layers and colours add an element of texture to every bite that is unlike anything.
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Aab Shola
Aab Shola is a Hyderabadi special summer drink that is prepared with tangy raw green mangoes (kairi), which provide a refreshing taste. It’s quite similar to the North Indian Aam Panna or Aam Jhora, and it’s absolutely delicious. Traditionally, this drink is made in most households during summer to combat the heat. It’s made with the finest raw mangoes available during that season. The drink is best known for preventing and treating heat strokes during the summer months.
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Firni
Firni or Phirni is a classic Indian sweet pudding that is a must-have dessert if you’re in Hyderabad. Usually, it is prepared during the festive seasons, such as during Eid or Ramadan as Iftar recipes. This is a light dessert made with milk pudding and some special flavourings that give it an amazing taste. This dessert is made very easily and is eaten after a heavy meal to satisfy the taste buds.
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Irani Chai
Hyderabad is famous for its Irani chai. The Persians introduced this first and it soon evolved in Hyderabad. Irani chai can be found in the areas surrounding Charminar with a distinct taste. The tea is infused with a variety of spices that give it a unique flavour. The Irani chai is as famous as the biryani, and it is also made using the dum method same as the biryani.
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