In the heart of Hyderabad’s Old City, where the aroma of spices fills the air and the sound of azaan echoes through narrow lanes, a humble biryani shop is creating waves far beyond its familiar neighbourhood. What was once a closely guarded local gem has now gone viral on Instagram, drawing food lovers from across the city—and even the country. This 80-year-old biryani shop, tucked inside a busy bylane near Charminar, is suddenly on everyone’s must-visit list, thanks to its authenticity, history, and the unmatched taste of its slow-cooked Hyderabadi biryani.
A Legacy Built on Flavour
Started in the 1940s by a young cook named Abdul Khader, the shop was initially a tiny cart serving hot rice and spiced meat to workers and traders around the Mecca Masjid area. Over the years, the recipe stayed in the family, passed down from father to son, always cooked in copper deghs over coal fires, and served with hand-pounded mirchi ka salan and tangy raita.
Today, the shop is run by 3rd-generation owner Sameer Bhai, who still uses his grandfather’s handwritten notes for the biryani masala mix. “We don’t use machines, and we never changed the spice blend,” he says, stirring a massive pot of marinated mutton. “The flavour comes from patience and trust in the old methods.”
From Street Corner to Instagram Fame
While the shop has always had loyal local customers, its recent popularity boom started when a Hyderabad-based food blogger posted a 45-second reel showing the behind-the-scenes of the biryani being layered, steamed, and served in banana leaves. Within 24 hours, the reel crossed 500,000 views. The rustic visuals, sizzling sounds, and the old-school atmosphere struck a chord with viewers.
Soon, reels and vlogs flooded Instagram with hashtags like #OldCityBiryani, #HyderabadHiddenGems, and #80YearsOfTaste. People from Hitech City, Jubilee Hills, and even out-of-town visitors made their way to the Old City to try “the viral biryani.” Lines started forming outside the shop as early as 11 AM, and by 2 PM, the pots were empty.
An Unchanged Recipe in a Changing World
What sets this shop apart isn’t just nostalgia—it’s the commitment to authenticity. The rice is aged basmati soaked overnight, the meat is marinated for hours in curd and secret spices, and the dum process is never rushed. There are no shortcuts. The biryani is cooked only twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening, and once it’s sold out, that’s it for the day.
Even the serving style has remained the same. No fancy plates or disposables—just steel bowls and banana leaves. No frills, no air conditioning, no online ordering. Just the rich smell of saffron, tender mutton that falls off the bone, and smoky rice with a hint of burnt bottom crust that locals call “kurchan.”
Locals React to the Viral Attention
The shop’s newfound fame has brought mixed feelings among longtime customers. For Irfan, a mechanic from Shah Ali Banda who’s been eating here for 30 years, the long lines are annoying but understandable. “Pehle yeh sirf hum logon ka spot tha. Ab toh har koi Insta se aake khata hai,” he laughs. “But the taste is still the same. That’s why we keep coming back.”
Some worry that too much attention might change the simplicity of the shop. “We hope they don’t modernize too much or increase the prices,” says Ayesha, a college student from Malakpet. “It’s the affordable price and old-world charm that makes it special.”
A New Generation Embraces the Old
Interestingly, the viral popularity has sparked interest among the younger generation, many of whom are exploring the Old City for the first time. “I’ve lived in Hyderabad all my life but never came to this part of town,” says Rachana, a tech employee who came all the way from Gachibowli. “It felt like time travel. This shop made me fall in love with the city’s food all over again.”
Sameer Bhai’s sons, both in their 20s, are now helping manage the crowds and plan to launch a simple Instagram page to update customers about timings and availability. However, they are clear about not taking the cloud kitchen or franchise route. “This place isn’t about business expansion. It’s about staying true to our roots,” says the younger son, Imran.
Influencers Flock, But the Biryani Speaks for Itself
Food influencers continue to visit the shop, often sharing live tastings, reactions, and chef interviews. Yet what’s surprising is that the popularity hasn’t gone to the owners’ heads. No “influencer only” tables, no paid posts, no freebies. Every visitor waits in line, pays the same price, and gets served in the order they arrive.
That democratic spirit is part of what keeps the shop so grounded. And the food, well, it speaks for itself. Every bite tells a story of time, care, and heritage that can’t be faked or mass-produced.
Beyond Biryani: What Else to Try
While the mutton biryani is the undisputed star, the shop also serves limited portions of chicken biryani, kheema samosas, and a fiery khatti dal with rice in the evenings. On Fridays, they offer special zafrani kheer that sells out within an hour. The focus remains on limited, consistent, and heartfelt cooking.
Tourists, Weddings & Takeaway Chaos
Due to rising demand, the shop has started a limited takeaway system—only if you bring your own container. They refuse to compromise on eco-friendliness and don’t pack in plastic or foil. Wedding caterers from as far as Karimnagar have reached out to place bulk orders, but Sameer politely declines most of them. “Our deghs have a capacity, and we won’t stretch beyond that. Quality will always come first,” he insists.
A Taste of Hyderabad’s Soul
In a time where fusion food, cloud kitchens, and tech-driven dining are taking over, this 80-year-old biryani shop stands as a reminder of what real food culture looks like. It’s not just about going viral—it’s about being real, rooted, and respected.
This shop is not a trend—it’s a tradition. It’s the smell that lingers in the streets of the Old City, the flavour that binds generations, and now, the story that Instagram brought to the world. But for Hyderabadis, this biryani was legendary long before hashtags discovered it.
The story of this 80-year-old biryani shop in the Old City isn’t just about food—it’s about family, tradition, and timeless flavours that defy modern trends. As the shop gains popularity on Instagram and beyond, it remains firmly anchored in its values: honesty, heritage, and hospitality. Hyderabadis old and young continue to flock here, not for a viral experience, but for a bite of something real—something that tastes like home.
