Al-Saba Restaurant — Restaurant in Hyderabad

As a non-Hyderabadi living in Hyderabad for around three years now, Al Saba has been my first recommendation for its affordable mandi and haleem, topped by the tea. But two specific incidents this year from two different branches of Al Saba totally changed this. Today, we visited the Gachibowli Al Saba and ordered an alfaham mandi. The chicken piece was visibly burnt black. The more burnt part was put upside down when served. As we brought it into notice and asked the supplier to change the chicken piece, he was denying it and said that alfaham is like this, totally discrediting us. He seemed more keen to instruct us that this is how alfaham is made as if we are having it for the first time in our life. When we insisted, he took away the chicken piece and brought back one after some time. This time the piece seemed like the same old one, just that the skin was removed and some gravy was added on it. We identified from the bone-end part that it is most probably the same piece. We again told the supplier about the issue. He behaved rudely with us. When we said that we don't want alfaham chicken and asked him to give us normal chicken, he said it cannot be returned and that we will have to pay even if we don't eat because the order cannot be cancelled. This supplier was talking dismissively and egoistically with us, evidently because we were three women without a male member; he would not have probably behaved in this manner to male customers. He angrily left our cabin. We then spoke with another supplier who was ready to replace the alfaham chicken with fried chicken. As we waited another 15-20 minutes with a plate of mandi in front if us, the fried chicken pieces arrived, but the joy of food had already been taken away from us. Thus Al Saba quickly moved downwards in all of our recommendation lists. I would like to add to this, the harrowing online stalking experience faced by myself and my friend from another supplier at Al Saba Tolichowki, after paying online. Since the first few attempts to pay online took a day to process, we had to contact the person to get back the money credited thrice. He paid back only after multiple calls and calls to his superior, and after that, started stalking both my friend and me through texting on GPay, WhatsApp and calling on phone. This continued for months and we had to shout at him and finally block the number. It is quite unfortunate that one of my favourite food spots in Hyderabad gave me, as a woman, these distressing...

We had an unfortunate experience stopping at Al Saba Restaurant for lunch. From the moment we arrived, the atmosphere was unwelcoming, especially for women. The restaurant was filled exclusively with men drinking tea and smoking, which made it uncomfortable for any female visitors. To make things worse, the staff seemed to stare at women in a way that was unsettling, as if they had never seen women before.

Ambience & Comfort

The ambience was far from pleasant. The restaurant has an AC hall, but they have placed the exhaust facing the non-AC section. As a result, all the heat from the AC unit is directed into the non-AC area, making it unbearable, especially in summer. Instead of providing a comfortable dining experience, it felt like they were making customers suffer in the heat.

Food Quality & Quantity

The food was another major letdown. We ordered biryani, but it was one of the worst we’ve had. The serving cup looked big, but it was deceiving—there was very little biryani inside. It felt like the restaurant was intentionally trying to trick customers by using oversized containers to make the portions seem larger than they actually were.

Parking & Crowd

One peculiar thing we noticed was the number of cars parked outside. At first, it seemed like the restaurant was bustling with customers, but once inside, it was clear that the crowd didn’t match the number of parked vehicles. It made us wonder if the parking situation was intentionally misleading or if the cars belonged to people visiting other places nearby.

Final Verdict

Overall, Al Saba Restaurant was a huge disappointment. From the uncomfortable environment to the poor food quality and the unbearable heat in the dining area, there was nothing worth recommending. If you’re looking for a good place to eat, especially with family, this is definitely not the...

I recently visited Al Saba Hyderabadi Restaurant, and my experience was truly memorable. This establishment, known for its rich legacy and authentic cuisine, lived up to its reputation.

Firstly, the ambiance of Al Saba is steeped in history. The restaurant has an old-world charm that transports you back to the days of traditional Hyderabad. The decor is simple yet nostalgic, with vintage photographs and classic furniture that reflect its long-standing presence in the city.

The highlight of my visit was undoubtedly the food. Each dish was a testament to the rich and diverse flavors of Hyderabadi cuisine. The biryani, a staple, was perfectly cooked with aromatic basmati rice, tender meat, and a blend of spices that were just right. The depth of flavor in the biryani was impressive, making it clear why this place has been a favorite for so many years.

I also tried the Hyderabadi dum ka murgh and the mirchi ka salan. The dum ka murgh was succulent and marinated to perfection, with a creamy and spicy gravy that paired wonderfully with naan. The mirchi ka salan was a pleasant surprise with its tangy and slightly spicy taste, showcasing the complexity of Hyderabadi cuisine.

The service was efficient and friendly. Despite the restaurant being quite busy, the staff managed to attend to our needs promptly and courteously. They were knowledgeable about the menu and offered great recommendations.

In terms of cleanliness and maintenance, the restaurant was well-kept, considering its age. It retained its vintage charm without compromising on hygiene, which is commendable.

Overall, Al Saba Hyderabadi Restaurant is a must-visit for anyone looking to indulge in rich and authentic Hyderabadi flavors. The combination of historical ambiance, excellent food, and good service makes it a standout dining destination...