Nayaab: A Hyderabadi Breakfast Fit for a Monsoon Morning
Hyderabad during the monsoon is a magical experience. And what better way to start a rainy day than with a legendary breakfast at Nayaab? This iconic restaurant, established in 1986, is a true institution, and their breakfast spread is a must-try for any visitor to the city.
A Symphony of Flavors The Nayaab breakfast is a symphony of bold flavors and textures. The star of the show is undoubtedly the paya. The slow-cooked trotters are melt-in-your-mouth tender, swimming in a rich and flavorful broth. We opted for both the classic paya soup and the decadent malai paya where the broth is enriched with creamy goodness. Both were phenomenal, perfectly accompanied by the soft and buttery naan and the melt-in-your-mouth sweetness of sheermal.
For the adventurous eaters, Nayaab offers a taste of Hyderabadi offal. We tried the bheja fry and gurda fry. Both were surprisingly delicious, cooked to perfection with a delightful balance of spices.
Our culinary journey continued with the mutton keema, a fragrant and flavorful minced lamb dish. We tried with the paper-thin roomali roti, it was a perfect combination of textures and tastes.
A Tea Fit for Royalty No Hyderabadi breakfast is complete without a cup of their famous irani kesar chai. Nayaab prepares their tea in a unique way, using an age-old vessel that creates an incredibly frothy concoction. The strong, milky tea, was the perfect way to end our culinary adventure.
A Touch of Hospitality The highlight of our breakfast experience was meeting the owner, whose father established Nayaab in 1986. He is the second generation carrying forward this legacy, and his passion for his family's restaurant was evident. We had a delightful conversation about the history of Nayaab and the secrets behind their legendary dishes.
A Special Treat As a token of his appreciation, the owner surprised us with a special treat – a parcel of their signature dum ka keema infused with zaffran (saffron). We tried it later, and it was a revelation. The delicate aroma and flavor of saffron elevated the already delicious keema to another level.
A Must-Visit for Foodies
Nayaab's breakfast is an experience that goes beyond just food. It's a taste of Hyderabadi culture and tradition, served with exceptional hospitality. Whether you're a seasoned foodie or simply looking for a unique and delicious breakfast experience, Nayaab is a must-visit on your next trip to Hyderabad, especially during the...
Read moreWhen a close friend, Aamir from Bangalore—who has already explored the likes of Pista House, Paradise, Shadab, Shah Ghouse, and Meridian—asked me where they could truly taste the soul of Hyderabad, I didn’t have to think twice. The answer was simple: Nayab Hotel. While Hyderabad is packed with amazing biryani joints, Nayab offers more than just biryani—it’s a gateway to authentic Hyderabadi cuisine. Established in 1986 and located near the iconic Charminar in the heart of the Old City, Nayab Hotel is a window to culinary heritage. Walking into Nayab is like stepping into a time capsule. The first thing you notice is the massive vessel of Paya Soup at the entrance. The air is filled with the aroma of freshly cooked biryani, the sizzle of Bheja Fry on the stove, and the lively chatter of diners. It’s chaotic yet magical—a sensory overload in the best way possible. What We Ordered The menu offers a dizzying array of options, but Aamir settled on the Mutton Fry with Rumali Roti and Biryani. The Biryani: This isn’t just a dish—it’s an experience. The fragrant layers of perfectly cooked rice, tender meat, and aromatic spices come together in perfect harmony. It wasjuicy, and the flavors were bursting. Mutton Fry: "Mutton Fry: Though the meat was slightly dry, it was packed with rich, bold flavors. It's best enjoyed as a snack, as it might not be the ideal accompaniment to roti.
Pro Tip: Pair your meal with a chilled Campa Cola for that nostalgic, old-school vibe. Though I’m a vegetarian, this is a firsthand account from Aamir, who couldn’t stop raving about the food. Don’t Skip Dessert The meal isn’t complete without a serving of their iconic Qubani ka Meetha. This luscious apricot dessert is sweet, tangy, and the perfect way to wrap up your dining experience. Also For early birds, Nayab is a breakfast haven. From the creamy Malai Paya Soup to the hearty Keema Rotis, and the comforting Khichdi with Kati Dal, every bite is a flavor bomb. It’s the kind of breakfast that stays with you for hours—both in taste and satisfaction. Things to Keep in Mind Crowds: It’s always packed, but the staff manages the rush with efficiency. Parking: There’s none. Either take a cab or be prepared for a parking hunt amidst the Old City’s chaos. Nayab Hotel is more than just a place to eat; it’s an experience that immerses you in the essence of Hyderabad. Highly recommended for anyone looking to explore the city’s rich...
Read moreI visited Hotel Nayaab recently to try their famous Hyderabadi breakfast and non-veg dishes. Here’s what stood out, both good and the not-so-good:
👍 What works well
Authentic flavour Many dishes retain that real Old City, Hyderabadi taste. Items like Mutton Paya, Beja Fry, Keema with Khichdi, Malai Paya, and Irani Chai are often singled out for being rich, satisfying, and true to tradition.
Great for early morning / breakfast If you go early (starting around 4-5 AM), the food shines: fresh, flavoursome, and hearty. For people who want a “proper non-veg Hyderabadi breakfast,” this place delivers.
Variety & meat focus Non-vegetarian lovers have lots to choose from: biryanis, paya, organ meats like bheja, gurda, etc. There’s something for those who like richer, heavier meat dishes.
Value for many For a lot of people, price vs flavour is acceptable. Some visitors feel the cost is reasonable for what you’re getting, especially for specialty items like paya.
👎 What could be better
Hygiene concerns Several reviews mention hygiene isn’t always great: dirty plates or crockery, some unclean things in the environment. This seems to be a recurring issue.
Inconsistent dish quality Some dishes that are famous don’t always live up to expectations. For example, Malai Paya has been called excellent by many, but others find it thin or over-spiced / lacking depth. The Sheermal sometimes is noted as tough, not soft as expected. Biryani, in some instances, was mentioned as less flavourful or with too much masala.
Service & billing issues A few people say the service can be indifferent, and there’ve been complaints about bills being incorrect or items being added without clarity.
Crowds & parking Because it’s popular, especially in early morning and breakfast hours, that leads to crowding. Parking is limited, and sitting in the AC/family section can be hard to get.
✅ Overall impression
Hotel Nayaab is a good pick if you're after bold, traditional non-veg Hyderabadi fare in a no-frills setting. If your priorities are purely flavour, authenticity, and richness, it will likely satisfy. But if you want polished ambience, perfect consistency, or pristine hygiene, you might notice its shortcomings. I'd say it’s worth going at least once, especially for dishes people rave about (paya, biryani, etc.), but go in with moderate expectations on service /...
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