Pista House — Restaurant in Hyderabad

Your trip to Hyderabad cannot be completed without trying the biryani. So when I visited Hyderabad I searched for top places to have biryani and one name was almost on all the list which was Pista House. So I had to try it.

There are many pista house in Hyderabad but we decided to go to this one. So we entered and the ground floor is for bakery items and for dining you have to go to the first floor. I loved the ambiance and the vibes the place had. While we entered the 7-8 staff members were getting lectures from a senior staff member maybe a pep talk.

We ordered azad kebab, chicken salad, zaffrani mutton biryani, and double ka meetha in the dessert. We received azad kebab and it was presented in tricolor which looked great. The taste was good but I liked the white kebab more. Next, we had a chicken salad which was basically chicken and lots of capsicum & some mayonnaise. And finally, we received our zaffarani biryani. The waiter was holding the utensil from the bottom without any cloth in between and knew that the biryani is not served hot. And I was right it was cold biryani. The table next to us received their biryani after 10mins and they scolded the staff twice for the same mistake. Later the manager came and served them another biryani. The taste was also okayish nothing extraordinary.

I was really having high expectations from this place the biryani served to me was very disappointing. I couldn't believe this is the same place that has made the top biryani place in Hyderabad. I don't understand what makes this popular place because being the top-rated Restaurant and missing this basic etiquette is a shame.

Instead of making good ambiance and giving your staff 1 hour of a daily pep talk, they should focus on basic etiquette. I had given the feedback from the link I received in the bill message.

The next day I received a call regarding the feedback which hardly any Restaurant does in the first place so I think they somewhat care about the people having a bad experience. The person on the phone told me to visit again to get a better experience but I already left Hyderabad. Even if I was in Hyderabad I wouldn't go there unless the place gives me some discount or takes a guarantee.

What happened has happened and no one can change it and I am giving the rating on the first experience I had at this place.

Price: 2 stars Food: 1 star Ambiance: 3 stars Service: 2...

Pista House, an iconic culinary establishment in Hyderabad, India, stands as a testament to the rich heritage of Hyderabadi cuisine. Established in 1997, this eatery has become synonymous with one dish in particular—the mouthwatering Haleem. Its inception was humble, starting as a small bakery, but its commitment to quality and authenticity quickly propelled it to fame. Pista House's Haleem is a labor of love, a slow-cooked, savory stew comprising wheat, barley, meat, and an assortment of spices, simmered for hours to achieve a rich, creamy texture and an exquisite blend of flavors.

Beyond its renowned Haleem, Pista House offers an extensive menu featuring an array of Hyderabadi specialties. From flavorful biryanis crafted with fragrant rice and perfectly marinated meats to delectable kebabs cooked to perfection in traditional tandoors, every dish is a celebration of Hyderabad's culinary traditions.

What sets Pista House apart is its unwavering commitment to quality ingredients and time-honored cooking techniques. The use of authentic spices, combined with skilled craftsmanship, ensures that each dish embodies the essence of Hyderabadi cuisine.

Over the years, Pista House has expanded its footprint, establishing multiple outlets across Hyderabad and beyond, catering to the growing demand for its delectable offerings. Despite its growth, the establishment has retained its commitment to excellence, consistently delivering dishes that captivate the senses and leave a lasting impression.

Moreover, beyond its culinary delights, Pista House takes pride in its dedication to community service. Through various initiatives, including charity drives and support for the underprivileged, the establishment embodies a spirit of giving back, endearing itself not just for its food but also for its philanthropic endeavors.

Pista House has become more than just a restaurant—it's a cultural symbol, a place where tradition meets innovation, and where every bite tells a story of Hyderabad's vibrant culinary legacy. Its commitment to preserving and sharing the authentic flavours of the region continues to make it a cherished destination for food enthusiasts and tourists seeking an unforgettable taste...

Bring your own water bottle or be served in a plastic cup.

Just like in every restaurant we were asked cold or normal water - we replied normal.

We were given a Smartwater bottle that costs 55/- + Gst for 750 ml (Not even 1L).

We asked if they had any other option like Bisleri or Kinley, they didn't. So, we said give us regular water because we didn't want Smartwater which is quite expensive.

But, the waiter said he can't take it back as he already ordered - we were surprised and tried to explain that we don't want the entire order cancelled only remove the bottle as it was not even opened. We are okay with food being costly because it takes good ingredients, effort and skill to make quality food so we are okay paying extra for good food But, 80/- per litre of drinking water, no way. We don't water that's extra smart we jut want drinkable water that's purified. I would get 20L bisleri premium can for 80/-.

"I don't mind them selling costlier options of water but it shouldn't be forced on a customer by making it the only option."

He said no ther customer ever complained and it's expensive because it's smart water.

He insisted that we keep the bottle, which we found quite rude but still patiently explained to him that Smartwater is unnecessarily expensive and we are not okay paying the price.

After a bit of argument, he agreed to provide regular water as they don't have other bottled water options.

Then they gave us two plastic disposable cups and served regular water.

This was really unexpected for restaurant that's charging high price for food and ambience.

Water in plastic cups like a roadside eatery. I wouldn't mind drinking in plastic cups if I wasn't being charged such high price tag - just two starters costed us around 800/-.

I think the smartwater is just giving higher margin on bottles so the restaurant is being greedy and cheap to extort a few extra bucks from cutsomers on water.

I hope thy change this attitude and provide cutomer with other mineral water options like Bisleri or Kinley as well at reasonable price. Or atleast provide drinking water in clean glasses not...