During our visit to Shah House Restaurant, we sampled a variety of dishes that left us with mixed feelings. We started with the Mutton Rogan Josh paired with Butter Naan. Priced at ₹300, the Mutton Rogan Josh was quite flavorful, with a good balance of spices. However, it was excessively oily, which detracted from the overall experience. The Butter Naan, on the other hand, was delightful. Served nice and hot, it complemented the curry well and at ₹35 each, they were reasonably priced.
Next, we tried the Mutton Biryani, which cost ₹260. The portion size was ample for two people. The taste, however, was fairly average, and the mutton pieces were disappointingly small. It wasn’t a standout dish, but it was satisfying enough for a basic meal. The biryani didn’t leave a lasting impression, but it filled us up adequately.
The Irani Chai was the highlight of our meal. Priced at ₹25, it was served hot in a small disposable glass. The tea was refreshing and had a rich, authentic taste that justified its price. It was, without a doubt, the best item we had during our visit. We would definitely recommend trying this, as it stood out among the other offerings.
Unfortunately, the Lemon Soda, priced at ₹70, was underwhelming. The lemon flavor was very faint, making it taste more like a bland soda rather than a tangy, refreshing drink. Given its high cost, it did not offer good value for money and was a disappointment compared to the other items we tried.
Cleanliness at Shah House Restaurant left much to be desired. Tables were not cleaned promptly, which affected the overall dining experience. The ground floor appeared to be the cleanest area, while the family areas on other floors were relatively better maintained but still not up to par. This lack of cleanliness was a significant downside and impacted our overall impression of the restaurant.
The ambience was not particularly conducive to a relaxed meal. The restaurant was quite noisy, which detracted from the dining experience. Despite this, the restaurant seemed to attract customers primarily for the taste of its food rather than its environment. The noise levels made it difficult to enjoy our meal fully, and the overall atmosphere felt more chaotic than pleasant.
Service was one of the most disappointing aspects of our visit. There were noticeable delays in taking orders, and the follow-up was inadequate. The staff often seemed unresponsive, and it was apparent that they lacked proper training. This was frustrating not only for us but also for other patrons around us. Several customers appeared to be annoyed by the poor service, and the staff’s habit of directly asking for tips was off-putting. This level of service significantly detracted from the overall dining experience and left a negative impression.
The restaurant does offer parking space for two-wheelers, but the management of this area was subpar. The staff would rotate bikes and scooters on their side stands without asking if they could unlock them to arrange the parking slots better. This handling felt careless, and they also expected tips for this service. Additionally, the presence of beggars around the parking area was uncomfortable and added to the overall dissatisfaction with the parking situation.
While Shah House Restaurant serves some tasty dishes like the Mutton Rogan Josh and an excellent Irani Chai, it falls short in several key areas. The overall cleanliness, quality of service, and parking management need significant improvement. The noisy ambience and the indifferent attitude of the staff mar the dining experience. Despite the flavorful food, these shortcomings make it hard to fully enjoy a meal here.
In conclusion, Shah House Restaurant has the potential to offer a much better dining experience. We hope the management takes steps to address these issues, as there is potential for a much better dining experience that could make Shah House Restaurant a standout...
Read moreShah Ghouse at Toli Chowki is a legendary dining spot in Hyderabad, renowned for its authentic Hyderabadi flavors and traditional dishes. It is a hub for food lovers, drawing crowds at all times of the day. Whether you’re looking for a place to dine in or prefer a takeaway, Shah Ghouse offers a memorable culinary experience.
On my recent visit, I decided to go for takeaway and ordered their signature Nalli Nihari, accompanied by Paya and freshly baked Naan. As expected, the Nalli Nihari was rich, flavorful, and cooked to perfection, with tender meat that melted in the mouth. The Sherwa (gravy) was aromatic and delicious, but I did find it slightly overpowering due to the generous use of black pepper, making it quite spicy for my palate. If you enjoy a strong kick of spice, this would be perfect for you.
The Paya, on the other hand, was a delightful addition to the meal, offering a creamy and hearty texture that complemented the Nihari beautifully. The naan, soft and fresh, was the perfect vehicle for soaking up the flavorful gravies. Together, these dishes made for a hearty and satisfying dinner for my family of five.
The pricing at Shah Ghouse is another highlight. Despite ordering a lavish meal, the total bill came to around ₹900-₹1000, which is quite reasonable considering the quality and quantity of the food. However, one thing to note is that the restaurant is almost always crowded. If you plan to dine in, be prepared for some waiting time. For those who prefer convenience, takeaway is a great option, and the service is efficient even during busy hours.
In conclusion, Shah Ghouse lives up to its reputation as one of Hyderabad's most popular eateries. Whether you're craving their world-famous Biryani, Mandi, or dishes like Nalli Nihari, this place is sure to leave you satisfied. It’s a must-visit for anyone who wants to indulge in the true essence of Hyderabadi cuisine. Highly...
Read moreOn Thursday night, October 2, 2025, around midnight, I visited Shah Ghouse’s Tolichowki outlet and encountered significant service shortcomings that marred the experience. The table allocation was notably disorganized, with larger tables consistently assigned to groups of just 2-3 patrons, while others, including myself, endured waits exceeding 20 minutes despite visible empty tables. This inconsistent policy suggested a lack of clear management oversight, leaving customers frustrated and questioning the fairness of the seating process. The overall service felt lackluster, with staff appearing disengaged, which significantly detracted from what could have been an enjoyable dining experience.
The place and ambience at Tolichowki are a step above the Gachibowli outlet, boasting a more refined atmosphere with thoughtful seating arrangements that create a welcoming vibe. However, the cleaning staff’s efforts fell short, as tables and surrounding areas showed noticeable signs of neglect, such as crumbs and smudges, which undermined the otherwise appealing setting.
Despite these service and upkeep issues, the food was a redeeming factor. The menu offerings were delicious, with the biryani standing out as exceptional, its rich flavors and perfect spice balance showcasing the kitchen’s culinary expertise.
However, a troubling incident occurred while observing a tea order. A customer was rudely denied small glasses for their takeaway tea, served inconveniently in a foil pouch. This impractical setup made it unclear how one could consume the tea without spilling, highlighting further service lapses. Management must address these operational and service issues to elevate customer...
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