Check Out Tollywood Star Naga Chaitanya’s Favourite Eateries In Hyderabad

I was introduced to the magic of Naga Chaitanya by a Tollywood buff friend who had watched each of Chaitanya’s films at least once. As someone who stays miles away from watching a movie or show, I was made to watch “Ye Maaya Chesave,” Chaitanya’s breakthrough film. My fangirling over this superstar began with that.

You are quite wrong if you think Chaitanya is only about breaking the box office with his blockbuster films. The movie star has ventured into the F&B space with Shoyu and Scuzi, two of his cloud kitchens that bring a premium twist to the home delivery space in Hyderabad. 

“I envisioned Shoyu, our Pan-Asian cloud kitchen, when we were ordering a lot during the pandemic. The food I received was soggy, all over the place, and not so appetising. I wanted to change this,” said Chaitanya in an exclusive conversation with OT Eats. The cloud kitchens bring food that is well-plated and kept under controlled temperatures to your doorstep. “I wanted to bring the experience of dining at a restaurant to your home,” added Chaitanya. 

He calls himself a big foodie who makes a restaurant itinerary as soon as he plans a vacation. From street food and comforting South-Indian flavours to global cuisines, he enjoys it all. His weaknesses? Sushi and a well-prepared burger. The lamb burger from Scuzi- his European cloud kitchen is his go-to when craving his beloved burger. 

“Despite being exposed to cuisines from across the world, I still want to return to the comfort of south-Indian flavours,” said Chaitanya, who also recommends six of his go-to spots in Hyderabad. Find it all here, from restaurants serving South-Indian cuisine to must-try street-side shops. 

Street-Side Eateries 

Nayaab 

One of Hyderabad’s favourite breakfast spots, flocked by food lovers as early as 5 am, is Nayaab. Since 1986, Nayaab has stood in the heart of the old city with a view of the Charminar. If you are visiting the city for the first time, be assured that the restaurant will give you the taste of Hyderabad on a plate. Chaitanya’s favourites from the eatery are the authentic and iconic Hyderabadi biryanis. 

Some main course options you shouldn’t miss at Nayaab include their nahari shorba, malai special paya, bheja fry (red chilli and black pepper), and mutton moghlai. If you are a meat eater, your food memory won’t let you forget this meal. Try the fish biryani and the Nayaab special biryani from their biryanis, which all loyalists love. Accompany this spice-heavy meal with a lassi or close it with their iconic qubani malai. 

Address: 22-8-111/12, Nayapul, Chatta Bazaar, Nayapul Road, Charminar, Hyderabad

Price for two: INR 850                    

Nimrah

“There is nothing that comes close to enjoying a piping hot cup of Irani chai at Nimrah,” said Chaitanya. At Nimrah, you get Hyderabad’s most loved chai paired with the most beautiful view of the Charminar. 

Pair your chai with their loved Osmania biscuits or bun maska. The eatery is flocked by loyalists from when it opens at 4:30 am till 11 pm at night. Some other must-tries from their roster include their khari biscuits and mawa cake. 

Address: Charminar Rd, Kotla Alijah, Ghansi Bazaar, Hyderabad, Telangana 500002

Price for two: INR 200 

Restaurants

Telangana Spice Kitchen

On top of Chaitanya’s list is Telangana Spice Kitchen (TSK from now) for traditional South Indian flavours. A compact yet promising menu is also one of the best in the city. Anyone who goes to TSK must try their bheja fry and miriyala mamsam vepudu, which will kickstart your meal with the right amount of spice. For the main course, the Telangana chicken fry with paired rumali roti is a staple order for most TSK loyalists.

Are you even in Hyderabad if you don’t enjoy a hearty portion of Biryani? The restaurant offers a range of biryani and pulao options for you to pick from. The TSK special chicken biryani and mastani kheema pulao are dinner favourites. 

If you are in the mood for some Chinese, they also have you covered. Their classic Schezwan fried rice with prawn manchurian is quite a hit. Pair your meal with a cocktail or mocktail from their beverage menu.

As for desserts, go for the kaddu ka kheer or their special pheni jamun. 

Address: House 8/2/292/82/49/A, Plot 49, Near Andhra Prabha Office, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad

Price for two: INR 2,500

The Spicy Venue

Known for its Biryani and pulao, the Spicy Venue is one of Hyderabad’s most-loved biryani spots. Ulavacharu mutton biryani, avakaya chicken biryani, and natukodi fry pulao are worth trying. Vegetarians can opt for their paneer biryani, which is as good as the non-vegetarian options.

Appam with coconut milk, ragi sankati, and the classic rasam with rice will make for a comforting meal. As a meat-eater, your order will be incomplete without their special boneless chepa vepudu, mamsam iguru, and mango prawn. 

The Spicy Venue is a great pit stop if you are visiting Hyderabad and craving Chinese or Mughlai food. Go for their apricot delight or trifle pudding for a sweet close to your meal.

Address:  Door 8-2-293/82/A/265-S, Road 10, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad

Price for two: INR 1,200 

Cafe Niloufer 

With five outposts across the city, Hyderabad’s Cafe Niloufer is one of the city’s most iconic spots. “Sometimes when shooting outdoors, I cannot stop thinking about their Niloufer special tea, paired with the cloud-like bun maska or dum ka roat. Those are my absolute favourites,” said Chaitanya. 

Along with a wide roster of tea and coffee, Niloufer also offers a wide range of biscuits that are a household favourite in Hyderabad. Some must-tries include the chocochip osmania biscuits, melting moments biscuits, and butter almond cookies. “If you ever happen to come to the city, make sure you pack some for your family and friends,” Chaitanya recommended. 

Address: Multiple locations 

Price for two: INR 500