Shah Ghouse Cafe And Restaurant

Don't go looking for ambience in this busy two-storied cafe located in Shalibanda, (now a just-as-popular outlet in Toli chowki too), where the focus is, sans any frills, tucking into some delectable biryani, haleem and Hyderabadi cuisine which has retained its core essence. In fact, during Ramzan the frenzy is such during the 'iftaar' hour, that despite a seating area of about 250 covers inside, there are customers spilling out into the streets, gobbling up the steaming fresh haleem doled out in plastic containers, with the garnish of fried onions, mint leaves and lemon wedges. Other menu bestsellers here include Gurda Bhaji, Khichdi Kheema, Dum ki Biryani, Boti Kebabs, Paya Nihari Paya Zubaan, Chicken Nahari Special, Tandoori Chicken and Sheermal. Biryani is available in chicken, mutton, fish, prawn and vegetable versions.
Like most Indian restaurants in Hyderabad, there are the ubiquitous additions of Chinese, Punjabi and Andhra faves (read Chicken/Veg Manchurian, Chicken Lollypop, Butter Chicken, Apollo Fish, etc), but it's the Hyderabadi fare for which Shah Ghouse is getting increasingly popular. The cafe counters at both outlets open early mornings and serve Hyderabadi-style chai like Dum Ki Chai and Pauna.