Hotel Shadab

I recently visited Hotel Shahdab and ordered one chicken biryani and one vegetable biryani. I must honestly say that the taste was absolutely fabulous. Both biryanis were rich in flavor, well-cooked, and very satisfying. The quantity was also more than enough to fill the stomach, making it good value for money. The only downside was the waiting time, as we had to wait around one and a half hours for the order to arrive. However, once the food was served and we tasted it, we felt that the delicious taste made the long wait completely worth it. Another positive point is the affordable price. The total bill was only ₹550, which is reasonable considering the quality, taste, and quantity of food provided. Overall, despite the long waiting time, Hotel Shahdab offers very tasty biryani, good quantity, and fair pricing, making it a worthwhile place to visit for biryani lovers.

Hotel Shadab is one of the well-known spots in the city, especially famous for its biryani and traditional dishes. However, my recent experience was quite average. The food taste was decent but nothing exceptional, and the quality of ingredients needs improvement. During peak hours, the place becomes fully crowded, making it difficult to find comfortable seating. The non-AC dining hall is not recommended for groups due to poor ventilation and a congested atmosphere. Hygiene levels were very poor and require immediate attention. The overall cleaning and housekeeping maintenance need serious improvement to create a better dining environment. On the positive side, the staff members were helpful and quick in responding to requests, which is appreciated. With better cleanliness, improved ingredients, and proper maintenance, the restaurant could significantly enhance the overall customer experience.

The newly opened section on the third floor is far better than the rest — more breathable, with a noticeably better ambiance and respectful service, unlike the rather arrogant attitude experienced on the other floors. The biryani was good, but honestly, it feels like the taste has degraded over the years and doesn’t quite match its old reputation. The paya was average and nothing exceptional. This place has always carried a lot of hype, and I truly wish they bring back the original, rich biryani flavor that made it famous and maintain consistent quality across all floors.

Finally visiting Hotel Shadab felt less like a simple meal and more like the culmination of a lifelong culinary pilgrimage. Being from Delhi, I have spent years enjoying rich Mughlai flavors, but the specific, storied essence of authentic Hyderabadi cuisine always seemed just out of reach. Today was the day that years of waiting and intense anticipation finally met reality, and I can say with absolute certainty that the experience was rewarding in every sense of the word. ​There is a profound soul to this place that only a legacy built over decades can provide. Walking into the bustling and unpretentious atmosphere near the iconic Charminar, you immediately feel the energy of a kitchen that has mastered its craft. The air is thick with the aroma of spices that have been part of the city's fabric for generations, creating an environment that feels both historic and welcoming. ​The food itself is a masterclass in balance and tradition. The Mutton Dum Biryani lived up to every bit of its reputation, featuring fragrant rice and meat so tender it fell off the bone. Pairing it with their legendary Haleem and a side of Chicken Majestic provided a flavor profile that I simply haven't found anywhere else in the country. ​Ending the meal with the classic Qurbani Ka Meetha and a hot cup of Irani Chai was the perfect final note to a historic dining experience. If you are a food lover visiting Hyderabad, this is not just a restaurant but a landmark you must experience. The wait was long, both over the years and at the door today, but every bite made it worth the journey.

Shahdab Biryani truly lives up to its reputation! Every visit here is a treat for the taste buds. The biryani is rich, aromatic, perfectly spiced, and cooked to absolute perfection — exactly what authentic Hyderabadi biryani should taste like. The mutton and chicken are tender, juicy, and full of flavor, and the masala is beautifully balanced, not overpowering yet deeply satisfying. The mirchi ka salan and raita complement the biryani perfectly, making the entire meal complete and memorable. Despite being extremely busy, the service is quick and well-managed, and the staff is polite and efficient. The atmosphere carries that old-city Hyderabadi charm, which adds to the overall experience. If you truly want to enjoy original Hyderabadi dum biryani, Shahdab is a must-visit place. Highly recommended for food lovers and anyone visiting Hyderabad. Simply outstanding! 😍🍽️

Old Hyderabad We were in charminar area and Old city cravings led straight to Shadab Hotel tonight... Started with their iconic Haleem – rich, slow-cooked, silky and packed with that deep meaty flavour… every spoon felt like pure Ramadan nostalgia. Absolute comfort in a bowl! Then came the star of the evening – Pathar Ka Gosht... Juicy n perfectly spiced… that char from the stone grilling just hits differently. Tender, flavourful and totally worth it! And then… the Seekh Kebab.. Honestly, a bit average. Decent spice but missing that juiciness and punch you expect after such strong starters. Overall – haleem & pathar ka gosht totally stole the show… some hits, some misses. #HyderabadEats #OldCityDiaries #FoodieStories

Hotel Shadab, located near the iconic Charminar, is truly one of Hyderabad’s culinary legends. It’s one of those rare places that has managed to maintain the same incredible taste for years, and every visit feels like revisiting a piece of the city’s food history. The absolute highlight here is their Mutton Biryani, it is nothing short of fantastic. Rich, aromatic, perfectly spiced, and loaded with tender pieces of mutton, it’s the kind of biryani that reminds you why Hyderabadi biryani is world famous. What makes it even more special is the consistency, the taste has remained unchanged over the years, which is very rare for such an old and popular restaurant. Their Tandoori Chicken is another standout, juicy, smoky, and full of flavor. Pair it with their Dal Fry and Tandoori Roti, and you have a simple yet extremely satisfying meal. We’ve also tried dishes like Apollo Fish and Majestic Chicken, and honestly, everything on the menu has been consistently delicious. Being one of the oldest and most famous restaurants in Hyderabad, Shadab has now expanded with new sections and seating areas, which is a brilliant addition. It makes the dining experience more comfortable, especially during peak hours when the place is always packed. The service is decent but can definitely be improved. It’s usually very busy, so things can feel a bit rushed at times, but given the crowd and popularity, it’s understandable. Overall, Hotel Shadab is not just a restaurant, it’s an institution. A must visit for anyone in Hyderabad, especially near Charminar. Incredible food, legendary biryani, rich history, and flavors that never disappoint. Truly a place you fall in love with again and again.

Great place always. No matter when you go you will have to wait for your turn and its always busy specially in the AC section. Had mutton ghee roast was very delicious then hand murgh sholay which were equally good and finally the mutton biryani which was awesome. Must try dishes. Will repeat the same Inshallah in the next visit. I rate Haleem of shadab as number one in the month of Ramzan.