All about Hyderabad’s special Irani Chai and tea-riffic spots to swing by for a cup

For most locals in Hyderabad, few things are as special as Irani Chai — the perfect conclusion to a meal, accompaniment to a conversation, or even the purpose of an evening stroll. This, especially when paired with buttery Osmania biscuits. Here’s all about the fragrant tea and where you can find it.

During the reign of Mir Osman Ali Khan — the last Nizam of Hyderabad — migrants from Iran brought with them their passion for tea. Soon enough, they’d set up several establishments across the city — old-school, laidback, and ideal for leisurely conversations over cups of tea. An assortment of authentic snacks — Osmania Biscuits, Samosas, the works — were later added to the menu as an accompaniment to it all.

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Today, several swanky spaces dot the city — offering ‘gram worthy ambiance and experimental concoctions. However, locals continue to frequent vintage restaurants— with culinary enthusiasts setting up food walks and other initiatives to preserve the culture. Of these, some of the more iconic promise perfectly sweetened sips, nostalgic ambiance, or even jaw-dropping views. All at wallet-friendly prices. We take a look at Hydeabad’s Irani chai, — from recipes to restaurants to hit up.

How is Irani Chai made?

Traditionally, tea leaves are steeped in a separate container with water. Alongside, milk is reduced in a separate container, being stirred often. Once the latter has condensed to at least half its earlier volume — it’s taken off the heat. Before serving, a generous helping of this is topped with the black tea concoction. Traditionally, it’s served in a white ceramic cup and saucer with Osmania or other local biscuits. Considering this process takes hours, several establishments turn to pre-made condensed milk for their creations. However, the most iconic spots stick to the script.

Best places in Hyderabad for a sip of authentic, local-special Irani chai

Grand Hotel

A personal favorite for Irani chai: the iconic Grand Hotel in Abids. pic.twitter.com/pvjW6LcGHI

— Karam Komireddy (@KaramKomi) March 24, 2022

This 90-year-old establishment — one of the first and most popular biryani spots in town — is almost always bustling. The menu offers Mutton Biryani, Badami Mutton, Chicken Biryani, Hyderabadi Dikhush, Badami Mutton, Dilpasand, the works. These pair deliciously with the Irani Chai — perfectly sweetened and made the traditional way by boiling milk for a long time.

Address: Plot 4-1-395, Opposite Big Bazaar, Abids

Cafe Niloufer

I’m usually not a tea person but fell in ❤️ with the Hyderabadi Irani chai in Cafe Niloufer. I’m actually happy it’s not there in BLR or Amsterdam. I would have been addicted to this tea. #tea #chai #iranichai #Hyderabad pic.twitter.com/EHwrpjJcNw

— Srujan Vishwanath (@iam_srujan) April 7, 2023

A local go-to for breakfast — this establishment has been around since 1978. Many wake up in the wee hours of the morning for a bite of creamy-sweet milk cream (malai) and sugar with freshly-baked bread (bun) here. The Irani staple often runs out as early as 6:00 am, post which buttery-salty bun maska is offered instead. These — along with Osmania biscuits — are best enjoyed with several cups of Irani Chai. Here generous portions of reduced, condensed milk that’s cooked in several batches are fused with strong black tea to create the most aromatic, delicious concoction.

Address: V.P, 11-5-422/C/B, Red Hills Rd, Lakdikapul

Nimrah Cafe

Didn’t realize it’s #InternationalTeaDay today !

Heres my entry, a hot cup of Irani Chai at Nimrah Cafe with freshly baked biscuits at Charminar is a bliss.

What’s your favorite tea spot in your city?#InternationalTeaDay2020 #Hyderabad #Foodie pic.twitter.com/qvLPETbS9J

— Atulmaharaj (@Atulmaharaj) December 15, 2020

In the business of serving up the most delicious tea and biscuits since 1993 — this iconic spot boasts a front-row seat to the stunning visuals of Charminar. Influencers, chefs, and restaurateurs have dined here — each raving about the melt-in-the-mouth Osmania biscuits and flavourful Irani Chai, both made fresh every day. The milk is cooked separately from the black tea. The payoff? A bold sip that’s creamy and sweet.

Address: 9F6F+CPR, Charminar Rd, Kotla Alijah, Ghansi Bazaar

Blue Sea Tea and Snacks

Blue sea ki chai.

Have any favorite Irani chai places in #Hyderabad? pic.twitter.com/IHA8cQ6UtD

— Arvind Ramachander 🐾 (@arvindia4u) May 2, 2019

Another frequented Irani destination in the city — Blue Sea first opened in 1989. Today, it holds the reputation for being one of the best tea spots in the city. “We buy over 80 liters of milk, sometimes more. We begin at 5.30 a.m in the morning and wind up at about 11.30 p.m,” second generation owner Ali Asgar told The Hindu, adding that prices had gone up from 60 paise to INR 10 per cup. The Irani chai is strong, creamy, and perfectly sweetened — an ideal accompaniment to egg puffs, samosa, pastries and jam rolls. The Dil Khush and Dil Pasand are a must try as well.

Address: Regimental Bazaar, Shivaji Nagar, Secunderabad

Cafe Bahar

Irani Chai (milky sweet in white ceramic cup) w Osmania biscoot (Rs. 3 only, flaky savoury) at Cafe Bahar #Hyderabad pic.twitter.com/svbjOfzg4C

— Saransh Goila (@SaranshGoila) November 28, 2015

Rounding out this list is a space that was first opened in 1973 by Iranian immigrants. Back then, it spealised in tea and coffee — with the menu later adding Irani samosas, Bheja Fry, Mutton Tikka Masala, Cream Buns, and Osmania Biscuits to the mix. The tea, made the traditional way, is as authentic as it gets — flavourful, indulgent, and fragrant.

Address: Old MLA Quarters Rd, Avanti Nagar, Himayatnagar

All images: Courtesy Brands/Shutterstock

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

– Which tea is famous in Hyderabad?

Hyderabad is known for its special Irani Chai.

– What is the price of Irani tea in Hyderabad?

Depending on the cafe, Irani tea is priced anywhere between INR 20-60.

– What is Irani chai made of?

Irani chai is made of loose tea leaf, milk, and sugar. At times, condensed milk and cream are used.

– Why is it called Irani chai?

Irani chai was brought to India (and Hyderabad by extension) by Iranian immigrants, hence the name.