The best breakfast spot in Hyderabad is at ‘Idli Bandis’. Bandis are essentially small carts on the street that sell food. Most of them start selling piping hot idlis as early as 5:30 a.m. and go on till the afternoon. Be it residents or tourists, you’re bound to find these places bustling with activity. If you haven’t already, try these spots around Hyderabad, to savour a finger-licking breakfast.
Ram ki Bandi, MJ Market, Hitech City, and multiple outlets
Starting in 1989 as a tiffin bandi, it soon gained popularity for its service in the wee hours. Commonly referred to as a midnight idli bandi, Ram Ki Bandi is now known for its piping hot idlis and made-to-order dosas. They pioneered creating fusion South Indian breakfast, bringing cheese dosa, pizza dosa, paneer dosa, etc to Hyderabad. With over 13 outlets all over the city, it is one of the most cherished bandis in Hyderabad.
Timings: 5:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Address: 5-3-933, Sabir building, New paradise lodge, next to Karachi Bakery, Begum Bazar, Afzal Gunj, Hyderabad, Telangana
Laxman Ki Bandi, Nampally
Nestled in Old City, you’ll be sure to find a swarm of people at this bandi every morning, getting breakfast after their morning walks. Their bright green chutney sets them apart from other bandis and the butter idli and masala dosa are a must-try here. The bandi can make up to 10-15 dosas at a time- all customised as per the customer’s request. You might find yourself waiting in a queue to get your hands on the appetizing idli or dosa but it’ll be worth the wait.
Timings: 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.
Address: 14-2-335, Mangalhat Rd, Gyan Bagh Colony, Goshamahal, Nampally, Hyderabad, Telangana
Royal Tiffin Centre, Abids, Madhapur, and multiple outlets
Starting as a single bandi in the old city, this place has expanded to multiple locations. The secret to their success lies in their dual chutneys - coconut and peanut that complement each other very well - served with hot idlis and dosas. Royal Tiffin Centre has an array of fusion dosas ranging from Cheese Dosa to Pasta Dosa, Manchurian Dosa, Schezwan Dosa, and Chocolate Dosa. As bewildering as the combination may sound, it does bring out the best of South Indian fusion food.
Timings: 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Address: 4/1/896, Tilak Rd, Hanuman Tekdi, Abids, Hyderabad, Telangana
Pragathi Tiffin Centre, Koti
Situated next to Pragathi College, this tiffin centre was popularly called Pragati ki idli by college students and has since taken up the name. Known for the thin chutney that accompanies its hot idlis perfectly, there is a separate bandi for dosas. Do try their idli with their made-in-house karampodi (spicy powder). Make sure you go early because they get sold out pretty fast.
Timings: 6:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Address: H V S Road, Hanuman Tekdi, KS Ln, Near Pargati College, Koti, Hyderabad, Telangana
Lingaiah Tiffin Centre, Mallepally
Serving idlis for 50 years now, Lingaiah is one of the oldest tiffin centres in town. It is known as ‘Lal Chutney’ for its unique and spicy chutney. It is a small set-up on the main road with visitors standing surrounding the place with their plates of hot idlis. Idli Vada is their bestselling dish.
Timings: 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Address: 12-1-1134, Old Mallepally, Asif Nagar, Hyderabad, Telangana
Govind ki Bandi
35 years ago, Mr Govind first started selling idli and dosa on the streets of Old City. Today it is one of the busiest and most well-known bandis in Hyderabad. Located in one of the bustling streets around Charminar, its proximity makes it a favourite breakfast spot with locals. The famous Govind dosa is made with a thin layer of upma, followed by handmade spice powders (karampodi) and a dollop of butter. When visiting, you can spot the owner Mr Govind making and serving dosas himself.
Timings: 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Address: Veer Hanuman Complex, Hira Moti Complex, Char Kaman, Ghansi Bazaar, Hyderabad, Telangana
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Ram Bharose Bhandar, Narayanguda, and multiple outlets
Bhattad ki Idli as it is commonly known is another busy breakfast bandi in Hyderabad. The idlis are fully covered with dallops of their smooth peanut chutney and melt with the first bite. Running for 21 years now, it has built a team of 60 skilled folks who produce consistent idlis every day.
Timings: 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Address: Hari Vihar Colony, Bhawani Nagar, Narayanguda, Hyderabad, Telangana
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Rahul Tiffins, Banjara Hills
A relatively new idli spot that was the first to open in Banjara Hills, it serves idli, dosa, vada, Mysore bhajji and upma. Their location is at the centre of residences and attracts a lot of footfall. Their Schezwan dosa is spicy, tangy, and a flavourful treat to the palate.
Timings: 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Address: CC7H+7H2, Road No. 12, Kaushik Society, MLA Colony, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, Telangana
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Gopal Idly Point, Afzal Gunj
This joint serves the tiniest idlis in town, called Babajis Button Idlis because of its small size. It is a routine breakfast for many residing in that area, and has been running for 3 generations now and still retains the same charm. It is also known for its liquid upma, a dish made from semolina and unlike its usual consistency, at Gopal Idly Point, the upma is as thin as water. It is a bit expensive compared to other joints as the small idli is priced at INR 5 for one and is sold by the piece and not by plate.
Timings: 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Address: 15-7-525/3, Malakunta Road, Afzal Gunj, Hyderabad, Telangana
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Krupa Mess and Tiffins, Abids
Krupa Tiffins is known as a midnight idli bandi spot. Being located in a vast residential area, it quickly gained popularity for being open in the wee hours and serving hot idlis and dosas. There are plenty of dosa varieties available on the menu that include Palak Dosa, Corn Dosa, Paneer Dosa and Kaju Special Dosa. The most unique item is the Pani Puri Dosa which is a recommended dish to order when at Krupa Tiffins.
Timings: 6:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Address: 5-4-37, JN Road, Old Kattal Mandi, Abids, Hyderabad, Telangana
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Mahima Agarwal
Right from when I can remember, exploring the world through its vegetarian food has always made me happy. I am taking this passion forward by stepping into the world of food writing and creating strategies to market StayEatSee.
