Telangana Tourism, in collaboration with The Culinary Lounge, has introduced the Telangana Culinary Heritage Walk, a unique experience celebrating the region’s rich food culture. The first edition was held on 22 November 2025, coinciding with World Heritage Week, and took participants on a journey through Hyderabad’s Old City.
The walk was designed for small groups, with only ten participants, allowing for an intimate exploration of the city’s culinary history. Over two and a half hours, participants visited iconic eateries, historic landmarks, and hidden corners, discovering the stories behind Hyderabad’s traditional dishes.
Valluru Kranthi, IAS, Managing Director of Telangana Tourism Development, said the initiative aims to highlight the Deccan’s diverse culinary heritage. “Through these walks, we want people to experience Hyderabad’s unique flavours and understand the cultural diversity behind them,” he said.
The day began at 6:00 AM at Hotel Nayaab, one of the city’s earliest Irani cafés, where participants enjoyed paya and nihari while learning about the café’s history as a gathering place for traders and workers. The group then stopped at Jai Hinglaj Maa Snacks Point for jalebi and kachori, soaking in the early-morning atmosphere of the Old City and the influence of migrant communities on local food traditions.
The walk continued with a stop at the Telangana High Court, where guides shared the building’s history and architectural significance. Participants then moved to Govind Dosa, famous for its crisp dosas and South Indian breakfast items, reflecting Hyderabad’s blend of regional cuisines. Agrawala Sweets offered puri sabzi, rabdi, and traditional sweets, showcasing the Marwari influence on the city’s confectionery culture.
The final stop was Sardar Mahal, a restored heritage building, where Shri Babu Rao of Café Niloufer shared stories about Irani chai, Osmania biscuits, and the city’s chai culture. Guests were served breakfast, including upma, idli, bun maska, and chai, while learning about the social and cultural significance of these foods.
Organisers emphasised that the walk focused on authentic experiences rather than staged moments, giving participants a real insight into Hyderabad’s culinary past and present. Following the success of the inaugural edition, more walks will be organised under the Telangana Culinary Experiential Accelerator.
