The vibrant state of Telangana in South India boasts a rich culinary tradition, deeply interwoven with its cultural identity and historical context. Food is an essential part of their cultural life, celebrated with extensive use of local ingredients, traditional methods of preparation, and unique flavours that depict the food patterns and habits of its people.
Telangana’s traditional cuisine is a delightful amalgamation of taste, nutritional balance, and gastronomic indulgence, reflecting the spirit of its people. From hearty meals to exquisite snacks, each dish represents the state’s rich cultural tapestry, full of distinct tastes and a testament to its incredible culinary diversity. In this blog, we’ll take you on a flavourful expedition, exploring some of the unique dishes from the heart of Telangana’s culinary realm.
Which are the best Telangana cuisines everyone must try?
1. Sarva Pindi
Sarva pindi flatbread served with red chutney
Sarva Pindi, also known as Ginne appa, is one of the most iconic dishes in Telangana. It is a savoury Telangana cuisine made from rice flour, chana dal, peanuts, and chillies, making it a deliciously spicy and crunchy snack. As it is cooked in a deep pan, significant holes must be made in the dough mixture to ensure it cooks evenly and retains its texture.
Often consumed as a breakfast staple or as a high-tea snack, the Sarva Pindi savoury pancake is much appreciated for its health benefits because it incorporates all parts of the required diet making it a nutritious option while not compromising on the taste!
Key ingredients and approximate quantities:
- Rice flour: 1 cup
- Chana dal (split Bengal gram): 1/4 cup, soaked and ground
- Peanuts, roasted and ground: 1/4 cup
- Green chilies, chopped: 2-3
- Ginger, grated: 1 teaspoon
- Cumin seeds (jeera), roasted and powdered: 1/2 teaspoon
- Red chilli powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- Turmeric powder: 1/4 teaspoon
- Salt: To taste
- Oil: For frying
2. Golichina Mamsam
Golichina mamsam is ready to be served
Golichina Mamsam is a highly flavourful cuisines of Telangana synonymous with great taste and healthy foods. Made with succulent pieces of mutton seeped in a rich, spicy gravy, this dish speaks volumes about the love for hot and spicy food in the state.
The beautiful mix of local spices gives a robust flavour while slow-cooking accentuates the absorption of these flavours into the meat, thus resulting in a delicacy that is difficult to resist. Traditionally, it is enjoyed with chapatis, hot rice or dosa, which perfectly complements the thick consistency of the mutton curry.
Key ingredients and approximate quantities:
- Mutton: 1 kg, cut into pieces
- Yogurt: 1/2 cup
- Ginger-garlic paste: 1 tablespoon
- Green chilli paste: 1 teaspoon
- Turmeric powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- Red chilli powder: 1 teaspoon
- Coriander powder: 1 teaspoon
- Cumin powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- Garam masala powder: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: To taste
- Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Onion, sliced: 1 large
- Tomato, chopped: 1 large
- Green chilies, slit: 2-3
- Fresh coriander leaves: A handful
- Water: As needed
3. Pachi Pulusu
a bowl of pachhi pulsu ready to be served
An integral part of Telangana cuisine, Pachi Pulusu is an uncooked tamarind soup that is tangy and refreshing. The term ‘Pachi’ translates to raw, indicating that the ingredients are not cooked but only soaked or rested to bring out their innate flavours.
Tamarind, ginger, green chillies, and other spices form the crux of this dish, which is largely enjoyed during the hot summer months. Its simplicity is perhaps its greatest charm, promising a burst of fresh and tangy flavours with every sip.
Key ingredients and approximate quantities:
- Tamarind pulp: 1/2 cup
- Green chillies: 4-5, chopped
- Ginger: 1 inch piece, grated
- Jaggery: 1 tablespoon
- Salt: To taste
- Water: As needed
4. Hyderabadi Biryani
Delicious Hyderabadi Biryani ready to be served with onion and chutney
Hyderabadi Biryani is a culturally important dish of Telangana cuisine, prepared with fragrant basmati rice, tender meat, and a blend of aromatic spices. The slow cooking process on low flame ensures that the flavours are deeply infused into the succulent meat.
This delicacy holds a special place in the hearts of the people of Telangana and is often savoured during celebrations or special occasions. The rich taste of Hyderabadi Biryani is truly a testament to the region’s culinary prowess.
Key ingredients and approximate quantities:
For the Rice:
- Basmati rice: 2 cups
- Ghee: 2 tablespoons
- Cardamom pods: 4-5
- Cloves: 3-4
- Cinnamon stick: 1 inch
- Bay leaf: 1
- Salt: To taste
- Water: As needed
For the Meat:
- Mutton or chicken: 1 kg, cut into pieces
- Yogurt: 1/2 cup
- Ginger-garlic paste: 1 tablespoon
- Green chilli paste: 1 teaspoon
- Turmeric powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- Red chilli powder: 1 teaspoon
- Coriander powder: 1 teaspoon
- Cumin powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- Garam masala powder: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: To taste
- Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Onion, sliced: 1 large
- Tomato, chopped: 1 large
- Green chilies, slit: 2-3
- Fresh coriander leaves: A handful
Also read: 14 Types of Biryani You Need to Taste in Inda
5. Sakinalu
Sakinalu placed on a plate ready to be served
Crispy and delightful, sakinalu is a traditional Telangana food made from rice flour and sesame seeds. These savoury treats are usually served during special occasions and festivals, showcasing the rich culinary heritage of Telangana cuisine.
Prepared by deep-frying a mixture of flavourful ingredients, sakinalu offers a satisfying crunch with every bite. Whether paired with a tangy chutney or enjoyed on their own, these crispy rice snacks are a must-try for anyone looking to experience the authentic flavours of Telangana.
Key ingredients and approximate quantities:
- Rice flour: 1 cup
- Sesame seeds (til): 1/2 cup, roasted
- Cumin seeds (jeera): 1 teaspoon, roasted and powdered
- Red chilli powder: 1 teaspoon
- Turmeric powder: 1/4 teaspoon
- Salt: To taste
- Oil: For deep frying
6. Qubani ka Meetha
Qubani ka meetha is served with rose petals garnishing
Qubani ka Meetha, a popular apricot dessert from Telangana, will surely tantalise your taste buds. This sweet treat is a delightful way to end a meal on a high note. Traditionally prepared with apricots, sugar, and a hint of cardamom powder, Qubani ka Meetha is known for its rich and luscious texture.
The blend of flavours in this dessert is a testament to the culinary expertise of the people of Telangana, making it a must-try for any dessert lover. Enjoy this traditional delight on special occasions or whenever you crave something sweet.
Key ingredients and approximate quantities
- Apricots: 10-12, pitted and halved
- Sugar: 1 cup
- Cardamom powder: 1/4 teaspoon
- Water: As needed
- Ghee: 1 tablespoon (optional for greasing the dish)
- Rose water: A few drops (for garnish)
- Rose petals: A few (for garnish)
7. Polelu
Telangana s sweet flatbread dish Polelu is ready to be served
Polelu is a delectable Indian sweet native to Telangana, particularly favoured during festive occasions like Ganesh Chaturthi. This traditional treat consists of ultra-thin, crispy, and flaky layers of wheat flour dough encasing a rich, sweet filling made from a blend of jaggery, chana dal, cardamom powder, and ghee. Polelu is a beloved delicacy that can be readily found in sweet shops or prepared at home.
Key ingredients and approximate quantities
For the Dough:
- Wheat flour: 2 cups
- Ghee: 1/4 cup
- Water: As needed
For the Filling:
- Chana dal (split Bengal gram): 1/2 cup
- Jaggery: 1 cup, grated
- Cardamom powder: 1/4 teaspoon
- Ghee: 1/4 cup
Final thoughts
The culinary repertoire of Telangana carries the fingerprints of generations that contributed to its evolution. Baked with the rustic flavours of the Deccan region, adorned with the sweetness of jaggery and fruits, or fired up with the heat of native chillies, every cuisine of Telangana comes with a unique tanginess that is a testament to the love for tamarind and pickles among the locals. The dishes represent the authentic Telangana life that is simple, wholesome, and full of heart. No wonder Telangana cuisine is not just food but a way of life for the locals, flavoured by the zest of spices, the love of the land, and the warmth of its people.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is Telangana cuisine different from other Indian cuisines?
Telangana cuisine is known for its bold and distinctive flavours. The broad use of local and seasonal ingredients like tamarind, cumin seeds, sesame seeds, and red chilies set it apart. Rice is predominant in their daily meal compared to millet used in other parts of India.
Is Telangana cuisine known for being spicy?
A part of Telangana’s culinary identity is its love for spicy and tangy dishes. The extensive use of green chillies, red chillies, and other local spices create complex and layered flavours in its cuisine, making it especially popular among spice lovers.
What is the famous cuisine of Telangana?
Hyderabadi Biryani is perhaps the most globally famous dish from Telangana. However, the state’s culinary treasures are wide-ranging, which includes Sarva Pindi, Golichina Mamsam, Pachi Pulusu, Sakinalu, and Qubani Ka Meetha as a testament to its rich culinary diversity.
What is Telangana’s national dish?
While Telangana has numerous culinary delights that reflect its rich cultural background, one dish that significantly stands out is the Hyderabadi Biryani. The fragrant rice dish, layered with succulent meat and aromatic spices, is adored beyond the borders of the region and country.
