Hyderabad has a cuilinary history of 400 years. Hyderabad is famous for its hot and spicy cuisine along with its rich cultural heritage. Hyderabadi cuisine is inspired by the Mughlai cuisine. Hyderabad is never complete without the mention of the Shahi Dastarkhan. The Dastarkhan is the Dining place where the food is served and eaten. It is normally a low chowki for the dining table and cotton mattresses for squatting and bolsters for the back rest. The Dastarkhan holds a place of reverence in every household

The traditional delicacies of Hyderabad are mouthwatering having a liberal use of exotic spices. The Hyderabadi cuisine features key flavors of coconut, tamarind, peanuts and sesame seeds. The Hyderabadi food uses fresh fruit instead of dried fruits. Hyderabad is known for its dum-style cooking : the practice of sealing the pot or dish and gently simmering its ingredients over a slow fire, thereby increasing the absorption of aromatic spices

The cuisine of Hyderabad is famous for its non-vegetarian preparations. These dishes have a royal touch, prepared with exotic spices and seasoning. The various types of Biryanis are the major attraction of this cuisine. Biryani is a rice dish made from a mixture of spices, basmati rice, meat/vegetables and yogurt. Another popular non-vegetarian dish is Kababs, made from ground meat and spices, which include Boti Jhammi, Kalmi, Shikampur, Sheek kabab, Doyee ke Kebab and  kakori kebabs. Other specialties inclide Oasmani Murg Qorma, Paneer Aur Ananas Ka Qorma, Amras Ki Murg Boti and Chogra, pathar ka gosht, dum ki raan.  Kormas is a another dish made from meat or vegetables cooked in a creamy gravy.  Lukhmi is famous  pastry. Nahari, another dish is made from lamb trotters. The Hyderabadi cuisine also includes many vegetarians dishes. Bagara Baingan, a rich spicy dish made from brinjals in a spicy gravy and Mirch-ka-salan made from  chillies in a creamy gravy. Hussaini tamatar qoot is Rumali Roti which is an Indian bread.. Hyderabadi sweet dishes include Sheer Korma made from thin vericellini, dried fruits and dates and Qubani-ka-Meetha, made from apricot. The breads include sheermal or lukhmi. While lukhmi is a famous  pastry.