Food guide
Andhra Meals in Hyderabad: How a Banana-Leaf Lunch Works
Rice, dal, a fry, a curry, rasam, curd and a spread of pickles and podis, refilled until you say stop.
By Prakash Naidu ยท Updated 14 September 2025
The order of a meal
Start with rice, ghee and podi, a spiced lentil powder. Then dal, then the curries and fry, then rasam, and finish with curd and rice. Pickles go with everything.
Refills
Servers walk the room with buckets and refill anything that runs low. Fold your leaf towards you, or place your hand over it, when you have had enough.
What to pay
An unlimited vegetarian meal costs roughly Rs 200 to Rs 350 at most meals restaurants. Non-vegetarian extras are ordered separately.
Heat
Andhra food is spicy. Ask for less podi and more curd if you are not used to it.
For something milder, try a vegetarian thali.
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