Potatoes, food colour and other biryani myths
What Hyderabadi biryani does and does not contain, and why some popular ideas about it are wrong.
Your first visit to Shahi Degh: what to expect
Deg times, the wait, seating and how the kebab counter works, so your first meal here goes smoothly.
Our dining room on Raj Bhavan Road is small and busy, and it works a little differently from most restaurants. Knowing how helps. We cook two degs a day, and the doors open when the deg does. Lunch starts at 12.30 pm and dinner at 7.30 pm. The first 20 minutes after each opening are the busiest, because regulars come for the first scoop. If you want a quiet table, come at 1.30 pm or after 9 pm on weekdays. On Friday and Sunday evenings expect a wait of 20 to 30 minutes.
There are 48 seats on two floors. Families usually take the first floor, which is quieter. We do not take table reservations, except for groups of eight or more, booked a day ahead.
The kebab counter fires up at 6 pm. Order seekh, boti and tikka at the counter and they come to your table while you wait for the biryani, or ask for a platter for four at ₹1,150. Biryani portions are served with mirchi ka salan and burani raita, and you can ask for extra of either free.
When the deg is finished, we stop serving biryani for that session, even if the room is still full. Most nights mutton runs out first, around 10.30 pm. If you are coming late, call ahead and we will keep a portion aside for up to 30 minutes. Payment is by card, UPI or cash.
