India's love affair with Chinese cuisine goes back centuries. It all started when the nomadic Hakka travellers settled down in Tangra, Kolkata. Over the decades, Indians have adapted Chinese fare with gusto and shaped it into something the brilliant Indo-Chinese fare that we are all accustomed to. Our pick of top 10 Chinese restaurants in Hyderabad contains a mix of old and new across all budget ranges.
If you are looking for Asian food, it is difficult to do better than dining at the Mekong. The Mekong by Marigold Hotel strikes the right balance between quality, quantity, and value. Its repertoire boasts of close to a hundred and fifty dishes selected from all the 6 countries that the Mekong river flows through as well as neighbouring regions. Highlights from the Chinese spread include Peking Duck, Dry Chilli Chicken, Shrimp and Water Chestnut Crystal Dim Sum, and King Crab in Sichuan Sauce.
Chef Li from the legendary China House at Grand Hyatt Mumbai recently unveiled a new Chinese menu at Rika showcasing all-time favourites such as Schezwan Style Poached Chicken and Steamed Fish in a fragrant Black Bean Sauce. While you are here, do not forget to take a look at the cocktail selection by mixologist Roxanne Read.
Golden Dragon at Taj Krishna is upscale and refined but earnest and wholesome. It is known for serving a mix of fiery Sichuan and comforting Cantonese cuisines. The dishes are refined yet earnest and uncomplicated. Try the Chilli Mountain Chicken, Beggars Chicken, 5 Hour Oriental Spiced Pork Belly, and Ho Fan Noodles.
There is a lot to unpack at Zega - Sheraton Hyderabad's youthful restaurant and lounge. It effortlessly oscillates between quiet lunches, vivacious dinners, and late-night weekend afterparties. The menu features tons of Japanese and South East Asian. However, if you are in the mood for Chinese, all you should be looking at is the Woks & Curries and the Tangra section. Tai Pai Chicken, Chilli Chicken, XO Rice, and Yang Chow Fried Rice are the best dishes here.
Whether you are looking for time tested fare like Chilli Chicken and Seafood in a Hot Pot or more recent introductions such as Edamame and Truffle Oil Dumplings and Japanese Wheat Noodles, Mainland China would not disappoint. The upscale ambience and attentive service round off the experience. Both outlets offer a cocktail and liquor menu.
China Bistro, a part of the Mumbai based FoodLink group, is popular for its lavish and attractively priced lunch buffet. Out of the 2 outlets, the Jubilee Hills one boasts of a better ambience. However, the food is identical in both. China Bistro specialises in distinctive Indo-Chinese inspired creations. If you are going a la carte, do not miss out on the exquisite Dim Sum, Bao, and Cheung Fun (Rice Noodle Rolls). The drinks selection includes several interesting mocktails and cocktails.
Ming's Court is a no-frills, old school Chinese restaurant from one of Hyderabad's most loved F&B brands. In keeping with the times, the menu now features a bit of Pan Asian. However, the usual order here is the old favourites like Drums of Heaven, Cantonese Fried Noodles, and Bamboo Rice. Settle in for a hearty and wholesome meal. Ming's also has an alcohol license and the usual Ohri's liquor menu is available.
Wholesome Chinese food, bountiful portions, and courteous staff. These are the 3 things that make Chinese Pavilion tick. Try the Chimney Soup, Chicken Wrapped in Banana Leaf, and Chinese Pavilion Noodles.
Run by a family from Kolkata, Kim Fung is popular for serving lip-smacking Chinese at extremely pocket-friendly prices. Signatures here are the Lemon Chilli Soup, Earthquake, Jade Rice, and Soya Chilli Wine Noodles. However, the dining area is small and cramped, and there is almost always a long queue.
The original Nanking Chinese Restaurant at Park Lane has been enthralling generations of Hyderabadis with its simple and addictive Chinese fare. The Chicken Drumsticks, Bhutan Chicken, and CBM Noodles (Chicken, Bamboo Shoot, and Mushroom) are some of the most ordered dishes here. It is also amongst the rare casual dine Oriental restaurants to cater to Porkaholics. There is close to a dozen options for the pork lovers, but it is the Onion Pork and the Pork Chow (Noodles) that the regulars swear by.
Pallab De is a techie who arrived in Hyderabad towards the beginning of the decade and fell in love with the city’s vibrant and rich culinary legacy. He has been blogging for over a decade and a half, and, shares his food-related musings under the moniker of ‘Hyderabad Food Guy’.
