Food & Shopping

Food & Shopping

Vijayawada is a food lover’s paradise, known for its spicy Andhra cuisine, aromatic biryanis, fresh seafood, and delicious sweets. From street food to fine dining, the city offers a diverse range of flavors that cater to all palates. If you're visiting Vijayawada, here are the must-try dishes, best restaurants, and local specialties you shouldn’t miss!

1. Signature Dishes of Vijayawada

 Andhra Chicken Biryani

• Vijayawada’s spicy and flavorful biryani is cooked with seared chicken, ghee, and aromatic spices.
• Often served with raita, mirchi ka salan, and boiled egg.
   Where to Try?:
  • RR Durbar – Famous for spicy biryani.
  • New Jaya Durga Hotel – Authentic Andhra-style biryani.

 Pulihora (Tamarind Rice)

• A traditional Andhra dish made with tamarind, curry leaves, mustard seeds, and peanuts.
• A favorite temple offering (prasadam) at Kanaka Durga Temple.
   Where to Try?:
  • Sri Anjaneya Vilas – Traditional South Indian meals.
  • Subbayya Gari Hotel – Andhra thali with Pulihora.

 Guntur Chilli Chicken

• A spicy chicken dish made using fiery Guntur chillies.
• Perfect for those who love bold and hot flavors.
   Where to Try?:
  • Zaiqa Restaurant – Best for spicy Andhra cuisine.
  • Babai Hotel – Offers a unique twist on this dish.

 Royyala Vepudu (Prawn Fry)

• A delicious prawn dish, deep-fried with spices, curry leaves, and garlic.
• Best enjoyed with rice and dal or as a starter.
   Where to Try?:
  • Bawarchi Restaurant – Famous for Andhra seafood.
  • Sweet Magic – Best for non-veg Andhra meals.

 Karam Dosa

• A special Vijayawada-style dosa filled with spicy karam (chilli paste), onions, and ghee.
• Served with coconut chutney and sambar.
   Where to Try?:
  • Babai Hotel – One of the oldest dosa joints.
  • Minerva Grand – Famous for Andhra breakfast items.

 Ulava Charu (Horse Gram Soup)

• A traditional Andhra soup made with horse gram, tamarind, and spices.
• Served with ghee rice or idiyappam (string hoppers).
   Where to Try?:
  • Subbayya Gari Hotel – Famous for Andhra meals.
  • Sri Anjaneya Vilas – Best for traditional soups.

2. Famous Street Food in Vijayawada

 Manda Pindi Dosa (Green Gram Dosa)

• A healthy and protein-rich dosa, crispy on the outside and soft inside.
   Where to Try?:
  • Gandhi Nagar Food Stalls

 Mirchi Bajji

• A deep-fried green chilli fritter, stuffed with masala and onions.
   Where to Try?:
  • Besant Road Street Market

 Cut Mirchi

• A chopped and refried version of Mirchi Bajji, served with chutneys and masala.
   Where to Try?:
  • Jagadamba Food Court

 Punugulu (Crispy Lentil Fritters)

• Deep-fried, crispy snacks made from dosa batter, served with coconut chutney.
   Where to Try?:
  • Ajanta Snacks Corner

3. Traditional Andhra Meals

If you want a full Andhra-style meal, try an Andhra thali, which includes:
✅ Pappu (Dal), Pulihora (Tamarind Rice), Vankaya Fry (Brinjal), Avakaya (Mango Pickle), Ulava Charu (Soup), and Curd Rice.

 Best Places for Andhra Thali:

• Subbayya Gari Hotel – Unlimited thali meals.
• Sri Anjaneya Vilas – Authentic Andhra meals.
• Hotel Nalaas Aappakadai – South Indian variety meals.

4. Sweets & Desserts

 Pootharekulu

• A traditional paper-thin Andhra sweet, made with jaggery, sugar, and ghee.
   Where to Try?:
  • Sweet Magic – Most famous for Andhra sweets.

 Bobbatlu (Puran Poli)

• A sweet flatbread made with chana dal, jaggery, and ghee.
   Where to Try?:
  • Sri Ramayya Mess

 Bandar Laddu

• A soft, melt-in-the-mouth laddu made with gram flour and jaggery.
   Where to Try?:
  • Vellanki Foods

5. Cafés & Modern Food Places

Vijayawada also has a growing café culture with modern dining options.

 Best Cafés & Bakeries:

• Cafe Coffee Day (CCD) – Good for coffee lovers.
• The Chocolate Room – Best for hot chocolate & waffles.
• Cake Basket – Famous for pastries and birthday cakes.

 Best International Restaurants:

• Zaiqa Restaurant – Best for North Indian and Mughlai cuisine.
• Barbeque Nation – Great for buffet & grilled dishes.
• TFL (The Food Lounge) – Best for Italian & Continental.

6. Best Food Markets & Places to Eat

• Besant Road – Best for street food.
• MG Road – For high-end restaurants & cafes.
• Gandhi Nagar – Famous for fast food & dosa stalls.

7. Budget vs. Luxury Dining in Vijayawada

Vijayawada is a must-visit destination for food lovers. From spicy Andhra biryanis to delicious sweets and unique street foods, the city offers a memorable culinary experience for every traveler.