Hyderabad’s Paradise biryani brand gears up for global expansion

Paradise, the iconic biryani brand that started as a small café in Secunderabad in 1953, is now among the world’s largest biryani chains

Hyderabad: On the busy and traffic-choked curve in Secunderabad, stands the popular Paradise Hotel, from where the aroma of Hyderabadi biryani wafts, tempting those passing by the route.

But few know that this culinary giant, now one of the world’s largest biryani chains, began humbly in 1953 as a small canteen and café inside the Paradise cinema theatre. By the early 1960s, a modest 100-seater restaurant had begun offering biryani and other local delicacies, alongside general food items.

In those early years, the café served the popular Irani chai, samosas, Osmania biscuits, and snacks to moviegoers. Even when the theatre shut down in 1987, the café refused to fade and continued operations, gradually winning over the city with its authentic Hyderabadi cuisine.

A major turning point came in 1978, when one A Hemati took over the restaurant from his father and uncle. Understanding the changing social trends and evolving food habits of India, he began an extensive restructuring and modernisation.

In 1983, Paradise unveiled its air-cooled, multi-cuisine Paradise Persis Family Restaurant and the immensely popular Paradise Takeaway, marking the brand’s first significant leap. Over the next decade, it expanded vertically and horizontally, offering more seating, improved facilities, and an expanded menu.

The 1996 restructuring cemented Paradise’s reputation as a premium yet accessible dining destination. In 2006, the operations were fully computerised, with continuous technology upgrades ensuring efficiency and consistency.

The next phase of growth came in 2016, when a professional management team was appointed to drive an aggressive expansion plan. Led by industry veterans, Paradise spread beyond Hyderabad into Bengaluru, Chennai, Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, and Gurugram, all while reinforcing its stronghold in Telangana.

Robinder Singh, COO of Paradise Food Court, adds, “Today, we have expanded to multiple locations across India, being flag bearers of authentic Hyderabadi biryani. We plan to take this Hyderabadi pride to the entire world.”

Paradise earned numerous awards, including the Restaurant Serving The Best Biryani title at the Asia Food Congress, the Golden Spoon Award at the India Food Forum (2018), and the Pride of Telangana award. The Limca Book of Records recognised it for serving the most biryanis in a year, over 70 lakh in 2017, and a staggering 90 lakh in 2018.