Hyderabadi Zaiqa

It’s tiny, it’s in a basement, and it’s as casual as it gets. But don’t underestimate Hyderabadi Zaiqa. This Hell’s Kitchen spot makes fluffy, fragrant goat dum biryani that’s easily one of the best in the city. Pair your biryani—which comes in 14 other varieties—with creamy bagara baingan and chicken 65 dripping in bright red chili sauce. For a place with roughly 15 seats, the menu here is surprisingly extensive, but it isn’t limited to Hyderabadi cuisine. There are also lots of Punjabi dishes, as well as a few Indian-Chinese and coastal South Indian options. Everything costs less than $20, so bring a group for an overachieving weeknight meal, and make sure there’s at least one biryani on your table.

photo credit: Hyderabadi Zaiqa