"Hyderabadi Zaiqa’s biryani ranks in the 99th percentile of all rice dishes in the city. We’re partial to the dum biryani with tender chunks of goat, but this tiny basement spot also serves 14 other varieties, ranging from paneer to gongura chicken. Come with a group, and split an order or two, with some bagara baingan and saucy chicken 65 on the side. There are a few other Hyderabadi dishes here, although, despite the name, the menu is all over the place in terms of regional inspiration. If you’re looking for Punjabi or coastal South Indian food, you can get that too." - bryan kim, willa moore, neha talreja, hannah albertine, will hartman