Do you serve authentic regional Indian dishes?

Absolutely. It is the cornerstone of our reputation. Our highly skilled chefs are trained in traditional, time-honoured cooking methods, utilising only the finest fresh ingredients and vibrant spices to authentically recreate classic regional flavours.

Where are you located?

We are situated at: 212-214 Ifield Drive West Sussex RH11 0DQ Easily accessible, we are proud to provide an exceptional fine dining experience to guests from across the South East..

Discover the Rich Heritage of Authentic Hyderabadi Cuisine

A Journey Through Royal Flavours

As a leading fine dining destination encompassing the diverse culinary regions of India, our expert chefs at Zari are passionate about the delicate, royal flavours of Hyderabadi cuisine. Whether you are already familiar with this magnificent regional variety or are eager to explore its rich heritage, our curated list of must-try dishes is the perfect guide. Read on to navigate your way through this truly spectacular culinary tradition.

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The Origins of Hyderabadi Cuisine

Traditional Hyderabadi food stems from the opulent legacy of Mughlai, South Asian, Arabic, and Turkish culinary arts. This unique blend relies on specific, carefully sourced ingredients and slow-cooking techniques, beautifully enriched by sub-influences from surrounding Indian territories.

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Authentic Hyderabadi spiced prawn dish served at Zari Indian Restaurant, Crawley.

Must-Try Iconic Dishes

Explore Our Favourites

The finest way to understand the complexity and depth of this royal cuisine is to taste it firsthand.

Allow us to showcase our favourite, meticulously prepared Hyderabadi courses that you simply must experience

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Rich red Hyderabadi curry garnished with tomatoes at Zari Restaurant in Crawley.

1. Hyderabadi Haleem

A Slow-Cooked Masterpiece

Haleem is the perfect introduction to the region’s flavour profile, brilliantly capturing multiple complex tasting notes in a single bowl. Traditionally slow-cooked in one pot, this hearty, savoury dish blends wheat, lentils, and premium meat into a rich, comforting delicacy.

The Art of Slow Cooking

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The true magic of Haleem lies in the traditional slow-cooking method, allowing the vibrant spices and ingredients ample time to meld together into a beautifully harmonious flavour.

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Spicy Mirchi Ka Salan green chilli curry served at Zari Indian Restaurant, Crawley.

2. Mirchi Ka Salan

A Fiery Accompaniment

While often served alongside aromatic rice dishes, Mirchi Ka Salan stands beautifully on its own. This bold, fiery dish features vibrant green chillies gently simmered in a rich, nutty, and tangy sesame and peanut curry sauce.

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Traditional slow-cooked Hyderabadi Haleem meat and lentil porridge at Zari Crawley.

3. Hyderabadi Dum

The Crown Jewel

Perhaps the most famous export of the region, authentic Hyderabadi Dum Biryani involves marinating tender meat in signature regional spices before slow-cooking it sealed beneath a layer of fragrant basmati rice. It is a stunning, aromatic centrepiece perfect for sharing.

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Authentic slow-cooked Hyderabadi chicken curry at Zari Restaurant, Crawley.

4. Tahari

Mutton & Rice

Fresh and tangy, Tahari is a rich tomato and lemon rice dish with mutton as the meat. Served best with a heaped tablespoon of fresh yoghurt, this meal is sweet, spicy, and sour in all the best possible ways.

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Crispy onion bhajis with a fresh side salad and chutney at Zari Restaurant in Crawley.

5. Tala hua Gosht

Garam Masala Mutton

Mutton is a highly prized meat in traditional South Asian cooking due to its robust depth. In Tala Hua Gosht, the meat is pan-fried with a rich blend of spices, including authentic garam masala, delivering a gorgeously spicy and smoky flavour profile.

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White wine poured for a dining guest enjoying curry at Zari Indian Restaurant, Crawley.

6. Mint-Infused Biryani Variations

Minty

Certain regional variations of Hyderabadi Biryani elevate the classic dish with generous handfuls of fresh mint and coriander. These versions often carry a significantly sharper heat, expertly balanced by the cooling herbs and abundant green chillies.

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Elegant fine dining table setup with white linens and wine glasses at Zari Crawley.

7. Rumali Roti

The Perfect Accompaniment

Translating literally to ‘handkerchief bread’, Roomali Roti is an incredibly thin, delicate flatbread cooked over an inverted griddle. Its soft, pliable texture makes it the absolute perfect accompaniment for scooping up rich, slow-cooked Hyderabadi curries.

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A trio of colorful garnished cocktails on the bar counter at Zari Restaurant, Crawley.

8. Dosa

Dessert

While traditionally rooted in South India, the beloved Dosa—a wonderfully thin, crisp crepe crafted from fermented rice and lentil batter—pairs exceptionally well with the region’s rich, deeply spiced curries and fresh chutneys.

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Gourmet samosas served with fresh salad and poured chutney at Zari Restaurant in Crawley.

9. Faluda

Ice Cream Dessert

Faluda is a treat for all of the senses if you are a sweet lover! This famous Ice cream dessert is topped with vermicelli noodles, jelly, rose syrup, and sabja seeds and mixed with milk. Making for a fragrant and light dish, this is loved by people of all ages.

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Sweet Faluda ice cream dessert with rose syrup and vermicelli noodles at Zari.

10. Qubani Ka Meetha

Apricots & Almonds

Another popular sweet option is Qubani Ka Meetha, made from dried apricots, sugar, and almonds and finished with lime juice for a sour hit. Stewed down, this dish is beautifully sweet and can be eaten alone or with other items.

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A bowl of creamy yellow lentil dal garnished with fresh mint at Zari Restaurant Crawley.

Why You Should Experience Hyderabadi Cuisine

Hyderabadi cooking stands out for its masterful, complex layering of spices and premium ingredients. When executed authentically by skilled chefs, these regional recipes hit every single tasting note on the palate—flawlessly balancing spicy, sour, sweet, and savoury elements.

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Experience True Culinary Heritage

Are you ready to explore the majestic flavours of traditional Hyderabadi cooking? At Zari, our expert team proudly serves a stunning array of authentic regional dishes. Book your table with us today to experience the pinnacle of West Sussex fine dining.

Overhead view of an Indian thali platter with various curries and a samosa at Zari.

A Feast for the Senses

We are certain that the prospect of these vibrant, slow-cooked delicacies has captured your imagination. Exploring regional Indian cuisine is a wonderful way to expand your palate, and we warmly invite you to begin that culinary journey in our beautiful dining room.

For an unforgettable taste of authenticity, reserve your table at Zari or enjoy our premium takeaway service

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Tender meat with golden creamy curry bowl at Zari Indian restaurant in Crawley.

Authentic Hyderabadi Cuisine Frequently Asked Questions

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Do you serve authentic regional Indian dishes?

Absolutely. It is the cornerstone of our reputation. Our highly skilled chefs are trained in traditional, time-honoured cooking methods, utilising only the finest fresh ingredients and vibrant spices to authentically recreate classic regional flavours.
Where are you located?

We are situated at:
212-214 Ifield Drive
West Sussex
RH11 0DQ
Easily accessible, we are proud to provide an exceptional fine dining experience to guests from across the South East..