One last Hyderabadi Irani chai before T1 departure
Between Gate 13 and Gate 03 in T1, Cafe Niloufer runs a 24x7 counter focused on packed food and quick chai. This is the airport version of the city favorite that locals associate with Irani chai and Osmania biscuits, so it’s where people grab “real Hyderabad” snacks before boarding. Expect slightly higher prices than the city outlets, but still within normal airport range for tea and biscuit boxes.
The packed options matter here: you’ll see tins and boxes of Osmania and other biscuits stacked for carry-on, and many flyers buy multiple boxes before domestic and international flights. A lot of Hyderabad regulars treat this as backup if they forgot to stock up in town, then grab an extra box or two while waiting near Gate 13. A standard order is a cup of Irani chai plus one biscuit pack, then a couple of larger gift boxes to go.
Watch out for peak-hour crowds, especially late-night international banks and morning departures from T1, when the small counter size slows service and the chai line can stall for 10–15 minutes. Reviews consistently say the taste matches city branches, but mention that “airport premium” on pricing. If you need more than three or four boxes, locals suggest doing the main shopping in the city and using this outlet only for top-ups.
Tip: if your gate is near 03, walk to this counter first, buy biscuits and chai in one run, then head back so you’re not fighting the queue when boarding starts.