Aurangabad's food scene reflects its Mughal past: the city is famous for its Naan Qalia — tender mutton in a rich yoghurt gravy, served with thick tandoor-baked naan — and for its biryani, which differs from Hyderabadi biryani in being lighter and more fragrant. The old city restaurants near the Mecca Darwaza and Gulmandi area are the place to eat this food; they have been serving essentially the same menu for generations. Paya (slow-cooked trotters in spiced broth) is a popular early-morning dish.
For vegetarian food, the Maharashtrian side of Aurangabad comes through in thali restaurants serving dal baati churma, varan bhaat, and freshly-made jowar rotis. Most hotel restaurants serve a mixed menu. Aurangabad is a predominantly Muslim city in feel, so pork is absent, but mutton and chicken are everywhere.