Hyderabad, Sept. 16 -- Popcorn is usually treated as an afterthought, a mindless movie-theatre crunch or a basic microwave snack. In Hyderabad, however, a single local shop has turned this humble grain into a full-blown culinary trend. Pop King, a small street-front store in King Koti, has gained widespread attention for turning popcorn into a destination food, drawing visitors from Bangalore and Mumbai, and even international travellers from Canada and the US.

30 years of gourmet popcorn

Operating since 1996, Pop King spent over two decades as a quiet, local neighbourhood staple. While traditional movie theatres relied strictly on basic butter and cheese seasonings, Pop King quietly carved out its niche by experimenting with unconventi...