Dietary choices and food-related practices are influenced by cultural, religious and social factors. The present study aimed to assess dietary choices, nutrition beliefs and food-related practices among Hindu and Muslim women aged 18–35 years and examine the association between religion and selected dietary choices. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 100 women, comprising 50 Hindu and 50 Muslim participants, from selected communities of Telangana. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). Descriptive statistics and Chi-square test were used, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Non-vegetarian dietary practices were predominant, with 2–3 times weekly consumption being the most commonly reported pattern. Nutrition beliefs and cultural food practices were commonly observed, while fasting practices differed according to religious traditions. Religion was not significantly associated with type of diet or frequency of non-vegetarian food consumption (p =0.064). However, significant associations were observed between religion and foods usually avoided (p = 0.001) and reasons for food avoidance (p = 0.003). The findings suggest that religious and cultural factors have a greater influence on specific food-avoidance practices than on overall dietary patterns.