Hey Foodies! Time for something new? Why not fly to Hyderabad?
Does somebody needs reason to try Hyderabadi food? I guess not. However let me give you some.
Hyderabad, a city heavily influenced by the Nizam rule, is home to some scrumptious Hyderabadi delicacies, which could make any food lover drool in seconds. Those who love food travel, would name Hyderabad as one of their favourites. The juicy Boti Kebabs, the Keema Samosas, the Malai Korma and last but never the least, the famous Hyderabadi Biriyani, all of it keeps the city of Hyderabad ready to surprise and satisfy every food lover’s taste buds.
Set off to Hyderabad, a food heaven, for many travellers who fell in love with its rich cuisine. Prepare yourselves and get ready to eat till your belly cries out loud.
Here are my 5 picks I loved during my visit in Hyderabad-
- Hyderabadi Biriyani
There is no mention to Hyderabadi Cuisine without the Hyderabadi Biriyani. It tops the list for sure. For more than 400 years it has been an integral part of the Hyderabadi food. Rice cooked with Chicken or Mutton along with spices, the Hyderabadi Biriyani is popular all over the Indian sub-continent for its distinct flavour and aroma.
- Haleem
Straight from the kitchen of the Nizam, Haleem is a stew [thick paste like in texture] made of minced meat [Chicken, Mutton or Beef] mixed with wheat, lentils and spices. A Persian dish by origin, the Haleem was the Hyderabad Nizam’s favourite. It takes nearly 8-10 hours to cook. No wonder it taste so good. There are hundreds of street food joints in Hyderabad with “Bhattis” [the Brick oven used for the preparation] at the store fronts. It would cost you around INR 150 -200 and every penny is worth it. Haleem is the major food during the Ramzan month in Hyderabad and therefore it is the best time to catch some yummy Haleem.
- Irani Tea
Now you might be wondering what I am up to? From Biriyani and Haleem to tea? Nope! It is no ordinary tea, it is Irani Tea. The preparation is an intricate process. It involves boiling milk in 1 copper vessel, and in another copper vessel, water is boiled along with sugar, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, pepper and tea powder.
An interesting fact is that the milk is boiled continuously throughout the day. It is only after a minimum of 3 to 4 hours, the milk is used for preparing the Irani tea. The milk becomes thick and creamy by then and it is mixed with the hot black tea boiled in another copper vessel. There you have your Irani Tea. As I said, it doesn’t taste like ordinary tea. It is creamy and the aroma of the spices arising from the hot Irani Tea is its highlight. Do remind yourselves to grab a cup of Irani Chai [tea] during your visit to Hyderabad.
- Keema Samoosa
Keema Samoosa, my favourite snack forever. I am drooling here already just while writing on it. This is again minced meat stuffed inside
Samoosa Dough [made of wheat flour, salt and water]. “Keema“ is minced meat, often Mutton or Chicken. Beef and fish are also used. One bite is enough to fall for it, and definitely you won’t stop at one. The juicy spicy meat melts in your mouth. I am sure you too crave for 1 Keema Samoosa right now. 🙂
- Khubani ka Meetha
Now, let us finish off the list with a desert. Khubani ka Meetha is a thick paste like sweet dish made of dried Apricots. Khubani in Urdu stands for Apricots. This traditional Hyderabadi desert is often served at weddings. Dried Apricots are boiled in sugar syrup for hours until the whole mixture assume a thick soup-like texture. It is then served with fresh cream and almonds on top of it. It is also served with a scoop of ice cream at some sweet shops.
I am done writing! I cannot stand anymore. There are ships sailing inside my mouth.
I hope you are done reading too. Fly to Hyderabad and try these exquisite dishes yourselves.
Happy Travelling! Happy Fooding! 🙂
For more info: visit www.indianpanorama.org