Quick Bytes: Delicacies from Rayalaseema at Dakshin

Ever since Andhra Pradesh has been bifurcated and Hyderabad has been designated as the capital of Telangana, there has been a slew of festivals showcasing the cuisine of the newborn state. As a result of this, many delicacies and hidden recipes from this region have been unveiled to the food lovers of the city. Dakshin, the signature South Indian restaurant at ITC Kakatiya has now taken the initiative to present the cuisine of Rayalaseema, another Telugu-speaking region of the country.

The Rayalaseema Thali

Quick Bytes: Flavours of Malaysia at Okra, Marriott Hyderabad

My exposure to the Malaysian cuisine was restricted to the trip I made to Kuala Lumpur almost a decade ago and trying out lemak, laksa, rendang, sambals and satays in quite a few Pan-Asian restaurants in India. I remember there was a small restaurant called New Town Coffee House in Hyderabad who used to serve Malaysian cuisine and had to shut shop in a few months due to lack of interest from Hyderabadis. However, from the little that I had tried out, I developed a liking for this cuisine. So, I was quite excited to be invited to a preview of “Flavours of Malaysia”, a festival celebrating the cuisine at Okra, the all-day dining restaurant at the Marriott Hyderabad.

Roasted Red Snapper

Quick Bytes: Italian Fiesta at Radisson Blu Banjara Hills

Hyderabad has a number of Italian restaurants both in fine dine and casual dine category, and the food lovers of Hyderabad are pretty familiar with this cuisine. To add to the experience Chill Restaurant and Terrace at Radisson Blu Banjara Hills is organizing an Italian food promotion named Italian Fiesta. Sous Chef Thejeswara Rao, who is an expert in this cuisine is curating this festival.

The Seafood at the Fest

Quick Bytes: Kababs Galore at Haldi, Novotel Airport

Haldi at Novotel Hyderabad airport is one of the few restaurants in the city serving Pan-Indian fare. The menu makes very interesting reading, incorporating delicacies from all the corners of India ranging from Ker Sangri to the Ulavacharu, and Gatte Ki Sabji to Banarasi Aloo. You can order your fish or prawn in any of the five styles of gravy – Bengal, Andhra, Kerala, Goa or Kashmir. It is really a go-to place for the lovers of Indian cuisine.

Gilafi Seekh Kabab

The Aamlicious Food Festival at Khandani Rajdhani

Guest Post by: Quddus

Quddus, a passionate foodie, is a software engineer by profession. Whenever he is not at work or is spending time with his family, food and travel are things that occupy his mind. A connoisseur of Hyderabadi cuisine, he loves his Nasi Goreng as well. He believes there is always a place for desserts and loves flavours that are not run of the mill.

In Hyderabad as well as quite a few other cities, the name Khandani Rajdhani is synonymous with thalis served with a lot of conviction. Ever since their first outlet in the Ameerpet Big Bazaar building, they have come up with various ways to keep customers interested in the City of Nizams. The food is not heavy on the tummy yet it is quite filling.

Quick Bytes: The Indo-Chinese Food Festival at ITC Kakatiya

Most of the Chinese food available in India are by no means authentic. The original cuisine has got localized in various parts of the country, and local ingredients have replaced the original recipes. The cuisine is appreciated and much sought after, in fact, it is immensely more popular than authentic Chinese food, as can be seen by the number of street food joints which serve this food. Indo-Chinese or “Chindian” as it is known, the cuisine has led to variants like Punjabi Chinese (Chinjabi), Kolkata Chinese and even Hyderabadi Chinese. Certain items like Chilli Chicken and Hakka noodles are a few creations using Chinese style of cooking with local sauces.

The Glenlivet Legacy Dinner

When we talk about single malt whisky, one of the names which immediately comes to our mind is The Glenlivet. Today, The Glenlivet is one of the top brands all over the world, and also the highest selling single malt brand in India and United States. Recently, Pernod Ricard, which owns Glenlivet, and Kangan, the Indian specialty restaurant at The Westin Hyderabad organized The Glenlivet Legacy Dinner for some of their patrons and customers. Mr. Darren Hosie, the International Brand Ambassador of Pernod Ricard based in Hongkong was present to share some of his insights on Glenlivet.

The Seafood Bonanza at Prego, The Westin

Prego at The Westin Hyderabad is regarded by most as the best Italian restaurant in Hyderabad. The authentic Italian food, as well as offerings like the Sunday Brunch here, are extremely popular with the food lovers of the city. With an eye on offering their regular customers a change of taste, Prego is organizing a Seafood Festival till 15th May.

Barley Risotto with Grilled Scampi

Quick Bytes: Dim Sum Delights Pop-Up at Park Hyatt

Park Hyatt is organizing a series of pop-ups at Oriental Bar & Kitchen for their discerning customers. After successful promotion sessions on Teppanyaki, Indonesian food, and Sichuan cuisine, the latest is the pop-up named Dim Sum Delights. Chef Zhang Yajun from China House, the oriental restaurant at Grand Hyatt Mumbai, has come down to Hyderabad specifically for the festival and designed a special menu consisting of about twenty different varieties of dim sums.

Chef Zhang Yajun

Quick Bytes: Mamagoto now has an Anti-Buffet

Mamagoto had opened their restaurant in Hyderabad only a few months ago. When I had visited them around their launch along with others, I had tried out the various items on their menu, and especially loved their range of Khow Sueys. Since then I have been hearing good things about the restaurant and was planning a repeat visit. So I was pleasantly surprised when I was invited to a Bloggers Meet for the new Anti-buffet launched by them.

Coca-Cola Happiness World: An Exclusive Restaurant from Ohri's and Coca-Cola

The Ohri’s group is no newcomer to the food and beverages scenario in Hyderabad. With more than twenty restaurants offering cuisines ranging from continental and Indian to Pan-Asian, and dishes from sizzlers to ice creams, they have been a preferred destination of Hyderabadi food lovers for a long time. So, it is but natural that when Coca-Cola decided on Hyderabad to open their first Coca-Cola Happiness World in India, they chose Ohri’s as their partner.

Frozen Fanta and Classic Frozen Coke

Hard Rock Cafe: Taste of Mexico

Hard Rock Cafe, one of the distinguished international brands with many outlets across India often organises theme based festivals with deadly cocktails and irresistible starters and mains. Beginning May, Hard Rock Cafes across India will play host to a zesty and savoury Taste of Mexico menu which will explore the culinary trends of the land of enchantment.

Hard Rock Cafe - Taste of Mexico