A legacy of Indian aristocracy – Royal Cuisine of Hyderabad
One of the most celebrated cuisines of India; royal Hyderabadi Cuisine, has made a prominent mark internationally and is known for its opulence and extravagance. It is a gastronomical treat with a cult following whose contribution to Indian cuisine is manifold. When you think tangy, rich and flavorful Indian food, the first thing that comes to your mind is the star dishes from this iconic cuisine, Biryani & Haleem.
Hyderabad’s culinary history traces back to 400 years much like it’s culture and is incomparable with any other state in India. Hyderabad was one of the largest princely states in British India, ruled by the Nizams of Hyderabad. It extended from Madras ( present-day Chennai) to Bombay ( present-day Mumbai) and central provinces. The Nizams were epicureans who left behind a world-famous culinary legacy and its unabridged royal saga. A visit to their palaces in Hyderabad, the splendid banquets, grand dining tables and fine cutlery they sourced from around the world is a testimony to their culinary passion and extravagant culinary heritage and traditions. Hyderabadi cuisine is incomplete without the mention of Shahi Dastarkhaan. Most of the traditional Hyderabadi dishes which were luxuriated 400 years ago are still served today unaltered!
Originated from the kitchens of the Indian aristocracy, its regal menu was a melting pot of influences from Persian, Mughal, Turk, Maratha cuisines and local influences like Andhra & Chennai. Its striking feature is the exotic intermingling of tastes, the skilled use of various spices, seasonings & herbs and cooking techniques passed down the generations. It is liberal to both, vegetarian and non-vegetarians, with mystical spices and seasonings spicing it up. It is the perfect melange of robust recipes of the south with the rich & flavorful northern Mughlai flavors.
Known for the assortment of tangs such caramelised onions, yoghurt, red chillies, coconut, tamarind embellished with roasted nuts and hand-blended masalas unique to every dish, legacy studded with numerous cult favourites such as “Dum Biryani”, Hyderabadi Haleem, indulgent curries such as Pasanday Gosht & Lagan ka Murgh and the melt-in-the-mouth signature preparations like ‘Pathar ka gosht’, Murgh Golconda to name a few. For vegetarians, there is Nizami – Handi, and the more common Bagaara Baingan.
HYDERABADI BIRYANI
There is no “biryani” conversation that Hyderabadi biryani fails to infiltrate. Hyderabadi biryani arguably is the star dish of Deccan cuisine and fosters international reputation for its rich, and lip-smacking combination of exquisite flavours laced into a traditional dish made with rice and meat or poultry – quickly making it a sensation known among all Indian dishes and complete almost any occasion and festive feast.
HYDERABADI HALEEM
Apart from all the spotlight the Hyderabadi biryani claims, Haleem does not fall short to linger like a significant mark in the heart of food lovers, or the Deccan cuisine for that matter.
What is this exquisite dish you may ask that competes with the high bar set by Hyderabadi biryani?
Hyderabadi Haleem is a middle eastern style stew traditionally made with rich ingredients such as clarified butter, dried fruits, meat, saffron, lentils and pounded wheat. Hyderabadi Haleem is a tale of a modest dish finding its way to the top.
HYDERABADI CURRIES
What better way to start your meal than a flavor-packed rich curry with the right texture to keep you hooked? You may have tried curries before but you will instantly become a fan of Hyderabadi curries, also known as Salans. They are the most sought-after of all south Indian curries; so indulgent that they will leave you wanting more. These are a meticulous blend of Telangana and Nizami cuisine that comes in different textures and stands out among others for their taste and distinctive styles of preparation.
HYDERABADI DESSERTS
Hyderabadi cuisine offers a vast variety of desserts that you cannot get from anywhere else. this cuisine is incomplete without a rich dessert adorned with dried fruits, sugar syrup made with fried bread soaked in milk called Double Ka Meetha, and the famous Qubani ka Meetha made of dried apricots topped with heavy cream and almonds. Hyderabadi meetha (desserts) will send you on a gateway-to-heaven kind of sugar rush!
At Samudhra, the classics of Hyderabadi cuisine is sure to transport you to the aristocratic era. With meticulous attention to detail towards the authenticity of Deccani cuisine, we strive to give you a royal dining experience here in New Jersey. In case you want to get a taste of royalty, you know where to go. Order online, or book a table now.