When was the last time you ate something and felt that you have never tasted it before? When was the last time you had table full of plates that have been just wiped clean and still searched for something more to eat? When was the last time when greed won over hunger, appetite and diet? Well, here is a chance to indulge and for once, not regret.
Head to Hyderabad’s New Old City. That’s the new food capital of Hyderabad and stop at Pillar no. 47, Mehdipatnam. Spotting this place will not be challenge as long as one knows to read numbers. Stop at 47 and aroma of haleem, wood fire will direct you to your destination.
Don’t just walk away satisfied with your haleem bowl. Step in and be pleased to see the world of food waiting to please you. Zaika-e-Ramzan, is the first of its kind Ramzan Food Festival where enormous amount of food and a variety is offered under one roof.
The ambience is fuss-free and mess-free and you should eat guilt-free. The menu is displayed right at the entrance of this hall which has stalls selling over 20 variety of dishes at a time under one roof.
The selection of food is from popular destinations in the country like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Hyderabad. Khalil Ahmed, Managing Director, Food Krafters and Services say, “Authentic food is a blend of exquisite flavours and textures and is in many ways unique from every culinary traditions of India. This fest is designed with an objective to introduce authentic food that is usually served during Ramzan in places like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolakata and Hyderabad. We want everybody in the city to experience the exotic and distinct flavours and take them on a culinary journey.”
So, what does Zaiqa have to offer? “Begin with haleem and then the list is never ending with Patthar ka murg, Gurda/Khaleji/Kheema/Bheja fry , Mutton biryani, Paya shorba, Kati rolls, Baida roti/ Bun tikki, Safed murgh makhanwaala, Tawa machi, Tala hua batair, Pathar ka murgh, Kebabs, dosa, chaat ,” says Khalil.
Post midnight this fest was buzzing with people and the kitchen seems to be not tiring at all. None of the food comes with the signature commercial taste and that wins brownie points from all themost food lovers. “Why just the taste, the aroma, the colour, the texture every dish has it own identity. Nothing looks and smells identical here,” says Vikram Aditya, a businessman who was on a binge trip to Hyderabad from Bangalore. Aditya says, the non-commercial fragrance and taste won his heart.
Cooked in on firewood, most of the dishes come with the distinct smoky flavour, isn’t over the top spicy and not oozing with oil.
Word of advice Subah subah bheja nahin khaya toh, try it at midnight, you will sleep well.
To be practical, they accept card payment as well.
Some winners
The chops: Or the chapli as it is commonly called is cooked perfectly with the bone intact. Comes with a slight gravy, can be tried on it own or with a paratha .
Liver fry: A must try for the way it is cooked.
Kheer Puri: Traditional Kajikaya served with a homestyle kheer , not overtly sweet, not bland.
Jalebi: These are like biting into crispy wafers soaked in saccharine and garnished generously with pista shavings.
Baida roti: A popular Mumbai street food with a typical ‘Bambaiya’ name. Baida means egg and Baida roti is an egg based paratha parcel. Stuffed with minced meat or minced chicken this parcel is then, shallow fried on a tava.
