Restaurant Review: Food Story

A restaurant that mismerises you completely with its food and ambience.
Decor
It’s been a long time since I was completely bowled over by a restaurant. Food Story is a strange name for a restaurant of this kind — a clean contemporary décor in hues of white with hints of a bygone era, stunning chandeliers and window décor elements. Tables are kept clean with no table cloths, fuss or frills and just a white orchid in a horizontal glass vase at the centre.It’s different and it works.
Food
The menu is by and large traditional Hyderabadi, executed by chef Arif Ahmed who hails from the city. Beena Chandra is their food consultant and the team has resulted in a perfectly executed menu with flawless authentic cuisine. Although traditional Hyderabadi food is by and large meat centric, there are several vegetarian starters including the mouth watering paneer dudhiya kalmiyan and the mirchi ka salan which is prepared here more like a thick accompaniment rather than a vegetarian main course. However what you come here for is the outstanding shikampur kebab only found in Hyderabad, which is a melt in the mouth shammi kebab stuffed with dahi ki chutni. The gosht ki galawat is very similar. You have to have the haleem served with chopped mint and crispy onions.
The dish to go for in the main course is the nalli nihari. You will be completely amazed by the huge shanks of mutton with the most delectably soft meat which falls off the bone in a pool of fine salan. The spices in all the dishes are gentle and the garam masala, wherever used, is fresh. The raan-e-resha is served boneless with a purdah which is opened in front of you at the table. There is an overwhelming portion of tender mutton, gently roasted and slow cooked in a traditional vessel. You must end with the gosht kachi akhni biryani where the meat and rice is cooked together. Do not leave without the dessert. The khubani ka meetha made with dried apricots and apricot almonds, is simply amazing, served with fresh cream which is far nicer than the custard you find even in homes in Hyderabad. Also outstanding is the shahi tukda, bread rounds fried in ghee topped with rabdi and saffron. Service is warm and welcoming and this is a fabulous dining out experience.
Plus and Minus: Very convenient location on Dhole Patil road with valet parking. The 70s retro music doesn’t quite go with the theme of the restaurant.
Rating:
Food: 4 Service: 4
Décor: 4