The Taste of Hyderabad..Biryani, Haleem, Irani Tea and Much More

There would be no flavor in life without the Taste Buds. This was the mantra of the RICH and ROYALS of erstwhile Hyderabad.

The first thing that comes to mind when you talk of Hyderabad is it's Biryani, Haleem and Irani Chai (Tea).

Biryani is a traditional Hyderabadi dish made of basmati rice flavoured with meat and cooked in typical Hyderabadi Style by local chefs called Bawarchis. I mean , you just cannot describe the taste, you got to eat it to experience the taste. Its nothing like you ever tasted, it's got its own distinct and unique flavor rich with Hyderabad culture blended in it. Biryani you get in hotels is OK, buy if you want to taste the real Hyderabadi biryani you should get yourself invited to a traditional Muslim wedding.

If you want to taste Haleem (pounded wheat and mutton dish), come to Hyderabad during Ramazan(the holy month of fasting in Islamic calender). Every nook and corner hotel, whether big or small serves this traditional mouth watering dish. They start serving it from the first day of Ramadan till the last day of Ramadan. After this month you hardly find hotels serving this dish. But then it is served in many traditional Muslim weddings.

Irani Chai. This tea has a unique taste which you cannot find anywhere else. There are plenty of Irani (Persian) families in Hyderabad and their traditional business is running hotels. These residents have blended so much with Hyderabadi culture that their tea has also become part of Hyderabadi cuisine. First thing a tourist who comes to Hyderabad will have is an Irani chai.

Hyderabadi cuisine is a mixture of two legacies the Deccani Sultans and the Nizams. It developed more during the rule of the Nizams. The Rich and Royals of that era were known for entertaining their guests and their love for rich food. The parties in their havaleis were famous for the rich and traditional food that was served. Apart from Biryani and Haleem other Hyderabadi dishes to name a few which are still famous are Kebab, Phatar Ka Gosht, Khorma, Pasinda, Paya, Nihari, Shikam-pur, Bagare-Baigan, Mirchi-ka-Salan and other Mogulai dishes. And of course Hyderabadi Meethas (Sweets).

Some of the "never forget the taste" sweet dishes that are prepared in Hyderabad are Double-ka-Meetha, Gil-e-Firdous, Sevaiyan, Sheer-khorma, Apricot sweet and Gajar-ka-halwa.

Surprisingly Hyderabad is not lacking behind in Vegetarian delicacies. Vegetarian dishes are plenty and are blended in Hyderabadi culture.

Its is said that in Hyderabadi traditional families, where well guarded and secret recipes are passed on from generations to generations, Daughters are not taught how to prepare these dishes, but the daughter-in-laws are made aware of the recipes. They believe that when the daughters get married and go to other families their traditional secrets will not remain secrets anymore.

To be continued.......

Hyderabad To Shamshabad, The Story - Part 3

Story Of Hyderabad to Cyberabad was the cake itself. Now Hyderabad to Shamshabad is icing on the cake.

Hyderabad, The City of Pearls and Nawabs. The Most Happening City of India.

The last of the Mogul emperors Aurengzeb, had to struggle for eight long months to conquer Golconda. The last ruler of Golconda dynasty, Abul Hasan Tana Shah, was captured and taken to Daulatabad. After twelve years, he died in imprisonment.

Aurengzeb appointed Mir Quamaruddin as the Governor of Deccan and gave him the title of Nizam-ull-Mulk Feroze Jung Asif Jah. When the Mogul Empire began to disintegrate in 1724 Mir Quamaruddin declared himself independent and became the founder and first Nizam of the Asif Jahi dynasty.

Initially Asif Jah's ruled Deccan from Aurangabad. Nizam Ali Khan Asif Jah the second Nizam made Hyderabad his capital in the year 1729.

Seven generations of Asif Jahis ruled Deccan from Hyderabad for 224 years till 1948. During this period initially Persian was their official language and then later Urdu became the official language and continued till 1948. They also patronaged Telugu and Marathi languages. Deserving people irrespective of their faith and religion were given important positions.

Hyderabad's cultural and economic growth was remarkable during the rule of seven Nizams. Reservoirs like Osman Sagar, Nizam Sagar & Himayath Sagar were built during their time, which supplied, and continues to supply till date, drinking water to the residents of Hyderabad.

Hyderabad today is more than 400 years old. A cosmopolitan city which has become famous for its Minarets, Mosques, Temples, Churches, Bazaars, Lakes, Hillocks and Bridges. It has got its own natural beauty. Going forward we will discuss why tourists flock to Hyderabad, and what it has got for them in store.

To be continued..............................