Food And More In Hyderabad

The city of the Charminar is emerging as an attractive place for food connoisseurs. Known for its famous biryani, it has carved a niche for itself in wooing ethnic food lovers.

The IT revolution of the past decade has turned Hyderabad into a hi-tech city, bringing in a rush of business travellers.

With this, the food habits of new-generation professionals has undergone a major shift - never mind if they have to shell extra bucks for it. There are primarily three attractions for food buffs - ethnic food, resorts and concept restaurants.

The growing fondness of locals for such food has spawned a number of restaurants in and around the city, catering both to the elite and for those with a budget in mind.

 

The state-run Shilparamam, located next to Hi-Tec City, has become a must-visit food hangout for visitors to city.

The delicious vegetarian and non-veg food items are served in an open air ambience that works well in the evenings. Costs are extremely affordable - with average bills of around Rs 150 per head.

According to Kishan Rao, director of the AP tourism department, the state has been actively promoting local food items to visitors as part of a tourism promotion campaign.

Pesarattu upma, an Andhra snack made of Moong daal and rava, is a hot favourite and is promoted at various food festivals at Shilparamam.

Another destination in the ethnic segment is the Alankrita resort on the Hyderabad-Karimnagar road - also a good choice for a family outing. The menu includes breakfast, lunch and high-tea and costs around Rs 200 per head.

If your cravings are about Rajasthani food, there is Dhola-Ri-Dhani, which offers a typical Rajasthani village ambience. A complete range of Rajasthani gourmet food is available at Dhola-Ri-Dhani on Medchal road.

Spices are good for health, if taken in limited quantities and with low oil content. The latest food concept is that of the Help restaurant.

At Pragathi Resorts, Help restaurants offer food tailored for health-conscious people. With an entry fee of Rs 50, food charges are around Rs 100 per head. Whole families can have lunch or dinner from an organic food menu prepared on Ayurvedic principles.

Help restaurants grow herbal medicinal plants and use Ayurveda to prepare food items that are said to be effective in dealing with joint pains, asthma, et al, claims G B K Rao, managing director, Pragathi Resorts.

Another idea catching on is combining food fun with family outings on weekends. Celebrity, located on the Hyderabad-Karimnagar road, has an entry fee of Rs 175 per head and serves breakfast, lunch and high tea.

There is ample place for playing cricket and other games. One can try go-karting or swimming by paying a little extra.

Concept or theme restaurants offer specific food items that have been long-time ethnic favourites. From kababs to curries, one finds various outlets specialising in these.

Our Place at Banjara Hills is unique for its upkeep of greenery amidst unspoilt natural environs. The famous Andhra dish, Kodi pulusu (chicken soup), prepared using country chicken and garam masala and Kodi pulao, costs anywhere between Rs 95 to Rs 150.

Five-star hotels have also caught up with the latest trends. The Taj Banjara has added a new restaurant, Curry