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Hyderabadi cuisine

Hyderabadi cuisine is a princely legacy of the Nizams of Hyderabad. Hyderabad, a city created by the Sultan's of Golconda, has developed its own cuisine over the centuries. It is heavily influenced by Turkish (Biryani), Arabic (Haleem), Mughlai and Tandoori, with considerable influence of the spices and herbs of the native Telugu and Marathwada cuisine.

Hyderabadi Cuisine could be found in the kitchens not just in Hyderabad city, but areas belonging to the former Hyderabad State that includes Telangana region, Marathwada region and Hyderabad Karanataka region. Hyderabadi Cuisine also contains city specific specialities likeAurangabad (Naan Qalia), Gulbarga (Tahari), Bidar(Kalyani Biryani) etc.

The cuisine is special because of the use ingredients that are carefully chosen and cooked to the right degree and time. Utmost attention is given to picking the right kind of spices, meat, rice etc. Therefore, an addition of a certain herb, spice, condiment, or combination of all these add a distinct taste and aroma. The key flavours are of coconut, tamarind, peanuts and sesame seeds which are extensively used in many dishes. The key difference from the North Indian cuisine is the presence of dry coconut and tamarind in its cuisine.

Traditional utensils made of copper, brass, earthen pots are used for cooking. All types of cooking involve the direct use of fire. There is a saying in Hyderabad, cooking patiently or ithmenaan se is the key; slow-cooking is the hallmark of Hyderabadi cuisine. The Slow-cooking method has its influence from the Dum Pukht method used in Awadhi cuisine.

A 400-year history is behind the culinary delights of Hyderabadi food. It evolved in the kitchens of the Nizams, who elevated food to a sublime art form. Hyderabad cuisine is highly influenced by Mughals and partially by Arabic, Turkish and Irani food where rice, wheat and spices are widely used to great effect. It is also influenced by the native Telugu and Marathwada food, bringing in a unique taste to the dishes.

In the past, the food was called Ghizaayat. The cuisine is linked to the nobles, who religiously maintain the authenticity of the past, and the recipes are a closely-guarded secret. The royal cooks are known as Khansamas, highly regarded by the nobles. Shahi Dastarkhan is the dining place, where food is served and eaten. A chowki is a low table, instead of a dining table and cotton mattresses for squatting and bolsters for the back rest. The Dastarkhan is revered in the noble household.

The herbs and spices used in the dish as well as the method of preparation gives the dish its name. For example, Murgh do Pyaaza is named so because Onion ('Pyaaz') is added to the dish twice, in different variations.

On Formal occasions, the food is garnished with warq (a very fine, pure silver leaf created by prolonged hammering and flattening of a small piece of silver).

Some of the delicious and mouth watering dishes I personally love

Hyderabadi Biryani is Hyderabad's most famous meat-and-rice dish. An authentic meal of Hyderabad invariably includes a Mutton Biryani. Hyderabadi Biryani, made of Chicken or Lamb or Vegetables, instead of the Mutton, are also popular. Any person who visits Hyderabad would not leave till they taste the Biryani, in its original form or in its alternate Vegetarian Form.

Haleem is aseasonal delicacy of wheat,meat and cooked for hours to a porridge-like paste. This traditional wheat porridge has its roots in Arabia, known as harees.