Hyderabad’s rich gastronomical heritage owes a lot to the Nizams and their love for food. Rustling up truly authentic food made by a chef whose father was the official cook of the Nizam, Vivanta by Taj – Begumpet is hosting a unique Nizami Food and Cocktail pairing promotion called The Jeelani Diaries at Viva, the all day diner at the hotel.
Chef Abdul Khadeer Jeelani learnt how to cook at an early age thanks to his father who cooked for the Nizam. With over 25 years of experience, Chef Jeelani has compiled a four course menu which comprises of exotic, fresh and authentic ingredients. The menu is created in keeping with the essence of customized cocktails and their versatility and profusion of flavour. The various cocktails and mocktails served in little test tubes were a refreshing addition to the food. Flavours from cumin to Kahlua, ginger and mint to guava were colourfully blended with rum or vodka to add a twist to the food.
Chef Jeelani has put together a unique compilation of vegetarian and non-vegetarian delicacies reflecting the rich culinary legacy of the Nizami lifestyle. We tried starters like the Kale Chane ke Kebab served with a Kahlua and milk cocktail called Falak and a mint refresher.; the delicious Aloo Shikampoor served with firangi nariyal/vodka shikanji. The non veg starters included Machhi ke Shammi paired with adraki andaz/azraq-e-sama ; the complex and difficult to make Murgh Lapeta paired with nasile tadka/amrudi jeera ka pyala and the best of the lot, the Mutthi Kebab served with mirch mumtaz/kala khatta daiquiri added a zing to the entire experience. The Mirch Mumtaz is a drink not to be missed.
This was followed by a Chicken Biryani that was flavoured with delicacy but was rich and full bodied in its taste. Desserts include unusual preparations like Palak ka Halwa which except for the green colour gives no indication of being a spinach based sweet and Chilli Halwa and there is even a Gosht ka Halwa.
This promotion called the Jeelani Diaries can be experienced over lunch & dinner at Viva, Vivanta by Taj Begumpet from 12.30 pm to 3.00 pm &7.30 pm to 11.00 pm. After the 10-day promotion, these dishes will be part of the a la carte menu so we strongly recommend you ask for them the next time you are at Viva.
For more information or reservations, please contact: 040-67253642
