be delicious vegetarian options. The Haleem is delicious and unmissable, and the Zafrani Mutton Biryani was a close second. Vegetarians can try the Paneer Methi Biryani.
Badam Ka Kund , packed with almonds and saffron, is the most delightful dessert you would have had. And try the Kesar Pista Kulfi , it is distinct from the run-of-the-mill kulfi. The dessert par excellence is the almond and saffron medley Asharfi-E-Nazakat which has the royal asharfi coin or mohur inscribed too!
Mountain Bakery is a familiar name to those living in Banjara Hills, as a home-grown bakery brand, selling the most scrumptious bakes, since the early 80s, including its bestseller Japanese Cheesecake. Now the brand has upped its food act, getting into the restaurant business by roping in the extremely versatile and experienced gourmand chef Pradeep Khosla, to start off a finedining restaurant named Mountain Taste of Hyderabad
Chef Khosla, who has worked with the Taj Group of Hotels previously, is known for his research on Hyderabadi food served during the Nizami era (thanks to his proximity to a few erstwhile royal families) and it shows in the menu, which is focused and clutter-free. It has two components, Hyderabadi and Continental, the latter including dishes which were served by the Nizami kitchens to royal and elite guests from across the globe, including officers from the East India Company.
The gigantic Shikampurs packed with mutton mince and the hung curd-oniongreen chillies-mint-coriander filling, crisp Mutton Lukhmis and Talawa Gosht have mouth-watering recall value, as do the Marag and Shorba. Vegetarians, don’t despair, the Badami Tikki, veggies and spinach mixed with roasted almonds and coated with almond flakes is a winner and so is the Dahike Shikampur
Non-vegetarians would be well-advised to try the deep-caramel-hued Barkati Bhuna Gosht, a slow-cooked Hyderabadi mutton speciality from one of the royal houses of Barkatpura, a locality of old Hyderabad. The thick gravy itself is a masterpiece on the palate, cooked as it was on a slow flame. Bagara Baingan and Turai Methi turned out to
In the Continental section, the salads do very well in the fresh, crunchy and perfectly tossed department, like the Roast Chicken Hawaiian Salad and Prawn Cocktail in Vol-Au-Vents. The vegetarian Russian and Waldorf salads were perfect too. Recommended vegetarian options include Cashewnut Croquettes, Crumb-fried Cottage Cheese Fingerswith Cocktail Sauce. Must-order non vegetarian options are the Fish Orly with Barbecue Sauce and Crumb Fried Chicken in Basket, served with fried banana and potato wedges. The traditional English Roast Chicken with Mushroom and Pepper Sauce is also a fine option. Vegetarians can order Spaghetti Aglio Olio. For desserts, the Apple Pie is a must-order. n SWATI
Meal for two: Rs 1500
Near Mountain Bakery, Road No. 2, Banjara Hills
Tel: 8977005415
Timings: 12 noon to 3.30 pm, 7 pm to 11 pm
Brown and Teal redesigns preloved furniture, making it as good as new
