Crown Jewels
Uncover the glorious vignettes of heirloom recipes from the royal kitchens of the Nizams.
What is it about tradition that evades the tyranny of time? Why is the past the dominant flavour in a royal repast? Interestingly, the answer to both these questions simply wrestle for place on a plate of Deccan delicacies at Diya— The Leela Ambience Gurugram. The Indian specialty restaurant is hosting ‘The Nizami Feast’, a month-long festival celebrating culinary gems from the royal kitchens of the Nizams of Hyderabad. Curated and crafted by three master chefs, this succulent feast, perfected on slow fire with heirloom recipes, simply spells a tsunami of flavour and flair. If you have been waiting for a trip to charming Hyderabad to discover landmark dishes such as Pathar ka Gosht, Haleem, Baghaar-eBaigan, and Chilman Biryani, you can save yourself some carbon miles.
Hyderabadi, also referred to as Deccani cuisine uses the masterful art of slow cooking across dishes. While a rather significant chunk of the royal recipes remain a carnivore’s delight, but this royal showcase includes a number of recipes rendered specially for the plant-forward demographic as well. A particularly effusive shout-out goes to the subz shikhampuri kebab—wholesome and flavoursome, it holds a creamy underlayer of yogurt in its belly. The fact that it melts in your mouth in a cloud of spice and firm veggie mash makes it as surprising as it is sensational. Save some space to savour the sweet Hyderabadi nawabi falooda—a stunning mélange of colour, flavour, temperature and texture.
Where Diya, The Leela Ambience, Gurugram
When Till December 27
Cost starts at `7,000 (Tasting menu for two)