Haveli is a generic term used for traditional mansions in North India, usually one with historical and architectural significance. The newly opened Haveli restaurant, however, promises to be one of gastronomic significance to all food lovers in the city, with its signature Hyderabadi cuisine.
Set in an old but typical Kerala mansion, we were welcomed in by Pooja and Adwaith, the couple behind the venture. The spacious lawn with a big tree lends an old-world charm to the place and looked very inviting but since it was noon, we chose to sit indoors. The interiors were also retro and classy with landmarks from Hyderabad adorning the walls. “The interiors were done by us with some help from our architect,” quipped Adwaith as I complimented them on the décor. The whole ambience is further lighted up by cheerful waiters in bright blue kurtas.
“We were thinking of starting a business in the city and that’s when I noticed there wasn’t any place that served original Hyderabadi food,” said Pooja, who hails from Hyderabad. “Moreover being a vegetarian who doesn’t eat paneer or gobi (cauliflower), my options were very limited in the city. This is the primary reason why we have a wide assortment of vegetarian dishes also on our menu” added Pooja as she handed over a bright blue menu to me.
The menu looked slightly confusing with some long names so I took the safest option of asking Adwaith for his recommendations. First on his list was the Italian onion soup that was rich and creamy with a mild brown onion flavor. Next we had Mamdikaya Bullet, a cutlet stuffed with raw mangoes and served with a tangy sauce. The sauce made of raw mangoes, onion, vinegar was indeed a delight, lending some character and a lot of intrigue to each bite.
The first thought that comes to anyone’s mind when they hear about Hyderabadi cuisine is Hyderabadi dum biriyani and we wouldn’t dare to miss it. The biriyani indeed had ‘dum’ with good textured basmati rice, tender meat and a soulful garnishing of spices. “The chicken is marinated with herbs and curd and mixed well with spices and masala and cooked in dum to lend its unique taste” explains Tajjudin, the chef who is also from Hyderabad.
We also tried chilli garlic naans along with a savoury Gongura Mutton. “Gongura leaves also known as pulicha is a key ingredient that lends a slightly sour taste to this curry as well as many other Deccani delicacies. We don’t get gongura leaves in the city and hence we have to purchase this from Hyderabad,” explained Adwaith. I would have to say the trouble is worth it as the crisp chilli naan blends sublimely into thick gongura mutton curry, pampering the taste buds in the process.
Kubani ka meetha, an original Hyderabadi sweet is made of boiled dried apricots and nuts with an ice cream topping. Though hard to prepare, its distinct sweetness will linger for long; similar to the sweet memories one often associates with old ancestral mansions.
Location: Haveli is near All India Radio office in Vazhuthacaud.
Meal for two: Rs.500, approximately
Contact:9746672649
