A Guide: Eating out in Hyderabad/Secunderabad

[gauravdgr8]

Mast Kalandar had a deal on Snapdeal. Took the team out and had a very nice veg Thali.

Went to Far East Ohris last Sunday. Their buffet was very much under par. Not at all worth it and can be or should be missed.

Tried the Cream and Fudge icecream today. Excellent Apple Crumble and Bubble Gum Ice Cream.

[hyd_traveller]

Originally Posted by ranjitp1

Was at Southern Mirchi.Amazing food.Opted for a biriyani and a veg thali.The food was finger-licking good.Its on the road that goes up beside Subway & Calcutta Rolls just before Nagarjuna Circle.
The thali is priced at INR 160 and the biriyani was priced at 220 and it was quite a big serving.Valet parking available.

+1, Ranjit.
Their basic thali is 160 while the spl veg is 225 and spl n/v is 275. VAT extra 5%, no service tax, no service charge.

Originally Posted by NoRules

Thaali is available for lunch as well as dinner. It is one of my favorite restaurants. My recommendations at Southern Mirchi would be Thaali, quail fry, fish fry, chicken biryani, appam with aloo curry or mushroom and coconut milk.
The chicken biryani served at SM is one of the best dum biryani you get at Hyderabad and comes with small chicken pieces as against the quarter pieces you get at places like Paradise or Bawarchi. For quail fry, go for the deep fried quail. there is a chinese variant but avoid it.

You are right. The thali is available at lunch and also dinner.
The biryani was very yummy though the plate was very greasy after we polished it off. Each grain of rice was juicy. The chicken pieces were very well cooked and falvoured but the quantity of chicken was less but that got compensated with rice. One plate is not sufficient for 2 people but wou;d be excess for one person. At 220, absolutely worth it though my wish list for it would have them add more chicken to it.
They charge 40+5% for water bottle which is pretty steep. I suggest all to carry your own water.

Originally Posted by CtrlAltDel

while ordering insist on the "Andhra" style biryani. If my memory is right its called "chicken pulav" i think...its better than kritunga biryani.

Did not try the pulav so no comments.

Originally Posted by ranjitp1

we headed out to Souther Mirchi the other day for dinner.An absolutely wonderful place.Lovely personalised service.Quick and fast.For not a connosieur of Andhra food like me (I am still learning the ropes when it comes to differentiating Telangana food from Rayalseema from Andhra!)Southern Mirchi must easily be the best restaurant serving Andhra food in town.The rice is superb,absolutely no hint of any cooking soda whatsoever.The dishes taste authentic and quantities are large.Reasonably priced.
Easily the must visit place for "Andhra" food.
We indulged in their Chicken Fry Pulao which was finger lickingly good.Bill was 500 for 2 servings of the pulao and a plate of pooris for the little lady.
We are going back there in a hurry.

You visited it twice already or much more?

Originally Posted by NoRules

This place has never let me down. Their thaali, biryani, appam - stew combination, jonna rotte - andhra curry combination....fish fry, quail fry...everything is excellent.
Been there several times and will go back again and again.

Yes, the place is worth going back again and again though I wish they would replace the table cloth as I do not like food stained tables.

Originally Posted by ranjitp1

I have this eerie feeling that we would ultimately head out to Southern Mirchi(our new found muse)or Rajdhani for lunch or maybe would try a takeaway from Zurana and eat in the car.

+1 to Southern Mirchi.
What is the price of Khandani Rajdhani thali for lunch on a weekday, dinner on a weekday, lunch on the weekend, dinner on the weekend?
I guess me and Zurna will never click with each other. Except for the first time (when they had just opened), they have failed me each and every time, be it, quality, cold food, wrong parcel, bad food, dish not available, home delivery boy is absent, and so many other excuses. However, the rush at lunch time is an indicator that they are doing well.

[ranjitp1]

Originally Posted by hyd_traveller

+1, Ranjit.
Their basic thali is 160 while the spl veg is 225 and spl n/v is 275. VAT extra 5%, no service tax, no service charge.

Yes & we found the basic thali to be more than sufficient and yummy.Maybe should try the special one of these days.If its just an addition of an icecream and a sweet etc,its better to go with the basic thali IMO.It would be worth it if there is an addition of some authentic Andhra dish,else the basic is best.

Originally Posted by hyd_traveller

They charge 40+5% for water bottle which is pretty steep. I suggest all to carry your own water.

Did not try the pulav so no comments.

Yes the water pricing in the city is going haywire.I would like to know what is the rule/policy wrt to mineral water bottles being served in restaurants.AFAIK,there was a court ruling a couple of years back that water bottles must not be priced more than the printed MRP.This is the reason why multiplexes tied up with the Aquafinas and Baileys to get bottles packaged specially for them with a different mrp and a disclaimer stating that to be sold only in specialised channels.Mainland China also prices its water at around INR 50 which is absolute rubbish.They serve you a bottle with a MRP printed as INR20 price you INR 50 and then add a VAT/SC/ST on top of it.I would like to know the legality of this practice?

Originally Posted by hyd_traveller

You visited it twice already or much more?

I think the count at present stands at three and now that Rajdhani and SM are on the same line it makes it that much more difficult for us to choose and throw in the Chinese Pavilion in the same vicinity-life cant be any more difficult

Originally Posted by hyd_traveller

Yes, the place is worth going back again and again though I wish they would replace the table cloth as I do not like food stained tables.

Yes so very true.Some things just wont change,its so funny to see the staff struggle with a piece of paper napkin to wipe away the left overs of the previous guest!!!

Originally Posted by hyd_traveller

What is the price of Khandani Rajdhani thali for lunch on a weekday, dinner on a weekday, lunch on the weekend, dinner on the weekend?
I guess me and Zurna will never click with each other. Except for the first time (when they had just opened), they have failed me each and every time, be it, quality, cold food, wrong parcel, bad food, dish not available, home delivery boy is absent, and so many other excuses. However, the rush at lunch time is an indicator that they are doing well.

We were back at Rajdhani this weekend.They have made their prices uniform now irrespective of the day.IIRC we pay INR 550 for two thalis inclusive of a 5% service charge(the only one place where I have actually felt that every bit of the service charge is warranted).The new place is excellent in terms of seating/ambience/wash room facilities/airconditioning/elevator facility/free parking/access for elderly.The mango mania is on and the aamras was wonderful/the khairi panna was cool and refreshing/the mango curry was wonderful to go alongwith the dahi wadas.I find Rajdhani lunches & dinners worth every penny and I am yet to see a repeated dish on their menu like I had mentioned in an earlier post.Bikanervala is no competition for this.

[hyd_traveller]

Originally Posted by ranjitp1

Maybe should try the special one of these days.If its just an addition of an icecream and a sweet etc,its better to go with the basic thali IMO.It would be worth it if there is an addition of some authentic Andhra dish,else the basic is best.

I tried the N/V Thali and got Veg Manchurian as snacks and Chicken Sweet Corn Soup. Felt put off on getting Chinese dishes. The sweet was Khurbani Ka Meetha with Fresh Fruit and Ice Cream. The thali had a chicken dish, mutton dish and chicken biryani apart from one veg dish, one dal, sambhar, rasam, rice, etc. I think it is better to order regular thali for 160 and order some n/v dishes a-la-carte and share them between the diners.

Originally Posted by ranjitp1

We were back at Rajdhani this weekend.They have made their prices uniform now irrespective of the day.IIRC we pay INR 550 for two thalis inclusive of a 5% service charge(the only one place where I have actually felt that every bit of the service charge is warranted). I find Rajdhani lunches & dinners worth every penny and I am yet to see a repeated dish on their menu like I had mentioned in an earlier post.Bikanervala is no competition for this.

Rajdhani Thali is 235 for lunch from Mon to Fri and 275 for lunch on Sat & Sun. It is 275 for dinner on all days. The prices are AI.
Bikanervala is no competition for Rajdhani simply because they are in a different concept and also cuisine.
The competition for Rajdhani is from Ohri's De Thali at White House adjoining Life Style in Begumpet and from Dadu's at Himayatnagar opposite TTD.

[autotranny]

Got takeaway from the Calcutta Cabiin, Kondapur

1. Koraishuttir Kachori - Rs 75/-
2. Dhokar Dalna - Rs 80/-
3. Chiken Kosha - Rs 99/-
4. Shorshe Rui - Rs 180/- (full plate - 4 decent sized pieces)
5. Plain Rice - Rs 40/-

The food was AWESOME. The place was close to empty even on a weekend. The manager was very friendly, infact he was happy to see non-bengalis like us enjoying their food. He also said that there will be special Thali on April 14-15 on Polia Baishak.

Highly Recommended place for authentic Bengali food.

[bblost]

If you get tempted by this offer
F9 Diner Discount Coupons - Buy F9 Diner Deals n Offers Online at Snapdeal.com

I have just two words for you: STAY AWAY.

The service is good.
The food is both sad and bad.

[hyd_traveller]

Originally Posted by ranjitp1

We were back at Rajdhani this weekend.

Originally Posted by hyd_traveller

The competition for Rajdhani is from Ohri's De Thali at White House adjoining Life Style in Begumpet and from Dadu's at Himayatnagar opposite TTD.

Hi Ranjit, I tried out Rajdhani thali and must say that (a) their menu at the new outlet is not as good as it was at Ameerpet ; (b) the food is extremely spicy ;
There was no dhokla in the menu this tuesday. However, the captain recognised me and remembered my warning to him from last time when I had told him that I would visit Rajdhani only if they shift out from Big Bazar. He promptly rushed to the kitchen and got me a plate of dhokla but did not charge for it. He also told me that now they follow a common menu as all their other outlets across the country and the dishes will be the same everywhere on any given day.
Most dishes were extra spicy but I guess they are catering to the taste buds here and they need to make it spicy enough for the local palette. Note that they are not as spicy at Gurgaon or Mumbai.
However, my verdict is 9 out of 10 for Ohri's De Thali compared to 6 out of 10 for Khandani Rajdhani.
Also, Ohri's is much cheaper. They only loose out in the pampering style of service of Rajdhani.

[hyd_traveller]

Missed mentioning in my earlier post but now it is too late to edit and add to that post, so here goes :

I was in Mozamjahi Market today morning for my weekly/fortnightly fruit shopping.

Picked up the customory Sweet Limes. Was a bit taken aback as the prices have shot up in the past 2 weeks. After bargaining, could finally manage to beat the price down to Rs. 2.42 per piece of sweet lime. So now my morning glass of juice will now cost me Rs 11.

Anyway, while there, I also sighted a basket full of "Drupes of Grewia Asiatica" . Costed me Rs. 150 for a kilo.

While nibbling on the drupes on the return journey, could not control my urge so made a slight deviation to Fine Juice Centre, opposite Balaji Grand Bazar, Basheerbagh for a glass of fresh juice (falsa/phalsa juice, if you please). Yummy!!!

[mobike008]

Wednesday Lunch

Me, Hillram and another colleague decided to go to OTF for lunch and without much surprise bumped into Traveloholic and Fleetmaster. It turned out to be a mini-tbhp meet.Total 5 PAX

We ordered a lot of stuff like

a) 2 Thyme Scented Chickens
b) Pepperoni Pizza
c) Chicken Bell Pepper Pizza
d) Veg Cheeze Pizza
e) Veg Risotto
f) Chicken Pasta
g) 5 Blueberry Cheese Cakes

Firstly, after the renovation, dont feel the same charm of this place. There was no power and we and just another table which was occupied were sweating through out the lunch

Service as usual was at snail's pace

Portions reduced considerably and prices hiked reasonably

Blueberry Cheesecake was the disappointment of the day and is not worth the price at all.

Even their Pizza's were just about ok. I dont think will go back too soon

Total Bill : Rs.1800 ( Rs.360/head which is ridiculously high for a supposedly VFM restuarant)

Thursday Lunch

Went to Wonton with a colleague and we ordered which were washed down with Thumbs-Up

a) Baby Corn ( 5 spice) : Rs.180
Pretty ordinary

b) Schezwan Chicken Soft Noodles ( Rs. 155)

Again, pretty ordinary

c) Chicken Sczhewan gravy ( Rs.195)

Terribly ordinary

With VAT of 14.5%, damages were Rs.670.

One of the most ordinary lunch experiences in a long time.

[Fordmanchau]

Looks like OTF has gone the same path which other restaurants generally do after initial success.
Increase the price and reduce the portion size :(.
Sad, have been avoiding going to OTF after reading about the price hikes after renovation. But now that even their quality has gone down, would surely not like to spend big bucks on that BB Cheese cake.

[traveloholic]

The actual order we placed that day
1) 2 Thyme Scented Chickens
2) BBQ Lamb
3) Pepperoni Pizza
4) Grilled Paprika Chicken Pizza
5) Four Cheese Pizza
6) Veg Risotto
7) Chicken Cheese Macaroni
8) 5 Blueberry Cheese Cakes

Originally Posted by mobike008

Me, Hillram and another colleague decided to go to OTF for lunch and without much surprise bumped into Traveloholic and Fleetmaster. It turned out to be a mini-tbhp meet.Total 5 PA

Was happy to see you guys at OTF. It was one of those very casual days, when we planned to go to OTF.

Originally Posted by mobike008

Service as usual was at snail's pace

This was when it was not even full. There were hardly two more tables occupied. They seriously need a Time Management Session soon. Any volunteers?

Originally Posted by mobike008

Blueberry Cheesecake was the disappointment of the day and is not worth the price at all.

This was what was told on the very first day we went there after their reopening. Blueberry Cheesecake is not that AWESOME anymore.

Originally Posted by mobike008

Total Bill : Rs.1800 ( Rs.360/head which is ridiculously high for a supposedly VFM restuarant)

+100000000000000000000000 on this for sure. The pricing has gone up and doesnot sound VFM anymore.

[mobike008]

Yeah, Thyme Scented Chicken looked like a joke when it was served.

3 small sticks on a large white plate. Completely out of synch. Looked like it wont fill up a 5-year old kid

[hyd_traveller]

Originally Posted by mobike008

Portions reduced considerably and prices hiked reasonably
Total Bill : Rs.1800 ( Rs.360/head which is ridiculously high for a supposedly VFM restuarant)

Originally Posted by traveloholic

+100000000000000000000000 on this for sure. The pricing has gone up and doesnot sound VFM anymore.

Originally Posted by mobike008

Yeah, Thyme Scented Chicken looked like a joke when it was served. 3 small sticks on a large white plate.

Well, I do agree with both of you but the moot question that remains unanswered is that where else can one get a pizza or a pasta as tasty and as cheap as this?

I fully agree that the starters are no more VFM so one can easily skip them by not ordering.

Am not a fan of BBCC (too sweet for my palate) so no comments.

If one is willing to pay a higher price, Via Milano has awesome lasagne.

[huntrz]

Any idea where can one find Cranberries or dried Cranberries in hyderabad? Is it produced in India or is it always imported, if produced locally then does it have a local name? Couldn't find it at Hypercity.
My 1 yr old who is a picky eater has grown a great fascination towards this fruit after having it at one of his friend's home where it was sent by his friend's NRI aunt.

[Gadgetfreak]

Had been to B&C for lunch. My god it was more than VFM. Had a coupon from snapdeal worth Rs.39/- which entitles me for a one+one platter. Ordered one Koyle ke Bhatti se & Butter chicken platter. Along with this 1 plate of chicken Caesar Salad.

Chicken tikka just melted in mouth, butter chicken was amazing to but best of the lost were quality of Basmati rice used and Dal Makhni. Portions served were more than suffecient. Along with all this got complimentary Fresh lime which was too good and vanilla icecream dipped in chocolate sauce.

Will surely visit atleast 2-3 times before offer gets over.