HYDERABAD: Spicy, tangy and varied – these three words encapsulate the Telugu Food Festival now on at Siesta Hitech, Kondapur. Oh, and did I mention yummy?
We started off with Munnakkai Mamsam Charu (mutton and drumstick soup) which had a clear broth with peppery overtones. The starters – Andhra chicken and Masala fried fish – were light and perfect to whet the appetite. The chicken was cooked well and appropriately spiced, and the fish (Basa fillets fried in batter) was one of the highlights of the spread. Moving on to the main course, there were jowar roti, masala puri, steamed rice, curd rice and Pulihora to go along with different vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Among the vegetarian fare, there were Sambar, Mamadkai Pappu, different varieties of Rasams (tomato, pepper), Kandagada Bachlikura (a yam preparation) and mix veg poriyal.
The mango dal, which had a strong garlic flavour, tasted heavenly with rice and spoonfuls of ghee. The Sambar could have been better, and the Rasam (tomato) was flavourful. The yam curry was not high on spices and created a balance with the other dishes.In the non-vegetarian menu for the day, there were Guntur Mamsam Biryani, Alkapur Kodi Kura (chicken curry), Punti Kura Royala (prawns cooked with sorrel/Gongura leaves) and Bomidala Pulusu (Bombay Duck fish curry). The chicken was cooked in a tomato-based gravy and went well with the biryani which had succulent mutton pieces. The fish too was prepared in a tomato-based gravy with hints of tamarind. The star of the course was the prawn cooked with sorrel leaves, a bomb of flavours in your mouth.
All throughout the meal, Pachadis (chutneys) and podis provided ample support and deserve a special mention. Among the Gongura (sorrel leaves), Mirpakaya (chilli) and Tomato Pachadis, my favourite was the chilli one. The spread ended with sweets like Poornalu (fritter with sweet filling), Bobbatlu (bread with sweet filling), Semiyan Payasam, Kobari Laddu, Gulab Jamun and ice-creams.
Chef Prabhakar, who hails from West Godavari district, has tried his best to present his favourite dishes from childhood. So, if you are looking for a wholesome Telugu meal you know where to go. The buffet spread costs `699++The festival is on till July 8
kakoli_mukherjee@newindianexpress
@KakoliMukherje2