Craving for some Hyderabadi biriyani at 3 o’ clock in the night? Well if it’s the month of Ramazan, old city is where you’ll go. But otherwise, where do you find places to feed your binges? If you post a query on the Hyderabad Foodies page on Facebook, chances are you’ll get a minimum of 10 comments giving you 10 different places to go to. Yes, even in the middle of the night.
Started in June last year, the group blossomed on the social networking site, thanks to the ministrations of one Benny Sumer Yanthan. A student at Hyderabad Central University, Benny began the initiative as an online space where new comers to the city could find out all the food hideouts from true blue Hyderabadis. Fast forward a year, the group celebrates their first anniversary this Saturday, is 2000 members strong and is even planning on starting the city’s own food tourism venture.
Currently run by five active members – Vargab Bakshi, Sankalp, Rahul Bose, Harshit Jain and Sabyasachi Ray Chaudhary – the group has become a vibrant community that shares an infectious love for all things edible.
From discussing restaurant reviews, latest specialities to delicious recipes, the Hyderabad Foodies Club is pretty stuffed with more than just an average serving of gourmet. They also organise frequent food trails across the city at some of the best eateries (be it a five-star hotel or a roadside bandi). However, the most interesting aspect is the phenomenal growth the group has seen in just under a year.
Vargab Bakshi, who works at Infosys, says that his passion for food and his uncle Sabyasachi Ray Chaudhary (fellow admin) was what led him to the group. Starting out as a member, he soon became the administrator of the Facebook page. His hobby includes discovering places and that’s what helps him propel the group forward. “It’s an amazing forum to be a part of. Everyday there are at least 50 posts regarding some topic on food. With so much happening, it also becomes important to regulate the forum. Hence, there are also strict norms which are followed, like no advertising for food courses, job availability, and so on. The page specifically only caters to enquiries regarding food – where can what be found.” An ardent eater and strict administrator, it’s a common trait he shares with his fellow food buddies.
Sankalp Thee Foodie is his Facebook name, and is perhaps testimony to how much he loves his food. As fellow administrator, he has been instrumental in organising the numerous events that have kept the group’s tummy happy. “I came to know about them at a Zomato foodie meet at Radisson Blu. It was a great event because I met some of the best foodies in town, including Vargab, Rahul and Harshit.” And thus he got absorbed into the community. “There are many food clubs in the city one can join, but, the group’s dedication towards food and the variety of cuisines experimented with, was interesting. I volunteered to help out and am now one of the administrators,” he shares of his gastronomic journey.
What works best for the group is its diversity. Hyderabad Foodies show people around the city (in terms food cuisines) and tries to break out of the biriyani cocoon. They also do a wide price range, making it economic for most everyone. With weekly meet and greets at new restaurants, the experience isn’t just about tasting new delicacies but sharing it with people who have a common interest and adding to the circle.
The group also plans to expand from just being a Facebook page to a food tour in the State. “For people who love traveling, we can give you options to try different types of food while on the move,” shares Sankalp. The group also wants to expand to include a wine tasting community and even dedicate an event per month towards charity.
So if you think you have the stomach for it, then sign up with the group to discover a whole new side to the city.
The Hyderabad Foodies have planned their anniversary celebrations at Silk Route, Road No 2, Banjara Hills on June 8. The fun kicks off at 7 pm and is priced at `430 per head, inclusive of taxes.
Details: facebook.com/groups/hyderabadfoodiesclub