Hyderabadi Food That You Absolutely Love, Now At Zaiqa E Hyderabad

As Hyderabadis, we have a peculiar dilemma. Come Ramzan, we love the food scene and savour all the amazing food available across the city. Then the next 11 months we just crave that food. But now we do have a solution for those cravings! Zaiqa E Hyderabad comes like an oasis in that desert of 11 months. Right from haleem to marag to shikampur to qubani ka meetha, it’s all just a stroll away in Banjara Hills.

Zaiqa E Hyderabad

Food Krafters & Services, the group behind Zaiqa E Hyderabad, has leveraged their experience after running Zaiqa E Ramzan pop-up for 2 years. Zaiqa E Ramzan was ‘the place to be in’ during Ramzan and the love Hyderabadis showered on it has now brought about Zaiqa E Hyderabad. Chef Pradeep Khosla is personally curating everything on the menu, taking care of the sourcing and bringing Hyderabadi authenticity to the food served. His knowledge, insights and command over the intricacies of food shine through every dish at Zaiqa E Hyderabad.

Zaiqa E Hyderabad

While going on Road no.3, you just cannot miss this new restaurant in Hyderabad. Even before Zaiqa E Hyderabad opened its doors, there was so much enthusiasm in the masses. It looks classy, well-lit and chic from the outside, and very inviting indeed. And that vintage car on the entrance is such a beauty. Once inside, the same royal feel lingers on. The attention to detail in setting even the tiny things is noteworthy. They got some fresh set of eyes to bring this place to life in the most enchanting manner. A photo-collage wall, antique lamps, wall hangings, the rustic furniture and a well-lit space, all complete the picture.

Zaiqa E Hyderabad

Food at Zaiqa E Hyderabad

Nothing kicks off a Hyderabadi spread like Marag. This soup with lamb, dry fruits and saffron packs a punch on every sip. Even the cut of meat is crucial to get this one right, and with the perfectionist that Chef Pradeep Khosla is, that’s taken care of. It’s rich, loaded with flavours and very wholesome. The tenderness of the meat and the soup make for a power boost of sorts.

Zaiqa E Hyderabad

Moving on to the starters, the spread had both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.

Zaiqa E Hyderabad

Lukhmi is the first choice for so many of us. The pastry on this one was crisp and not greasy like the ones we get outside. The minced meat on the inside was spiced well too.

Zaiqa E Hyderabad
Shikampur

Shikampur is a legendary starter that seems easy to make, yet few get it right. The one at Zaiqa E Hyderabad is a little dry but then meaty so I dint mind the dryness.Sona Zafrani Tikka is a perfectly grilled chicken tikka with a royalty dash from saffron.

Zaiqa E Hyderabad
Murgh Malai Kebab

Murgh Malai Kebab with cream, cheese and spice was juicy and hit the right spots.

Zaiqa E Hyderabad
Paneer Tikka

We were also served some Paneer Tikka that looked really nice and worthy of a taste. The paneer was super fresh and soft, but I wold always stick to my meat.

The Haleem

Zaiqa E Hyderabad
Haleem

Then Zaiqa E Hyderabad presented its show-stopper. The apple of every Hyderabadi eye, the most desired and the all-time legend – Hyderabadi Haleem. Just the sight of Haleem is enough to conjure so many emotions that the expectations just soar. This one looked beautiful and knowing that they make one of the best Haleem every Ramzan, this one had to match it.

Zaiqa E Hyderabad

This one seemed to soar above the rest with ease. Given that this is not the season for Haleem, this one has to full-fill all the expectations. With a meat loaded ratio, subtle spices, rich ingredients and the slow-cooking wonder, this Haleem at Zaiqa E Hyderabad is easily the best one out there right now.

Main Course –

Zaiqa E Hyderabad
Asaf Jahi Gosht Korma

From Zaiqa E Ramzan, there was one dish that everyone loved a lot – Asaf Jahi Gosht Korma. This mix of mutton pieces and potatoes comes from the kitchens of Asaf Jahi dynasty. It doesn’t get any more Nizami than this one.

Zaiqa E Hyderabad
Lagan ka Murgh

Lagan Ka Murgh with its fiery red colour has been a favourite ever since the days of Nizam. The Royal kitchens would serve this on the most special occasions in the court.

Zaiqa E Hyderabad
Dum Ka Murgh

Since butter chicken is not Hyderabadi, we have our own mild, light, rich offering called Dum Ka Murgh. Loaded with cashew-nuts and poppy seed, the base is thick and very exotic. Mutton Do Pyaza is another simple dish but then it’s all in the mix. A new learning was about the name – Do Pyaza is from how onions cooked in 2 types are sautéed.

Zaiqa E Hyderabad

 

On the vegetarian front we had the usual Bagara Baingan, the only vegetarian dish loved equally. The Nizami Handi and Dal Tadka completed the spread. All these added to the Hyderabadi food theme.

The Biryani –

Zaiqa E Hyderabad
Kacchi Yakhni Biryani

If Haleem is loved, Biryani is respected. Hyderabadis judge a place from its biryani so getting it right is the most crucial element. Kacchi Yakhni Biryani and Chicken Dum Biryani are part of the menu given how Hyderabadis love both forms.

Zaiqa E Hyderabad
Chicken Dum Biryani

The critical aspect is the meat and rice ratio, and that has been maintained by Zaiqa E Hyderabad. I always prefer the one with mutton and the richness comes through in every morsel. Even the meat was succulent and actually fell off the bone. The Salan was thick and perfect to compliment the biryanis.

Zaiqa E Hyderabad
Biryani

Hyderabadi Food gets more interesting when the desserts come in. And the ones at Zaiqa E Hyderabad did sound pretty amazing.

Zaiqa E Hyderabad

They have just 4 options with a mix of usual and hidden. Gajar Ka Rishta is like the Royal version of the humble halwa. Making for a Royal dessert, Saffron enters the mix again along with pure ghee an nuts. Badam Ka Kund is one of the hidden gems which is now out at Zaiqa E Hyderabad. One little serving of this can knock you out too. They also have Qubani Ka Meetha and Double Ka Meetha to complete the Hyderabadi food experience.

You know it has been a delightful meal when you struggle to walk out. Zaiqa E Hyderabad manages to carry on the Hyderabadi food baton from their Zaiqa E Ramzan outlets. No more unsatisfied cravings for the Ramzan food!

Location – Zaiqa E Hyderabad