Those missing the presence of authentic Hyderabadi Biryani heaved a sigh of relief when 4 Seasons, the popular restaurant chain from the South, specializing in Hyderabadi and Lebanese cuisine came to town recently. This is Aamir Patni’s – one of the owner /partners of logistics firm BATCO – maiden restaurant endeavour. The eatery serves delicious specialties like Haleem, Patthar Ka Gosht and authentic Hyderabadi Biryani, along with a host of other delicacies.
Décor
For an eatery that serves lavish Hyderabadi and Middle Eastern food, the décor is quite simple and understated. We were expecting opulent, ornate interiors, to go with the lavish menu that we had heard of. To our surprise, it was quite elegant, with muted lighting and plain wooden, upholstered chairs. The place is relatively small, with a seating capacity of about 65 people with expansion plans in the pipeline.
Biting In
Firstly, something everyone must know about this place is that its cooks are trained by the 4 Seasons staff in Hyderabad, and the ingredients – herbs, dry lime, sesame oil – used are imported from the Middle East to ensure authenticity. This is why the food here is uniquely aromatic, with flavours engulfing your senses.
The Haleem is the restaurant’s USP. It is a Hyderabadi specialty comprising muddled meat and lentils and numerous spices and cooked for long hours on a slow fire. It’s available on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only since one person is required to muddle the mutton all day long.
The Lebanese Mezze Platter, comprising Hummus, Mutabbal, Tabbouleh and Fattoush (its citrus freshness enhanced by the Irani dried lime) is something that we highly recommend. The menu also includes Khabsa Dajaj and Khabsa Laham (chunks of cooked meat on a bed of fragrant, spicy Arabian rice), Hyderabadi Biryani accompanied with Mirchi Ka Salan, and Pathar Ka Gosht, cooked on lava rocks.
The restaurant plans to expand the menu soon to include dishes like the Beiruti Chicken.
We Recommend: The Lebanese Mezze Platter, Beiruti Chicken, Hyderabadi Biryani
We Didn’t Understand: Chinese dishes on the menu – Phuket Fish and Sauteed Prawns (though they are cooked well and taste great)
In a nutshell
TimesCity Verdict: A slice of flavourful gastronomic heaven. Must Visit
Reviews & other details: 4 Seasons page on TimesCity
Meal for 2: Rs 900 (approx)
Cuisine: Hyderabadi/ Lebanese/ Chinese/ Southeast Asian
Hours: 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm and 7:30 pm to 11:30 pm
They are also on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/4seasonspune?fref=ts
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