Kheer at Roseate House, tucked away in the centre of New Delhi, has long been recognised as a top example of fine Indian cuisine, providing patrons with a fusion of contemporary and traditional tastes in a stunning ambience. Food enthusiasts in the nation's capital had the opportunity to enjoy something genuinely unique this September: a special Hyderabadi pop-up restaurant led by renowned Chef Rehman. Chef Rehman, well-known for his expertise in royal Hyderabadi cuisine, created an à la carte menu highlighting the opulent tastes of Hyderabad's past. This unique event, which took place for over a week, aimed to take guests to the splendour of the Nizami kitchens and provide them with an unparalleled culinary experience. Let us delve into the aromas that linger on from the delightful pop-up.
Deccan cuisine, commonly referred to as Hyderabadi cuisine, is a distinctive fusion of South Asian, Mughal, Turkish, and Arabic culinary traditions. It developed over centuries, with the Bahmani Sultanate shaping it, the Qutb Shahi dynasty perfecting it, and the Nizams bringing it to its zenith.
Chef Rehman's pop-up at Kheer provides a unique chance to savour such complexity of Hyderabadi food. With each dish, a symphony of layers that reveal themselves with every bite, is promised thanks to his skill and commitment to maintaining traditional flavours. This dining event, which coincided with the festive season perfect for getting together with loved ones and indulging in a culinary feast, proved to be a luxurious experience paired with the finest ingredients and authentic methods.
Chef Rehman is a name synonymous with Hyderabadi cuisine. His illustrious career spans decades, during which he has worked relentlessly to preserve the traditional flavours of this legendary cuisine. In his own words, Rehman was trained under the tutelage of a Hyderabadi nizam who is also a food enthusiast. The royal kitchens of Hyderabad are known for their intricate, labour-intensive cooking methods, and Chef Rehman has perfected the art of crafting dishes that are as authentic as they are innovative. Rehman told us that he spent long years mastering the craft in a courtly kitchen before getting into the industry. He has curated meals for high-profile events and worked tirelessly to promote the heritage of Hyderabadi cuisine on a global stage. His passion for authentic flavours and his deep understanding of royal culinary traditions make him the perfect ambassador for this exclusive dining experience.
The pop-up event at Kheer provides an immersive experience into the heart of Hyderabadi cuisine. The meal starts with a variety of flavourful and rich shorbas, or soups like Bhune Tamater Jao Ka Arq, a hearty tomato soup enhanced with barley, and Maraq, a light but delicious broth. These appetisers showcase the traditional warmth and depth of Hyderabadi cooking, setting the tone for the following decadent courses.
The tandoor section offered dishes that encapsulated the smokey essence of Hyderabad, giving one a taste of the Nizami kitchens. Highlights include the succulent lamb preparation known as Pathar Gosht, traditionally cooked on a heated stone, and tandoori mushrooms marinated in pickling spices. The strong yet well-balanced flavours evoked the region's royal culinary legacy, which offer a delightful combination of taste and texture.
Furthermore, on to main courses, we were treated with delights such as Hyderabadi Haleem, which is a lamb dish that demonstrates the mastery of traditional techniques and is cooked slowly with lentils, wheat, and meat, and Chippe Ka Gosht, which is a delicate dish. The best ingredients are used to carefully craft each dish, which provides a true representation of the complex, multi-layered flavours that characterise Hyderabadi cuisine.
Most of the preparations on the course were those dishes that are traditionally found in Hyderabadi gatherings, especially weddings, Chef Rehman enlightened us. Though lately you might be able to find some in the oldest crevices of the city, they have all essentially been consumed in functions and celebrations.
People of Delhi must keep their eyes peeled at Kheer in Roseate House in order to take advantage of the chance to experience the genuine flavours of one of India's most well-known culinary traditions. As Chef Rehman's Hyderabadi pop-up offered an unmatched culinary experience featuring elaborately spiced soups, opulent tandoori platters, and sumptuous main courses that provide a glimpse into the royal kitchens of Hyderabad, the place keeps experimenting with its menu and giving the platforms to a variety of food experts from around the country.