ITC hotels are known for their rich heritage in north indian cooking. (Think of Bukhara at the Maurya Sheraton, Delhi). Their black dal (or Dal Makhni) has been rechristened Dal Bukhara, as their style of cooking the dal has become almost universally copied.

 

Since Hyderabad doesn't have a Bukhara, I figured Peshawri would be the next best thing, and went for lunch this weekend.

 

What I ordered was the litmus test of every north indian restaurant - butter chicken, dal bukhara, kababs, and the usual naans. Simple, and easy.

 

The decor of the restaurant is "earthen and woody". Sort of rustic. There are stools to sit on (no backrests!! hugely uncomfortable) on most table instead of chairs.  I heard from the manager that the restaurant was due for renovation, and believe me it needs it! While it is not run down or anything like that, the decor is too old for anyone to enjoy. One good thing is that you get a view of the swimming pool, and some greenery, so there's scope for this space once it is renovated.

 

The food was delightful, so that's a huge relief. It is heavy and rich, which is what you'd expect. And quite nice. No complaints on this department, and the butter chicken and dal are definitely on par with ITC tradition.

 

The menu is a plank of wood (literally) and the options are limited here, so don't go expecting anything besides the basic routine dishes. They are pricey (a meal for two will set you back around 1500 rupees) as well.

 

So.... its time to rank my favourite north indian restaurants in town (not accounting for price or anything else, and solely on some magical combination of food and decor). I will include restaurants that serve north indian food.

 

The Butter Chicken Award for the Best North Indian Cuisine in Hyderabad:-

1. Winner:- Peshawri, ITC Kakatiya Sheraton Hotel

2. Runner Up:- Ohri's Tadka, Ohri's Banjara Hotel

3. Angeethi, Road No. 1 Banjara Hills

4. Grill Room, Fusion 9 (yes it has good indian food !)

5. Zafraan (Somajiguda)

 

COMING UP NEXT : New restaurants have opened in Banjara Hills by the BJN group from Bangalore (of Angeethi fame). So I'll be checking them out soon, and will post a review soon!! Look out for that.  And I also owe you guys a terrace bay review (haven't gotten around to visiting it as yet)

 

As usual if you spot a restaurant you'd like me to review, let me know!