Review: Regal Ambience and scrumptious menu at Kebab-e-Bahar, Taj Banjara, Hyderabad

What You See- A colorful rangoli, a traditional decorative folk art in India, adorned the inviting entrance of Kebab-e-Babar, an open air Indian restaurant at the Taj Banjara, Hyderabad. The smiling manager, having taken our names, led us to our table. As we settled down, subdued lighting pleased our senses and inviting aromas tickled our taste buds. Neatly arranged incense sticks and aroma oil diffusers kept mosquitoes at bay at this lake side restaurant. An open air kitchen was bustling with activity and the staff mingled with guests. Sipping cold water we soaked in the sights of late evening Hyderabad traffic. The well laid out table was adorned with flowers and votives. Sitting inside, we could see the massive lawns of the hotel leading to a swimming pool.


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What you get- Kebab-e-Bahar, as the name suggests serves variety of Hyderabadi and North West Frontier kebabs in vegetarian and non vegetarian varieties. A large variety of seafood kebabs on the menu caught our attention. For the main course, favorites like Biryani, varieties of dal, Indian breads and selection of curries were listed. The bar has an opulent selection of cocktails, mocktails, wines and domestic and international liquors.

The Open Kitchen

As soon as we settled down, a crisp rumali roti, thin bread from the mughlai cuisine was served as a starter. Seasoned with salt, pepper and other spices, it served as a perfect accompanist to our margaritas.

The recommended starter Kakori kebab made with ground lamb and seasoned with spices and saffron was a hit. Attributed to the city of Kakori in Uttar Pradesh, it was served with ringlets of raw beetroot and onions. Extra tender with a melt-in-the mouth texture, they disappeared from the platter in no time. For the main course we tried chicken dum biryani, a Hyderabadi speciality. Aromatic layers of long grained rice and chicken marinated with spices are cooked over low heat, after sealing the vessel with a layer of dough. Served with seasoned yoghurt and Mirchi ka Salan, a green chilli curry, it was a culinary delight. A Hyderabadi meal is incomplete without relishing Khubani ka Meetha, a popular Indian dessert made from dried apricots and garnished with extra thick cream, At Kebab-e-Bahar, it came served with kulfi, a frozen milk based desert.

Khubani ka Meetha - Image Courtesy Lubna Karim (Flickr - Creative Commons)

Our Verdict- Open for dinner only, Kebab-E-Bahar, is one of the best places to try tandoor grilled meats. For vegetarians there are several kebabs like Tandoori Bharwan Aloo, hariyali makai sheekh kebab and arbi ke kebab on offer. Order a platter of kebabs, sip on your ice cold drink and tuck into divine main course dishes as you talk the night away.  During our visit, Chef Bilal Khan, who oversees the kitchen, came across for a quick chat. We talked about our common love for food and the rich Hyderabadi cuisine. The service is warm, friendly and offers good recommendations. Valet parking is available. Reservations recommended

Kebab-e-Bahar, Taj Banjara, Road No1, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad

Tel # 040 66669999

What you pay for a meal for two- Rs 2800

Anytime between- 7.30 pm to 11.45 pm

So Eat, Drink & Be Merry, Don't worry as sometimes the best you can do is to just let it be :-)

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