Telangana delicacies to relish on

When we think of Telangana cuisine, the first thing that comes to mind is Jonna (Jawar) Roti and Telangana kodi (chicken) roast. Though any Telanganite can have these dishes at any given point in time, there is always a craving for something new, especially after knowing that the Telangana cuisine has influences of the famous Asafjahi culinary traditions.

Celebrating the State’s delicacies on its first anniversary ITC Kakatiya tried to put together an array of food that is carefully chosen and sculpted from the Telangana culinary excellence which unveils the richness, flavour and culture. “We tried to put the Telangana thali, which bursts the flavourful goodness of the State’s myriad culinary traditions.

There are vegetarian, non-vegetarian and sea food thalis to indulge in,” says chef Lakshit Shetty.Discover the rich treasure house of exotic spices and indulge in the Rustic Telangana experience spread over a vast buffet. The thali includes Kuntikura Pappu (lentils) cooked with rozelle leaves, tempered with mustard and chilli; Royyala Dosakai Koora, dried prawns simmered with yellow cucumber in an onion tomato gravy; and Gavvalu, whole wheat dumplings steeped in sugar syrup.

Adding to this are Potelu Mutton Vepudu, Pitta Mamsam Fry, Ragi BellamSatyalu (dessert), Rava Ladoo, Talakoora Vepudu, Ragi Attu-Finger millet pancake cooked on the griddle to perfection. One of the basic dishes is Telengana kodi roast that is made using boneless chicken, cooked dry with chillies and garlic. Potelu Mutton Vepudu is one of the most preferred dishes besides Beerakai Guddu Koora, mostly consumed with hot steamed white rice or jonna roti.

Lakshit shares that the style of cooking Telangana and Andhra cuisine is almost same. “One can bifurcate the State but cannot draw a line between their foods because both the states have almost the same delicacies with different names,” he added. “The celebration of the formation of the State is a very special occasion for us. ITC Kakatiya has culture and heritage rooted in its soil, it is accented with influences from grand Kakatiya Dynasty, one of the greates kingdoms in the history of Telangana and it is a matter of pride to be partnering with the government in this celebration.

We have a series of events and activities planned for the week ahead to enhance the festive feel at our hotel,” says general manager N Krishnan.The diversity in the vegetarian and no vegetarian dishes from this land is a foodie delight if one cares to explore.

By:Askari Jaffer