With Telangana formation day round the corner, Ramadan starting in a few days, and the end of summer in sight, Hyderabadis have a lot to cheer about. So in keeping with this general euphoria in the city, United Kitchens of India is hosting a gastronomic celebration of sorts, or in other words a Jashn-e-Hyderabad.

There’s a smorgasbord of Hyderabadi treats in store from 2-5 June. Salt to Taste was invited to the exclusive preview and here’s the verdict. Executive Chef Rizwan Abdul Khader has outdone himself with each and every dish.

Lets start at the very beginning – the drinks, soups and starters. I sampled a refreshing non-alcoholic Sangria doppelganger – the Tea Toddler and desi style Bunta complete with the marble and all, then moved to a Maragh Shorba, a typical Hyderabadi slow cooked mutton soup. There’s something about this soup that brings to mind comfort food. There’s a tomato and coriander shorba as well but between a maragh and tomato-coriander, the choice was a no-brainer.

There’s a wide range of favourite Hyderabadi starters. Definite must-haves are the Arbi Bhooney among the veg starters and Tava Kali Mirch Murgh and Gurda Kaleji among the non-veg starters.

This was followed by a lavish spread of Hyderabadi fare – right from Khatti Dal to Dalcha Gosht and Dum ka Murgh and more. The Bagara Baigan had just the right blend of tangy and spicy to make me move over to fan base and be doing a lot of this baigan’s ki baathan for sure. A real winner.

The mains are served with assorted breads, Subz ke Tihari, Bagara Khanna and the ultimate conversation piece – the Raan Biryani served in the happiest looking four-wheeler dish. Talk about eating biryani in truckloads! Theres are 3 types of Hyderabadi desserts – Double ka Meetha, Kubani ka Meetha and Sheer Korma. I intially had the latter with the intent of sampling just a spoon, but landed up downing the entire generous serving of it. Like they say, the proof is in the eating. Nuff said.

It’s a real pity that UKI is hosting Jashn-e-Hyderabad for 4 days only with its being such a comprehensive showcase of authentic Hyderabadi cuisine. And considering this generous set menu (soup + 4 starters + 4 main courses + 3 staples + 3 desserts) is priced at only Rs749 (AI), you know where the party begins and ends next week!

Where: 8-2-293/82/A/1187, Road No: 45, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad 

When: 2-5 June

Phone: 040 2311 4114