A Biryani Affair at the Hyatt Bangalore

A Biryani Affair at the Hyatt Bangalore

Succulent kebabs, authentic biryanis, and chilled beer ~ a delicious experience indeed!

The heady mix of spices, the resplendent saffron tint of the long-grained basmati rice, and the lingering aroma of meat makes Biryani one of those dishes that is loved almost unanimously by the people of our country. I’m a bit of a Biryani novice and have amateurishly dabbled with the recipe a few times, but I have a long way to go before I put it under the “finger-licking good” category of dishes that I have prepared. That is exactly why when allowed to savour delicious Biryani, I rarely turn down the invitation.

Last week I was invited by the lovely Puja Singh, ‎Asst. Manager Marketing & Communication, Hyatt Bangalore to review the ongoing Biryani and Kebab festival at Lido, their impressive all-day dining restaurant, which serves a gamut of Indian and International specialities. Overlooking an aquamarine blue pool, Lido provides a perfect setting for a business lunch, eating out with friends, enjoying a carefree brunch, or simply unwinding with an idyllic view and a splendid menu.

A Biryani Affair at the Hyatt Bangalore: On my arrival at the restaurant, I was warmly greeted by executive chef Manish Sharma and his dedicated team. Chef Manish, who is a strong believer of the fact that food is a celebration of life, tells me, “We have ushered the festive season which calls for delectable kebabs along with a variety of aromatic Biryanis; the two have a history of creating memorable dining experiences.” I heartily agree.

Sometimes when I sit down at a table, I know that a restaurant is right ~ from the mood of the diners, from the friendly exuberance of the waiters, or just from the variety on the menu. Yes, especially the menu… and the BKB one at Lido certainly raised the bar for my expectations.

A Biryani Affair at the Hyatt Bangalore ~ here’s what I sampled from their interesting selection:

Biryani

1. Malabar Konju Biryani

A heady blend of Malabari prawn and rice heightened in taste with the addition of coconut milk and spices

A biryani’s appeal lies first in its aroma. When you gently remove the seal off the earthen handi {in which the biryani is served at Lido}, a heady fragrance of basmati rice and dum-cooked seafood wafts out. With a coastal influence, this aromatic dish uses deliciously tender shrimps which are perfectly soaked up in spices ~ absolutely delightful, and comes highly recommended!

2. Khare Seviyan Biryani

Vermicelli, roasted in ghee before being dum-cooked with delectable lamb mince and an exotic array of spices

The indulgent aromatic spice, Saffron ~ that consists of the delicate stigmas of a crocus flower ~ elevates the appeal of this dish. Packed with deep and exciting flavours, this lamb biryani was one of the best dishes that I sampled at Lido that evening.

Kebab

1. Palak Kaju ki Shammi

A nutrition powerhouse; this flavoursome combination of rich kaju and yummy spinach was simply divine.

2. Murgh Malai Tikka

This classic dish is an unshakeable one on every Indian restaurant’s menu. Chicken cubes enveloped in a careful selection of spices which gives the dish its resplendent flavours, are grilled slowly as the meat soaks in all the goodness of the spices. The one served at Lido was tender and had a beautiful balance of flavours.

3. Shikampuri Kebab

For a dish that emanates from the Royal Kitchens of Hyderabad, the Shikampuri Kebab has layers of flavour which your taste buds will slowly experience as you bite into it. This dish is prepared using minced lamb which is graciously stuffed with hung yogurt, green chillies, onions, coriander, and an exotic array of coastal spices. Given the explosion of flavours, chances are you may not be able to stop at just one!

A Biryani Affair at the Hyatt Bangalore: They say you can’t miss what you never had ~ I beg to differ. Biryani and kebab aficionados know the true joy of finding a place that serves the dishes in its most flavourful visage, and at Lido, authenticity along with the balanced touch of innovation makes the rich biryanis, freshly-grilled kebabs, and chilled beer a true luxury. The Biryani and Kebab Festival is on until 17th November 2016.

Tanya Fontes with Puja Singh, PR Manager at the Hyatt

Venue ~ Lido all-day dining
Restaurant Timings ~ Dinner {7 pm to 11.15 pm} Priced at 1000 + tax
Inclusion ~3 pieces of any kebab, a portion biryani, and a mug of beer

Disclaimer: This review was done on an invitation from The Hyatt Bangalore. Due judgment and care have been applied by the author to remain objective and unbiased in the review.