Pakwaan Foods
It was in Hyderabad that North India met South India and twain were never the same again. The exchange of culinary cultures of South and North took place at the courts of Nizams and Mughals in Hyderabad. Both of the communities emphasised on elegance and subtlety coupled with a spirit of Innovation that became an integral part of Food of Hyderabad. Here the Qutub Shahi and Asaf Jahi dynasties rekindled the Fabulous legends of Golconda and recognised the gracious living, courtly manners, tasteful cuisine, and exquisite craftsmanship. Legend has it that Asaf Jahi dynasty spent more time on culinary matters than on strategy or diplomacy.
It is hardly surprising that the Deccan boasts of, arguably, the most exotic cuisine in the land. Look at the rich influences from within – Mughal, Konkan, Maratha, and Tamilian, and from without – Arab, Persian, Turkish, Afghan, and Turko Afghan.
The critical flavouring agents of Hyderabadi Food are coconut, tamarind, peanuts, and sesame seeds. The essential spice is chilli, which is used in abundance and the reason for the ‘dynamite food’. With a vision to serve ex-pats in Abu Dhabi with the real taste of Hyderabadi ‘dynamic food’, the passionate Hyderabadi family started the ‘Pakwaan Foods Restaurant’. Located at the Tourist Club area of the Capital, Pakwaan serves the customers with affordable and quality Hyderabadi and Mughalai cuisines. From Tarkari (curries) to Biryani, from Kababs to Desserts, Pakwaan has amalgamated the locally available ingredients with the ones fetched from India. Right weight of Lamb, regulated marinations of Chicken, proportioned spices with other elements of a dish, carefully cooked Basmati rice, and delicious dairy-based desserts are the facets of Pakwaan that keep this restaurant stand out of the crowd. The restaurant Management holds its roots from Hyderabad; they have tasted the rusticness of Hyderabadi Food and brought it to Abu Dhabi for the extensive Indian and Pakistani community in the region.
It’s a small eatery with no fancy interiors and furniture, but what makes you happy and ignore such (unnecessary) aspects of a restaurant is Food.
Food is the prime aspect of Pakwaan of which Management feels proud. The experienced and expert team of chefs (who cooked the Hyderabadi cuisine on woodfire in India, can you sense the Authenticity in Hydrabadi cuisine?) knows about gastronomy and right flavour profiles. The distinct tastes of Appetisers, the softness of the bread, and delectable curries are drool-worthy. The aromatic Biryani whose mild sweetness is maintained with onions & Ghee and spices connects that sweetness with the aroma of Basmati Rice. The meat and Chicken in Biryani are nicely marinated so that it won’t disturb your palate and digestive system. The Baghare Baingan Salan with Biryani is an apt accompaniment.
The dairy is sourced from reliable and reputed vendors who promises one of the best qualities in the City. These dairy-based ingredients create a difference between the taste you get in another restaurant and in Pakwaan; the satiating mouth-fill of Khoya in Double ka Meetha is the unique mouthwatering desserts in Pakwaan. With proper monitoring of services and Food, Pakwaan has managed to maintain the reputable stature in the City; there is the slightest margin of error in any of these two aspects. The ultimate passion for Food and Hyderabadi cuisine propels the Management to run the restaurant. As ‘Pakwaan’ translates to ‘Delicacies’, this restaurant serves the Hyderabadi delicacies that taste merely as served in Hyderabad.
With changes in Menu for each day, the proper quality and sustainability measures have adhered in Pakwaan. Since the curries are freshly made each day in lot-wise, the service is quick and hassle-free. If you have never tasted the Hyderabadi Food before, with the abstract of Hyderabadi cuisine presented at the commencing paragraphs of this Blog and description of Pakwaan Foods Restaurant in later sections, you must visit this eatery.
Recommendations:
1) Chatpata Chicken
2) Biryani
3) Roti
4) Achari Chicken
5) Nihari (seasonal)
6) Majestic Chicken
7) Double ka Meetha, and
8) Kheer
Rating:
Service: 4/5
Ambience: 3.5/5
Food: 5/5
Rate: 5/5
Location: 4/5
Overall: 4/5
Average Cost: AED 60 for two people (approx.)
Location: TCS Courier Building, Opposite National Bank of Fujairah, Near Lulu Centre, Salaam Street, Al Markaziya, Abu Dhabi
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