Review: Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre’s Grand Sunday Brunch offers global cuisine and mouthwatering desserts

The all-new Grand Sunday Brunch by Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre lives up to all our expectations. Staying true to its name, the buffet has about 10 live stations covering global cuisine and a whole fine-dining restaurant turned into a dessert parlour. The spread starts at their recently launched restaurant Food Exchange and continues in the pool and garden area, ending at La Cantina.

“The focus is to give our patrons a lazy and comfortable Sunday brunch. There’s something for everyone — play area for kids, access to the pool, activities for adults as well and a live band performing. There’s also a picnic section where families can choose what they want to eat, pack it in baskets, sit on the grass and eat. This week as we make our debut, we also have a masterclass with London-based mixologist Chris Moore and a grape stamping activity,” says Aniket Ashok Kathe, director — food & beverage, ushering us in. 

Before we settle down, we take a quick walk by the pool to find out what’s on offer — from grills and tandoor to chaat and tacos, there’s a dedicated section for every cuisine that you’d want to try. We also spot a cart serving cookies and biscuits, if you’re up for munchies! We quickly grab a glass of refreshing mojito and by the time we reach our table in Food Exchange, our bowl of Palak Shorba arrives. With a dash of cream and black pepper garnishing, the soup is comforting. 

As we nibble on an assortment of bread with cheese, we’re served with Asian staples — sushi and dim sums. While the chicken dim sums are soft with succulent meat filling, the pickled veggie sushi is partially crisp with a tangy aftertaste — perfect if you’re trying this Japanese speciality for the first time. 

For mains, we try the Mutton Dum Biryani. Well-cooked pieces of meat with deliciously flavoured rice — this one won’t disappoint you. You can also opt for sambar rice or order a pizza or shawarma from the live stations.

For the desserts, however, you will have to head to La Cantina, which is converted into a dessert bar. We don’t mind the brief walk before we indulge in sweet treats. The line-up begins with a room full of Indian specialities like jalebi and putarekulu. There are about 10 stands with different options covering liquor-based, cheesecakes, macaroons, verrine and shortbread — this is truly dessert heaven!

The next Grand Brunch is on December 8. Priced at Rs.3,099 (with alcohol).