When the conversation is about Parsi cuisine and street food in Hyderabad, Sodab-ottleopenerwala is certainly the first name to pop up in your mind. Rightly so, considering the Jubilee Hills outlet offers delicious Iranian cuisine and Mumbai specialities. So, when we’re invited to a tasting session of their new menu, our expectations are quite high.
Cut to cutlet
Settling down with their Signature Cold Coffee, we scan through the new menu and observe that a few of the crowd favourites — mostly local specialities — have been retained. We are happy to see that the traditional dhansak and bun maska have found a place in this menu as well. There are also a couple of new sections like ‘bar snacks’ with a range of tidbits to munch, while you sip on their cocktails.
We follow the same and take a few bites of the Smoked Chicken Cutlet to go with our soothing cold coffee. Served with mint chutney, the cutlet is crispy and filled with well-cooked chicken meat — full of masala, reminding you of those from the streets of Mumbai.
Meanwhile, head chef Irfan Pabaney, tells us that the idea was to include more variety, especially for the vegetarians. “The new menu is a lot more structured. Whether it is the Bar Snack section or more vegetarian options, we tried to encompass more Indian flavours inspired from different communities living in Bombay. The focus has been on the Parsi food, but we have some fusion creations like Mutton Pepper Fry and Chicken Wings in Kerala masala,” adds the Mumbai-based chef. This is also the first time the Hyderabad branch has introduced a new menu, right on time for their sixth anniversary.
Grab your grub
We love the Chicken Ghee Roast, paired with baida roti. The bowl of scrumptious chicken pieces is full of flavours — tangy and spicy with curry leaves garnishing. The chef suggests that this one is a must-try, and we second that! Among the other vegetarian starters, we recommend the not-so-overwhelming and crunchy Green Tikka — made of spinach and herbs. Seafood lovers can opt for Kundapuri Prawns, which comes with the regional special masala.
If you’re looking for a few quick bites, pick from their range of sandwiches — Bombay Raasta and Classic Egg. We also recommend the Egg Wrapped Kheema Pulao and Staff Pickle Achari Murg.
The main course section has a lot more vegetarian options than before. There are a few combos to choose from as well — Tawa Paneer Masala, Parsi Vegetable and Coconutwala Daal. However, we are curious to sample the authentic Khari Pizza — a new and welcoming addition. Among the three options available, we opt for the Classic Mushroom and Chicken Masala. With a crumbly and crisp biscuit-like base, the two variations are topped with mozzarella. While the vegetarian one has moist mushrooms with chillis, the meat alternative is on the spicier side and slightly more filling.
For a sweet finish, the Matunga Coffee Cake is the perfect choice. Although it’s not a new entrant, thanks to the rich coffee flavour with whisky caramel sauce, this one remains one of the hot-selling dishes.
Price for two: Rs.1,600.
Pics: A Harini Prasad.