Latest news with #TelanganaFoodFestival
New Indian Express
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Miss World pageant: Local flavour to add zing to a global event
HYDERABAD: With the countdown nearing zero, Hyderabad is set to raise the curtain on the 72nd edition of the Miss World pageant on Saturday. With the opening ceremony set to take place at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium on May 10, the excitement is increasing. The city is preparing to welcome audiences to a celebration of beauty, talent and culture — with a distinctly local flavour. Meanwhile, the Tourism department announced that a limited number of seats for the opening ceremony will be offered to those who can correctly answer five questions on its official website — a move expected to draw enthusiasts from across the country. About 110 contestants are now stationed at the Trident Hotel, where preparations are underway for the almost month-long pageant. Customised menus are in place to meet individual dietary needs, while Telangana cuisine has been incorporated into their daily fare — a preview of what's to come during the Gala Dinner and Telangana Food Festival on May 26. Ashwani Shukla of Atlair Media — the official PR agency for the pageant — said: 'All the contestants representing their respective countries will join the parade at the inaugural ceremony in their native costumes. The contestants will showcase their country holding their respective national flag. This is known as Miss World Parade. Later, we will have Telangana cultural performance.' Students from different districts of Telangana will present Perni and other classical dances.
New Indian Express
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Spice Stories of South: A Culinary Hug from Telangana
In the blink of an eye — just long enough to make a wish — you could unlock your phone and explore a world of cuisines right in your city. But sometimes, sticking to your own cuisine brings a unique kind of comfort to the soul. Spice Stories of South - the Telangana Food Festival is a curated culinary experience by Executive Chef Prem Kumar Pogakula, along with Chef Praveen and Chef Naidu, at The Westin Hyderabad Mindspace. Hosted at Seasonal Tastes, this food festival brings guests a sense of homely warmth through authentic Telangana dishes, making them revisit the comfort of homemade flavours with every bite. As the name suggests, Spice Stories of South narrates the rich and spicy tales of Telangana cuisine. From Sarva Pindi, an authentic Telangana snack, to Bokkala Charu, each dish delivers the soulful comfort of home-cooked food from Telangana. Every dish, thoughtfully selected and authentically prepared, brought forward the rustic richness of the region's flavours. 'All the dishes are made in authentic Telangana style,' says Chef Naidu, adding, 'For instance, Bokkala Charu is a broth made by boiling meat and vegetables, while Pachi Pulusu is another popular dish. We adjust spice levels to suit our international guests, but we're always happy to customise for those who want it spicier.' We began our tasting tour with everyone's favourite – Pachi Pulusu — a refreshing and tangy treat perfect for summer. For non-vegetarians, there's Bokkala Charu, a broth made from slow-cooked meat and spices — a true taste of tradition in a bowl. The starters were a celebration in themselves. The fiery Golinchina Kodi brought the heat, while the Gongura Mutton Pepper Fry balanced tanginess and spice with tender mutton pieces. Vegetarians weren't left behind — Minapappu Garelu (urad dal fritters) were soft inside and crisp outside, and the Hyderabadi Paneer 65 packed just the right punch of masala and crunch. The main course was a hearty spread rooted in comfort. Chukka Kura Mamsam brought out the goodness of lamb cooked with sorrel greens. Next there was Puntikura Kodi, a country-style chicken curry with leafy greens, which was a favourite for many. For vegetarians, the Achari Paneer Tikka Masala and Dondakaya Nuvvula Masala (ivy gourd with sesame) were flavourful standouts. Traditional lentil-based dishes like Bachali Kura Pesarapappu and Palakura Pappu brought simplicity to the plate, while Boda Kakarakaya Vepudu (spiny gourd fry) and Podi Karam Vankaya (stuffed brinjal) added flair. Everything came together with some warm Steamed Rice and comforting staples like Sarva Pindi, a crispy snack in most Telangana households. And there was Royyala Vepudu, Vellulli Tomato Chapa, Ragi Sankati, Majjiga Chaaru and many more in the menu to savour. No meal is complete without a sweet ending, and our meal was no exception! The dessert section was all local — Junnu with mango slices was just out of the world. A simple combination, where the mango enhanced the whole taste. Overall, every bite felt like a warm hug from home and worth every moment spent at the table.
