Do you like vegetarian or non-vegetarian food? To that question my answer has always been – both. Just because I like to eat a variety of non-vegetarian dishes from across cuisines, why should I miss out on the wonderful vegetarian delicacies. Especially when in addition to classic vegetarian dishes, restaurants are going the extra mile to make a vegetarian version of every exotic non-vegetarian dish available in the world. Well, on a lighter note, or let’s say brighter – It only happens in India.
Last couple of weeks, I had been to two vegetarian restaurants in Hyderabad that were a delight in two different ways. Tatva in Jubilee Hills had a change of menu that treated me to some amazing options, classics presented well, and a few others given a twist to add some excitement. You had the kebabs minus meat and Italian desserts minus egg, yet superbly delicious to say the least. Here’s what I had to say about Tatva –
A vegetarian place with an extensive spread on the menu that boasts of several cuisines, Indian, Chinese, Mexican, American, Italian – soul food that appeals to the taste buds, soothing and tastefully done interiors, a mocktail bar with amazing fusion and innovation happening over food – in short sums up ‘Tatva’ restaurant.
The new menu had this appetisingly presented the Soupda Tortilla (Mexican soup served with crushed Tortillas), Crackling Spinach that is indeed crispy and crackling, Smoked paneer Pesto Tikka – the touch of pesto adding zest to the regular tikka, Kamal Kakdi Galouti – the vegetarian preparation that stands its own alongside the otherwise much celebrated Galouti Kebab and Jalapeno Poppers – Tatva’s new menu was launched recently and it is all for variety and brings in excitement to the vegetarians who are tired of the limited menus usually found in restaurants.
The menu has an interesting array of naans – try the Olive naan and Cheese naan. If there is one other thing about Tatva – it is that there is ample choice that will keep you happy and contended on multiple visits – pastas, pizzas, risotto, Indian mains, burgers, Thai curries, noodles etc. Items like Paneer Kulchan, Gnocchi Pasta, and the extremely delicious eggless desserts like the Banoffe Pie, Paan Tantra (Paan icecream presented amazingly well with gulkhand and lychee) and Tiramisu – are the ones with repeat value.
One can enjoy the food that Executive Chef Naveen has passionately created over the signature mocktail Hot Toddy (this one is a no toddy version of course), Jalapeno Margarita for those who love their drinks with a hint of chilli to linger over their palate and the rich and creamy Blueberry Tofu.
Yet another restaurant has the double trouble – to create amazing vegetarian food in its organic version. Jivati managed to do both and is expanding it’s menu.
Jivati Organic Veg restaurant, Road No 36, Jubilee Hills, began with small steps. It started with limited menu, a thali and Indian dishes on the menu, went on to introduce buffets, and since the time it was launched (a few months ago) has been slowly and surely finding its identity in the melee of dining spaces in Hyderabad.
The restaurant is 100 percent certified organic (the guests can look at the certificate and even go through the lab report of the stocked organic produce at the retail store, which is a part of the restaurant. It promises to use only fresh organic food that is healthy and delicious, uses only rock salt, cold pressed oil that is only used once and A2 cow milk.
Going forward Jivati menu will boast of continental and Asian options too on regular basis. By the way, there is a retail outlet and soon Jivati will be selling organic grains, pulses and more under its own brand name as well.
Parts of the article were first published on The Hans India
