Barkas - Food Paradise !

Barkas a place which has a very special recognition in the hearts of Hyderabadis. Barkas was the military barracks of the Nizam State of Hyderabad in the Pre-Independent India. These military men were from the Arabian peninsula. According to local sources the name Barkas was derived from the word Barracks. Barkas was a colony of army of the Nizams with army men and their families. With time these families settled permanently here and turned locals but they still maintain their identity and recognition.

Now let me get to the best part of Barkas – FOOD. With people coming from far off places their cuisine also travels, which is what makes it more interesting place to visit. The food you find here is reminiscence to the one that is found in Arabian, Yemen regions. I had been visiting here since ages to savour their specialties – Mandi, desserts and harees.

 

Mandi – is a different version altogether from the routine biryanis that is found every nook and corner of Hyderabad. Mandi is made from rice mostly basmathi, lamb or chicken, dry fruits and a mixture of spices which are very subtle and flavoursome. One would not find any pungent or strong fragrance of the spices in the mandi. It is cooked underground so that all the flavours remain intact inside the meat. 

 Lamb Mandi @ Yum Yum Tree

Chicken & Lamb Mandi @Matam-al-arabi

Tomato sauce served with the Mandi

Along with time fast foods have also found its place in this area. One would find Burgers, Shawarma, Falafal, Baklava, Basbousa and donuts.

 

Zinger Burger @ Yum Yum Tree

Tandoori Burger @ Yum Yum Tree

  Teriyaki Burger @ Yum Yum Tree

Basbousa @ Yum Yum Tree

Basbousa @ Yum Yum Tree

 

 Donuts@ Yum Yum Tree

Yum Yum Tree Restaurant

Me along with Karthik R & Sohail Alam @ Yum Yum Tree  

Me with Karthik R @ Matam al arabi 

Harees, an Iranian dish (meat cooked with crushed wheat and spices), it is the sweet version of Haleem, is only available in Barkas. Usually it is had in the early hours before the dawn (Day break), which is very rich in proteins and carbohydrates. 

  

Overall it is a very different experience to visit this region of Hyderabad. Some of the best places to visit are Yum yum tree, Matam Al Arabbi. Here I would like to make a special mention about Yum Yum Tree restaurant which was established by Mr. Abdullah Bin Ziyad, State of Bahrain, Ministry of the Interior Public Security.