PORTRAIT OF A City

A unique mix of history, modern living and unending charm, Hyderabad is where the Irani chai is more of a legend than in Iran, says AROSHI HANDU

- AROSHI HANDU

A CITY OF MULTIPLE CULTURES

While growing up I would get asked a lot where I was ‘from’ and I would always hesitate while I did the mental gymnastics. Although having been born on a wintry November night in the glitzy capital of India, my family is originally from the scenic valleys of Kashmir. But for the most part I grew up with the sound, sight and smell of the dusty lanes of Hyderabad. While the city of pearls may not possess the sheer wealth of historic architectural marvels nor the smooth paved roads that the national capital does, it makes up for that in its understated regal monuments and age-old charm.

Hyderabad is a heady cocktail of history and modern living where the culture-soaked city— often referred to as the land of the Nizams—sits beside the growing IT hub that it is. Food and foodies are welcome with open arms here. Although not much of a food connoisseur myself, I can appreciate the veritable explosion of different grub that is bursting out of the city’s seams, much like you will be, after spending enough time chowing down on the food here.