Adaa — Restaurant in Hyderabad

There are few experiences in this world that stay with you in quite the way an evening at Taj Falaknuma Palace does — it is more than dinner, more than hospitality. It is a journey into another era, a feast for the senses, and an indulgence that refuses to be forgotten.

From the moment you crest the hill and see the palace’s terraced marble, stained-glass windows catching the light, and Venetian chandeliers shimmering in its halls, you are transported. Built in 1893-94 by Sir Viqar-ul-Umra in the shape of a scorpion, adorned with Italian marble and Tudor touches, Falaknuma was never meant to be ordinary. Restored fully by Taj its contours and grandeur have been painstakingly revived so that every space — from the Jade Room to the Grand Staircase — feels like living history. 

Our set dinner was nothing short of regal. Every course felt like a performance, every flavor a testament to centuries of culture and culinary refinement.

To start: • Gosht ka Marag — lamb broth enriched with cashew and spices. It was delicate and infused, the kind of opener that primes your palate for more without overwhelming. • Gosht Shikampuri Kebab & Asaf Jahi Murgh Tikka — both smoky, richly spiced, the kebab’s stuffing of yoghurt a pleasing creamy counterpoint. • Dakhni Paneer Tikka & Dahi ke Kebab — vegetarian options equally strong, the paneer’s marination with curry leaf adding local character; the dahi kebab subtly tangy and soft. • The Sorbet of the Day (passion fruit) acted as a perfect palate cleanser — lively, sharp yet balanced, clearing the way for the heavier richness ahead.

Mains and beyond: • Lagan ka Gosht and Dum ka Murgh were standout: slow-cooked lamb that fell apart, chicken marinated in saffron and yoghurt that carried subtle warmth of spices, each bite layered. • Chepala Pulusu offered a dramatic contrast — regional fish curry tempered with mustard, its umami and heat cutting through the richness of meat dishes.

When the Hyderabadi Murgh Dum Biryani arrived, paired with Mirchi ka Salan, the air was heavy with aroma: saffron, caramelised onions, the heat of mirchi tempered with the depth of gravy. Even full, you cannot not sample it, and I’m glad I did.

Dessert was a gilded crescendo — several halwas, an apricot dessert (light and vibrant), and then a paan-flavoured ice cream — cool, fragrant, almost ceremonial, sealing the evening.

What sets Falaknuma apart is how everything, the food, the architecture, the décor, is elevated by service. The staff were constantly present (not in the way that distracts, but in the way that cares): topping up glasses, offering explanations of dishes, ensuring that you didn’t miss a moment, never rushing, yet guiding the pace...

Adaa at Taj Falaknuma Palace in Hyderabad is the perfect choice. The moment you enter the regal palace, you're welcomed with the grandeur and opulence of the Nizami era. The stunning interiors of Adaa match the grandeur of the palace, with intricate detailing and artifacts that bring alive the rich heritage of the city. The dining experience at Adaa is nothing short of exceptional. The menu features a blend of Hyderabadi and Indian cuisine, and the dishes are executed to perfection. The use of authentic spices and ingredients creates a flavor explosion in every bite. The starters themselves are a highlight with their succulent kebabs and tikkas. The biryanis, of course, are the star of the show, with their heavenly aroma and succulent taste. The meat is so tender that it falls apart with just a light touch, and the spices add depth and flavor that take the dish to an entirely different level. The vegetarian dishes are equally delicious, with the [Name of Dish] being a personal favorite. The rich and creamy gravy paired with freshly baked bread is an absolute delight for the palate. The service at Adaa is nothing short of royal, with the staff treating you like royalty from the moment you enter till you leave. Their knowledge of the cuisine is exceptional, and they're always ready to make recommendations and listen to your preferences. Overall, it's an experience that transports you to an era of luxury and royalty, all while enjoying some of the best food the city has to offer. I would highly recommend Adaa to anyone looking to indulge in an opulent dining experience. The food, ambiance, and service all make for an unforgettable experience that you'll...

Unsafe, Stale, Cold & Ultra expensive Buffet Experience for 8.5K a person! Not something you expect from a Taj property - Avoid if you can (See pics of undercooked food for proof)

Adaas chefs tasting experience is less of a wonderful experience and more a cheap, cold, unsafe and stale food buffet experience where the food is undercooked and the service staff is uncourteous and riding on a high horse

I went here for an anniversary dinner and was served chicken that was undercooked. Upon mentioning that and asking for a replacement, not once was I apologized to for serving undercooked food and nor was the said appetizer replaced and this was the same experience across 2 of their servers - Mr. Santosh (looked like their head server) and Mr. Gaurav

Moreover most of the food that came out was cold. It seemed like this food was already prepared and kept behind on some hot plates and was just being brought out to be served. I know this because the minute I asked for a dish outside of their tasting menu, it took time to come and was piping hot and fresh vs stale like the other food items on the tasting menu.

Also, this used to be a place for a nice quite luxury dining at one point as I have been here a few times but this time it was just super crowded with so many people and a lot of noise :(

The only saving grace was their dessert platter at the end and evrything in there was great! And also their other server Mr. Saroj who was courteous and something you'd expect of a server at a...