Ishtaa - Vegetarian Cuisine | Basheerbagh — Restaurant in Hyderabad

Ishtaa Vegetarian restaurant in Basheerbagh, Hyderabad, has truly outdone itself with its "India on Plate" special thalis promotion. As an optical reviewer, I can attest to the visual delight that these thalis offer. They not only represent India's diverse culinary traditions but also capture the essence of each region's flavors and ingredients.

The moment the thalis are placed before you, the sight alone is enough to make your mouth water. The presentation is impeccable, with each dish thoughtfully arranged, showcasing vibrant colors and textures. The thalis are not just a meal; they are a feast for the eyes.

The Andhra Thali is a celebration of spicy flavors with its fiery red curries and tangy chutneys. The Telangana Thali offers a contrasting visual appeal with earthy tones, featuring millet-based dishes that are both wholesome and delectable.

Moving on to the North Indian Thali, the sight of aromatic biryanis and rich curries served alongside warm naans is nothing short of inviting. The vibrancy of the Gujarati Thali with its sweet, savory, and spicy components is a true representation of the colorful state. The Rajasthani Thali is a visual masterpiece, with its royal presentation of dals, rich gravies, and mouthwatering sweets.

Beyond the aesthetics, the taste is where Ishtaa Vegetarian truly shines. Each dish in the thalis is a testament to the rich tapestry of flavors and ingredients found across India. The Andhra Thali showcases the bold flavors of red and green chilies, tamarind, and curry leaves. The Telangana Thali takes you on a journey through the heartland of millet-based dishes, combining the earthiness of grains with the subtle heat of spices.

The North Indian Thali transports you to the streets of Delhi with its fragrant spices and creamy gravies. The Gujarati Thali offers a symphony of tastes, with sweet jalebi balancing the savory dhokla and spicy pickles. The Rajasthani Thali presents a regal experience with its rich dals and decadent sweets.

Ishtaa Vegetarian's "India on Plate" promotion is a gastronomic voyage that will please your palate and your eyes. Each thali is a masterpiece, carefully curated to represent the regional diversity of Indian cuisine. The use of traditional serving dishes and accessories adds to the overall visual appeal, making the experience all the more authentic.

Moreover, the staff at Ishtaa Vegetarian are courteous and well-versed in explaining the dishes, making the dining experience even more enjoyable. The ambiance of the restaurant complements the thali experience, creating a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere for guests.

In conclusion, the "India on Plate" special thalis at Ishtaa Vegetarian in Basheerbagh, Hyderabad, is not just a meal; it's an artistic and culinary journey. With each thali representing a different region of India, diners are treated to a visual and gastronomic spectacle. The impeccable presentation and authentic flavors make this promotion a must-try for anyone seeking to explore India's diverse culinary traditions. Ishtaa Vegetarian has truly raised the bar when it comes to thali experiences, and it's a culinary adventure you don't...

I recently visited this restaurant and had a very pleasant experience overall.

Food: The food quality and taste are excellent, especially when compared to similarly priced restaurants in Hyderabad. Portion sizes are generous, and it’s evident that high-quality ingredients are used—you don’t feel overly heavy or bloated even after a full meal.

Service: The service was top notch, quick, professional, and attentive. The staff handled all our queries with care, and food was served promptly. They even accommodated our request for an extra complimentary mocktail, which was a nice gesture. However, one small concern: we ordered extra curd, and while three cups were served, we weren’t informed that these would be charged separately. Clearer communication about additional charges would improve transparency.

Ambience & Facilities: The ambience is warm, welcoming, and elevated, with a family-friendly South Indian aesthetic. Valet parking was smooth and hassle-free.

Cost: You can expect to spend around ₹400–₹500 per person, which is reasonable considering the quality, service, and overall experience.

Other Notes: On weekends, the wait times can be significant. I strongly recommend reserving a table through any dine-out app, which not only helps avoid the wait but also offers attractive discounts. We received 30% off our total bill using one of these platforms.

Menu Breakdown: The menu can be broadly categorized into four sections: Tiffins, South Indian traditional, North Indian/Indo-Chinese, and Desserts.

Tiffins are of good quality but nothing extraordinary in terms of variety—classic flavors with a slightly elevated touch.

South Indian traditional dishes are truly outstanding, with authentic flavors reminiscent of home-cooked meals. Highly recommended for those who want to try Telugu or South Indian cuisine for the first time. However, if you are a local and want to try something different from home-style food, I wouldn’t particularly recommend this section, as the flavors are very close to what you might already have at home.

North Indian and Indo-Chinese dishes are very well prepared, with balanced flavors that are neither bland nor overly spicy. The dishes stand out in quality compared to many other North Indian restaurants in the city. Great for first-timers or anyone looking for classic dishes done right.

Desserts were the only area that felt underwhelming. The selection is limited, pricing is on the higher side, and the items I tried leaned too sweet. The fried ice cream, however, was rich enough to share between two. More variety—especially in Indian or international options—would be a welcome improvement.

Overall: This restaurant delivers high-quality food and service at reasonable prices, with standout traditional South Indian dishes and reliable North Indian options. While the dessert menu and communication on extra charges could be improved, the overall experience is excellent. A great choice for both first-time visitors to South Indian cuisine and those looking for comfort food done...

Title: A Lunchtime Culinary Adventure at Ishtaa - Basheerbagh's Vegetarian Paradise

Review:

Embarking on a vegetarian culinary odyssey at Ishtaa, the esteemed restaurant nestled in the heart of Basheerbagh, was an experience that left an indelible mark on my palate and spirit. From the moment I stepped foot into the restaurant, I was enveloped in an ambiance that spoke of tranquility and culinary excellence, setting the stage for a truly memorable lunchtime dining experience.

The journey into the heart of vegetarian cuisine commenced with an array of appetizers that tantalized the senses and ignited the taste buds. The authentic Nellore Garelu served with roti pachadi, a true homage to Andhra Pradesh's culinary heritage, was a standout, with its crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior perfectly complemented by the tangy and spicy notes of the chutney. Each bite was a revelation, a testament to Chef Srinivas' mastery of flavor and texture.

As the lunchtime culinary adventure unfolded, I was treated to a feast of main courses that showcased the diversity and creativity of vegetarian cooking. The Gunti vankaya pulav, fragrant with the aroma of spices and brimming with the richness of eggplant, transported me to the heart of Telangana's countryside with every forkful. Meanwhile, the Panchimirchi pulav teased my taste buds with its fiery yet balanced flavors, leaving me craving for more.

The highlight of the lunch was undoubtedly the Thotakura liver Biryani, a symphony of flavors and textures that danced across the palate with each mouthful. The tender chunks of thotakura liver, perfectly seasoned and nestled amidst fragrant basmati rice, were a revelation, elevating the humble biryani to new heights of culinary excellence.

As the midday meal drew to a close, I found myself indulging in the sweet embrace of Ishtaa's dessert offerings. The Fried Icecream, a delightful fusion of crispy and creamy textures, was a fitting finale to an unforgettable lunchtime feast, while the Malai Broccoli and Honey Crispy Chilli Potato added a tantalizing twist to traditional favorites.

In conclusion, Ishtaa - Vegetarian Cuisine in Basheerbagh, guided by the talented Chef Srinivas and the attentive waiter Ranjith Kumar, offers a lunchtime dining experience that is nothing short of extraordinary. Each dish, from the authentic Nellore Garelu to the innovative Thotakura liver Biryani, is a testament to the chef's passion for vegetarian cooking, and every moment spent within Ishtaa's embrace is a celebration of the rich and vibrant tapestry of flavors that vegetarian cuisine has to offer. For those seeking a culinary adventure that transcends expectations, Ishtaa is a destination not to be missed for a memorable...