Chapter 4 : Here We Meat Again!

Here We Meat Again!

It's Sunday morning and I was sleeping soundly dreaming about something. Knock, came a knock. Who's knocking in my dream? Knock knock. Who's there? Time. Time who? Your wake up time. The joke wasn't over. Knock knock knock, came again. This time I opened my eyes, went to the door and opened it. It was an omen. Sorry, it was The Omen, my friend who just came from Pondicherry.

As a dear friend, fellow foodie, and one of the greatest porkmasters ever, his arrivals are always joyous, tummyful occasions. Without further adieu, Omen suggested that we head to Alpha Hotel Secunderabad for breakfast. So we did, after struggling to start the motorcycle for about 15 minutes. It was slightly drizzling; cool weather for a morning ride.

The purpose of visiting Alpha in the morning, for me, is just one - Mutton Keema with Tandoori Roti. But  this time, since there were two of us, we decided to expand our horizons just a little bit. We ordered Bhaji Ghosth (Sautéed Palak with Mutton Chunks) and Parathas as well.

The grand Alpha Breakfast

Bhajji Ghosth - must try!

The Bhaji Ghosth was a revelation - spicy and flavourful; will definitely order again. Keema was the classic bliss of soft, well-balanced meat. The slight crispiness of the Roti, Paratha, and the cashew nuts made the experience better. After the customary Irani Chai and small-talk with the waiter (gained knowledge that Alpha serves Biryani from 9 AM), we left the place.

Our next stop was 'Naine Pork Stall', just a kilometer away. At the sight of Omen, the young storekeeper's eyes lighted up. We had made acquaintance with him the last time we went there. Fresh meat had just arrived it seemed, and the guy put 2-3 large rib-cage sections for us on display. Purchased around a kilo and half meat with ribs, one pack of bacon, and headed home. Forgot to mention, the guy took down Omen's number to keep him posted about their 'special' offers.

Since I had got tapioca (kappa) the day before, we decided to make Kerala style 'kappappuzhukku' for lunch. This was my first time making kappa on my own. Called my mom and got the detailed recipe. To pair with it, I suggested Pork Vindaloo (Goan style). Omen took the suggestion with much enthusiasm and immediately began searching for recipes online. With songs from movies like 'Angamaly Diaries' to keep us company, we started cooking.

Marinating pork, desiccating coconut, peeling and chopping kappa, roasting spices, blending masala, slow cooking and pressure cooking meat, boiling kappa, adding masala, mixing everything, occasional tasting, and after all that, at around 3 o clock, we were ready for lunch.

 Masala prep with wine

 Masala on pork

 Pork Vindaloo - almost there

 Tapioca - pre-masala mix phase

Kappa Puzhukku Ready! 

Kappa with Pork Vindaloo

We continued watching the movie 'Savam' (which we had started a while ago) on Netflix and took liberal helpings of kappa and pork. Even though the quality of the kappa that we got wasn't that nice (it's hard to find fresh kappa here in Hyderabad), the whole mixing and masala was great. Pork, as usual, was heavenly with the signature Omen touch. Bellyful and happy, we headed out.

Decathlon Kukatpally was the destination. Meanwhile, we had also decided that dinner could probably be at Rumaan, Charminar (famous for their beef items - favourite are Beef Biryani and Beef Masala). After the long shopping at Decathlon (courtesy Omen and his trek plans) we hailed an Ola Share cab and started our two-hour long journey through the lanes and by-lanes of Hyderabad. Since it was a share cab, we had to go pick up and drop people in areas way off our actual route. The journey was pretty entertaining because of the cab driver. Coming to know that we are heading that far late at night, just to have food, made him so happy. He declared that since we are going that side, he'll go to Shah Ghouse and have Nahari. During the journey, he also showed us other beef places that we should visit (Anjuman in Mehdipatnam). Omen had to, yet again, face an identity crisis - when he said he was from Manipur, the driver asked whether that was in Nepal, and later, Indonesia (just another case of casual racism, covered in ignorance). We talked more about food and restaurants. Time was passing, but we weren't reaching anywhere. Towards the end, we were almost dead with hunger and couldn't bear his long talks anymore. At last, at 12.10 AM, we reached Rumaan - quickly got out of the cab and rushed in to the dining area on the first floor.

For our slight disappointment, only biryani was available at that time of the night (thanks to Ola Share). Ordered two full plates of biryani and gobbled it down like hungry hogs, we did.

Beef Biryani at Rumaan, Charminar

The meat and the rice were flavourful and spicy. We were happy. After the biryani, I ordered Khubani ka Meetha and Irani Chai. The waiter said that he'll get us the Chai but Khubani won't be good without the topping of hot Malai, which they didn't have at the time. I agreed with him and thanked him. The Chai came without much delay; we sipped it slowly while I booked an Uber home.

With mutton for breakfast, pork for lunch, and beef for dinner, the sensational, meat-filled day thus came to an end, for us.