Tolichowki area in Hyderabad, is a culinary haven that goes beyond the famed Hyderabadi biryani. This vibrant neighborhood boasts a rich tapestry of global flavors, offering everything from Middle Eastern shawarma to Afghani kebabs and African continental delights. Its diverse food scene reflects the area’s cosmopolitan spirit, making it a must-visit for food enthusiasts.
A Taste of Global Flavors in Hyderabad
Hyderabad, known for its multicultural essence, is a melting pot of diverse ethnicities and traditions. The city’s vibrant cultural fabric owes much to its rich history of migrations. Alongside people, flavors from across the world have seamlessly merged into Hyderabad’s culinary landscape.
When seeking distinctive cuisines beyond the city’s famed Hyderabadi biryani, a visit to Tolichowki’s Paramount Colony unveils a delightful surprise. Nestled near Himayat Nagar, this bustling neighborhood is home to Yemeni and East African culinary gems, including Sudanese, Somali, and Ethiopian dishes, making it a hotspot for food enthusiasts.
Paramount Colony: A Multicultural Culinary Haven
Strategically located between Hyderabad’s historic Old City and the modern hubs of HITEC City and Gachibowli, Tolichowki’s Paramount Colony attracts a steady stream of diners. This unique locale offers a flavorful journey through African and Yemeni cuisines, serving both immigrants and curious locals.
One such treasure is Tafosha, an African restaurant frequented by patrons of African descent. According to Shakeel, its owner, “We aim to recreate authentic flavors for our customers, just as they would enjoy back home.” Shakeel’s meticulous approach includes importing spices directly from South Africa, ensuring authenticity in every dish. Similarly, Al-Wadi, a Yemeni restaurant, delights diners with traditional mandi and fahsa, offering a taste of home for Arabic-speaking immigrants.
Culinary Migration: The Historical Roots
The roots of Hyderabad’s culinary diversity trace back centuries. During the reign of the Qutb Shahi kings, migrations from Yemen and East Africa brought the Hadhrami and Habshi communities to the city. These groups contributed to the Deccan’s cultural and gastronomic fabric, leaving behind legacies such as Barkas, a neighborhood synonymous with Yemeni heritage.
Iconic dishes like Irani chai and haleem also reveal the city’s culinary evolution. Persian immigrants introduced chai, while haleem evolved from the Yemeni dish harees, becoming a Ramadan staple in Hyderabad. Today, Barkas continues to serve fresh harees, connecting past traditions to the present.
Modern Migration and Culinary Identity
Unlike historical migrations, recent influxes of Arabic-speaking African immigrants are driven by practical needs like healthcare and education. Paramount Colony has become a focal point for these communities, offering affordable housing and familiar flavors. Restaurants here not only cater to the tastes of African and Yemeni patrons but also serve as cultural touchpoints for diverse audiences.
As sociologist Arjun Appadurai suggests, food is a powerful medium for cultural negotiation in a globalized world. Paramount Colony exemplifies this, where culinary traditions allow immigrants to express their identities and connect with their new environment.
Embracing Diversity Through Food
The streets of Paramount Colony brim with the aroma of African stews and Yemeni mandi. Makeshift tea stalls offer a gathering place for immigrants to converse in their native languages. From okra and eggplant stews to meat-centric Yemeni dishes, these eateries celebrate the diversity of their patrons while sharing stories of their homelands.
Professor Basu of San Jose State University notes that ethnic restaurants often thrive in areas with dense immigrant populations, bridging gaps in cultural representation. Paramount Colony stands as a testament to this phenomenon, fostering a sense of belonging through its culinary offerings.
A Culinary Bridge Between Cultures
Hyderabad’s dynamic growth continues to embrace its multicultural heritage. Paramount Colony serves as a microcosm of this integration, where flavors from Africa and Yemen blend seamlessly into the city’s foodscape. As patrons indulge in these unique dishes, they partake in a journey that transcends borders, uniting communities through the universal language of food.
By celebrating its hidden culinary gems, Hyderabad reaffirms its status as a city of cultural confluence, inviting everyone to savor the richness of its diverse flavors.#hydkhabar
About The Author
Faraaz Mohammed 
Ahssanuddin Haseeb