Chef Rashid Khan (left), the kebab specialist from Patna, prepares Afghani murgh kebab

Taste a bit of Hyderabad sitting in the heart of Ranchi. For 10 days from December 21, Hotel BNR Chanakya on Station Road is hosting a food festival that has unveiled the best of Nizami cuisine.

At work are the magic hands of kebab king Rashid Khan (65), brought in from Patna and Kaushar Ali (36) from the land of the Charminar, who together are serving mouth watering fare that includes the ever-popular chicken dum biriyani and malai kebabs. The seasoned chefs with years of experience in the hospitality industry were clear about the agenda. “We are here to serve our guests the famous Hyderabadi biryani and kebabs,” they said in unison.

The two are confident that the food will suit every palate and wallet. Khan should know. For thousands of foodies have tasted his delectable kebabs, including Indira Gandhi and Jyoti Basu. “Indira Gandhi liked the malai kebab while Basu relished the reshmi kebab I made,” he said with pride.

The Hyderabadi food festival will be on till December 30.

Among the kebabs on offer are Afghani kebab, murgh kalmi kebab and gosht hussaini kebab. Ali is churning out all-time Deccan favourites like Mirch ka salan, dum biriyani, jhinga biriyani, Laila ki unglia, paneer korma et al.

For those with a sweet tooth, typical Hyderbadi desserts like Double ka meetha, gulkand ka halwa and khubani ka meetha are on offer. “We have brought all the ingredients which are being used in dishes like shahi zeera, potli ka masala, pathar ka phool and the like to provide special flavours to our creations,” said executive chef of Hotel Chanakya BNR Pinaki Mishra, who is coordinating the festival.

Mishra added that all the dishes were being prepared in copper vessels to retain the flavour of biriyani for longer. The a la carte menu is available from 7.30pm onwards.

According to resident manager of the hotel Sudhir Mishra, restaurant Samrat has been decorated with velvet drapes and hookahs, and water is being served in surahis. “We have also put up portraits of the Nizams and regal paraphernalia like old weapons and statues of elephants. A bangle seller is in attendance and a ghazal singer is keeping guests entertained,” he said.