The typical menu served at high-profile dinner events in the dining hall of Falaknuma Palace reflects the opulence and culinary traditions of the Nizam’s era, as well as contemporary luxury standards. Here’s a general outline of the type of menu that might be served at such events:

1. Welcome Drinks and Appetizers

• Welcome Drinks: Traditional beverages like sherbets (fruit-based drinks) or more contemporary cocktails.
• Appetizers:
  • Murg Malai Kebab: Tender chicken marinated in cream and spices.
  • Shami Kebab: Minced meat kebabs with spices.
  • Paneer Tikka: Marinated and grilled Indian cottage cheese.
  • Chaat: Small, flavorful servings of Indian street food such as pani puri or bhel puri.

2. Soup Course

• Shorba: A light, aromatic soup often made with lamb or chicken.
• Tomato Shorba: A tangy tomato-based soup with Indian spices.

3. Main Course

• Vegetarian Dishes:
  • Shahi Paneer: Rich, creamy paneer curry made with tomatoes, cream, and spices.
  • Navratan Korma: A mixed vegetable curry with a creamy, nut-based sauce.
• Non-Vegetarian Dishes:
  • Hyderabadi Biryani: A fragrant rice dish with layers of marinated meat (usually lamb or chicken) and saffron.
  • Murg Dum Korma: Chicken slow-cooked in a rich, spicy gravy.
  • Rogan Josh: A slow-cooked lamb curry with aromatic spices.
• Accompaniments:
  • Naan and Roti: Indian bread, including varieties like garlic naan and butter roti.
  • Raita: A yogurt-based side dish with cucumber and spices.
  • Salads: Fresh salads with a variety of vegetables, often seasoned with Indian spices.

4. Rice Dishes

• Pilaf: A fragrant rice dish cooked with spices and sometimes nuts.
• Zafrani Pulao: Saffron-infused rice with a mix of vegetables or dried fruits.

5. Desserts

• Gulab Jamun: Deep-fried dough balls soaked in a sweet syrup.
• Ras Malai: Soft paneer dumplings in a creamy, sweet milk sauce.
• Jalebi: Crispy, syrup-soaked spirals of dough.
• Kheer: Rice pudding flavored with cardamom and garnished with nuts.

6. Beverages

• Wines and Spirits: A selection of fine wines and spirits to complement the meal.
• Traditional Indian Drinks: Lassi (a yogurt-based drink) or masala chai (spiced tea).

7. Cheese and Fruit Platter (Optional)

• Cheese Selection: A variety of international cheeses.
• Fresh Fruits: Seasonal fruits arranged elegantly.

8. After-Dinner Treats

• Mints and Sweetmeats: Fresh mints and traditional Indian sweets like barfi or mithai.

Summary

The menu at high-profile dinner events in Falaknuma Palace is a blend of traditional Hyderabadi cuisine and luxurious, contemporary options. It features a range of appetizers, main courses with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, and elaborate desserts. The cuisine showcases the rich culinary heritage of the region while catering to the sophisticated tastes of distinguished guests.