Beyond the Biryani: The Art of Culinary Storytelling at Once Upon a Time
Thank you for joining me on this exploration of Hyderabad. Landing in this city is always a sensory overload, but our first dinner at Once Upon a Time in the Greenpark Hotel provided a structured, elegant introduction to the deeper layers of Deccan flavors. We met friends here, and the experience served as a perfect reminder that while Biryani is the city's famous export, its soul lies in a much broader variety of dishes.
The Strategy of Sensory Design
In the competitive landscape of Hyderabadi dining, Once Upon a Time differentiates itself through precision. According to local reviewers on Zomato and TripAdvisor, the restaurant is consistently praised for its "modern Nizami" approach. This isn't just about food; it is about the business of memory. From the moment we were greeted by the manager, Srinivas, whose guidance through the menu was impeccable, it was clear that service is viewed as a core product here.
A Menu of Regional Firsts
The meal began with a cocktail program that understands regional specificity. The Dosakaya vodka, tamarind martini, and Mandarin mojito were not just drinks; they were a showcase of local produce integrated into modern mixology. The Paya Shorba followed, a sophisticated lamb trotter broth with sheermal croutons that managed to be light yet deeply flavorful.
Avakava Prawns: Corn crusted with a sharp Avakava creme, offering a tangy profile unique to the region.
Kamal Kakdi Khichdi: A lotus stem preparation that stands as a testament to the restaurant's commitment to vegetarian excellence.
Saag Nalli Gosht & Madurai Chicken Sukha: Demonstrating a mastery of meat textures and spice balance.
Subz Mishran with Pista Salan: A refined vegetable medley paired with a nutty, aromatic gravy.
While the Dum Biryani and Hyderabadi Haleem were present and expertly executed, the surrounding dishes provided the true business value for a foodie traveler looking for something beyond the common knowledge.
When you visit a famous food city, do you stick to the iconic dish, or do you seek out the menu items that the locals keep for themselves?
The Emerging Landscape
Beyond this specific review, the Hyderabad market is seeing a surge in innovation. As reported by LBB Hyderabad and Dineout (2025), the city has seen ten notable new openings that are redefining the local palate. These include Forge in Jubilee Hills, the innovative Manam Chocolate, and regional specialists like Soul of South.
Zomato. "Once Upon a Time Reviews and Ratings." Accessed December 2025. Link
TripAdvisor. "Greenpark Hotel - Once Upon a Time Dining." Accessed December 2025. Link
Dineout. "New Restaurant Openings in Hyderabad 2025." Accessed December 2025. Link
LBB Hyderabad. "Trending Eateries in the City." Accessed December 2025. Link
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