For the background, Khiva gets its name from the Uzbek city Khiva, also known as the land of the rugged people. Khiva serves central Asian delicacies. The place surely lives up to its theme. The ambience is spectacular with Middle Eastern and Afghani music played in the background.
We were invited for a tasting to Khiva by Imraan, who played the perfect host. Khiva is located on the 3rd floor of Phoenix Market City. The place has an indoor seating area.
Khiva Location
3rd Floor (Take the escalators opposite KFC on 2nd Floor to go on the 3rd floor), Phoenix Market City, Viman Nagar, Pune – 411 014.
What I Had
Para
Para sticks, made out of maida are served complimentary to kill time, till the first order comes in and are served with three chutneys as dips.
Yakini Shorba
Highly flavored lamb soup simmered with Indian spices and a drizzle of lemon juice and fresh mint. The soup was spicy.
Tamater Shorba
Tomato soup seasoned with Indian spices.
Makai Seekh Kebab
Vegetarian seekh kebab made with corn spiced with fresh herbs. Tasted good but was a bit dry for my liking. Ask for your favorite dips to accompany it.
Mutter Aur Cheese Ka Tikka
Patties of green peas and herbs stuffed with cheese and saffron and shallow fried to perfection. The walnut went well with the taste of the tikka.
Peshawari Paneer Tikka
Creamy malai paneer marinated in yogurt flavoured with yellow chilli and cooked on char grill. Not a big fan of paneer but liked this one.
Chakori Murgh
Chicken leg meat marinated in yogurt, hara masala and roasted.
Tandoori Shikari Tangdi
Char grilled chicken drumsticks in a tangy marinade of kashmiri chillies and fenugreek.
Barra Kebab Lazeez
Tender lamb chops and nalli marinated in a tangy pepper marinade and kachiri, char grilled to perfection.
Dal Khiva
Black lentils cooked overnight and simmered with tomatoes, ginger, garlic, cream and butter. Served with a dallop of white butter.
Gosht ki Dum Biryani
Lamb biryani cooked with basmati rice in dum style.
Zaffrani Angoori Rasmalai
Marble shaped oodles of milk in saffron flavored reduced milk garnished with pistachios.
Reduced milk with lychee. The best dessert here. A must try.
Khubhani ka Meetha
A rich preparation of apricots stewed in honey and garnished with dry nuts.
Baked Anjeer Halva
An Awadhi speciality, khowa based anjeer halva.
Elaichi Jamun
Jamun with a stuffing of saffron and prunes.
Ambience
All in all, Khiva serves good food, has an amazing service, a welcoming staff and also has a wonderful ambience. The only issue could be the price point of the dishes.
