Hyderabad, Feb. 8 -- In recent years, the Mumbai highway (NH65) witnessed a curious phenomenon- a steady stream of Hyderabadis willing to drive upto 200 kms just for their love for good food. It could be called a culinary pilgrimage to a spot that had become a favourite among the city's meat connoisseurs. This spot was the Basavakalyan Empire.

For years, the legend of their meaty dishes grew through word-of-mouth among weekend travellers and enthusiasts. Now, the pilgrimage has gotten much shorter. The Empire officially arrived in Hyderabad last week, bringing its unique "mutton-dominated" menu to a city that knows its meat.

The homecoming

Owned by three brothers, one of the faces behind the Basavakalyan Empire is Shaikh Faisal Ahmed. ...