Aafreen’s Royal Rendezvous: A Nizami Affair at The Westin Pune

Pune: This July, Aafreen at The Westin Pune Koregaon Park opens its doors to a dining experience steeped in heritage, indulgence, and timeless flavour. The Four Hands Nizami Dinner, a four-night chef’s table starting July 24, brings together the culinary brilliance of Chef Ishtiyaque Qureshi and Chef Mohammed Shakeel Ahmed — two stalwarts reimagining royal Indian cuisine for the modern palate.

Currently helming the kitchens at The Westin Hyderabad Mindspace, Chef Mohammed Shakeel Ahmed is one of the foremost authorities on authentic Nizami cuisine. Born in the heart of Hyderabad and shaped by the culinary legacies of both the city and his ancestral roots in Lucknow, Chef Shakeel brings with him generations of knowledge, honed over years of experience, including his time with the prestigious ITC Hotels. His cooking is a tribute to timeless traditions — slow-cooked, spice-rich, and deeply soulful.

Joining him is Chef Ishtiyaque Qureshi, an award-winning culinary innovator known for his mastery over North Indian flavours and his signature approach to Dum Pukht-style cooking. With decades of experience in the country's finest kitchens and luxury hotels, Chef Qureshi’s menus speak to a deep respect for age-old techniques while embracing refined, contemporary presentations that delight the modern gourmand.

Expect an immersive evening where elegance meets authenticity. Drawing from the rich tapestry of Nizami cuisine, the chefs present a menu that marries the grace of Persian and Turkish influences with the soul of Deccan. This isn’t just dinner — it’s a slow, seductive journey through deeply spiced gravies, fragrant biryanis, and heirloom recipes once reserved for Hyderabad’s nobility.

Delicate Haleem, melt-in-the-mouth Dum ka Murgh, and the iconic Bagara Baingan make their presence felt alongside the grandeur of the Hyderabadi and Kalyani Biryanis. Every course is thoughtfully paired with fine whisky, adding just the right warmth to an already unforgettable evening.

This limited-edition affair is crafted for those who appreciate stories on a plate — couples seeking an elevated evening out, business travellers looking to unwind in style, and gourmands who live for layered spice and slow-cooked perfection.

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When: July 24 to July 27, 2025 Where: Afreen, The Westin Pune Koregaon Park Cost per Person: ₹2800++ (Vegetarian) | ₹3200++ (Non-Vegetarian) Contact for Reservations: 7066200300