Mocha Café & Bar at Jubilee Hills

Contemporary cafes and bars are quite popular in Hyderabad, and Mocha Café & Bar is the latest addition to the Jubilee Hills food scene. An outlet from Riyaz Amlani’s Impresario group (well known in all metros for their Social and Smokehouse Deli chains), it is a transition from being just a coffee shop, which Café Mocha was nationally known for, into a bar with a difference.

Mocha Cafe and Bar
Outdoor Seating at Mocha Cafe & Bar

The management did not want to just do business with a run of the mill bar setup, and hence they ensured that the popular cocktails went for a makeover. Take their Moscow Mule cocktail for example. This was traditionally served in a copper mug and the restaurant has brought back that practice. For the Indian love for sugarcane, they have a cocktail called Mr Kane in a large glass with abundant alcohol. For our childhood fancy of goli soda, they have a choice of cocktails served in a goli soda bottle.

Moscow Mule
Moscow Mule

Sipper Tripper is a drink served in a plastic pouch. As per the restaurant, the name implies that even if the person trips and falls after a few drinks, the drink in the pouch will remain secure.  Jaali Whisky is served in a small cage attracts attention too for the way it is served.

Jaali Whisky
Jaali Whisky

The décor of the restaurant is worth a mention. I was very impressed with the large outdoor space where tables are laid out under greenery. Going slightly down you find a place ideal for nursing your drinks. The interiors are also tastefully done with some nice wall art and paintings.

Talli Gup Chup
Talli Gup Chup

At a preview, we first experimented with the tastes of different cocktails – Pulpy Narang Gin (served in a goli soda bottle), Sipper Tripper (Malibu Rum with pineapple juice and red syrup), and Jaali Whiskey (Bourbon with pineapple juice and angostura bitters).  Each drink was unique, but the whisky cocktail was absolutely brilliant in taste as well as presentation.

Lebanese Key-Bab Platter
Lebanese Key-Bab Platter

Lovers of spicy drinks should try their Peri Peri Bloody Mary, a traditional cocktail with the added punch of Peri Peri mix. Vodka infused panipuris are a rage these days, and Mocha has Talli Gup Chup, where the the imli paani is infused with vodka (or is it the other way round?)

Shammi Kabab
Shammi Kabab

The dishes which accompany the drinks are carefully designed too. The Lebanese Key-Bab Platter had some delicious Mediterranean meat dishes (Harissa Chicken, Shish Touk and Chicken Kebab) served with soft pita pieces, hummus and Tzatziki. Stuffed Tangri was another highlight with fillings of cheese and mince.

Bhel Puri
Bhel Puri

Shammi Kababs (there were two version, veg and of course mutton) were soft and melt-in-the-mouth, but I really enjoyed the taste of the next dish Ghee Roast Mutton Boti. The restaurant seems to have perfected the act of optimal cooking of meat, and the Mangalorean spices added to the taste.

Gali Ki Nalli Nihari
Gali Ki Nalli Nihari

Presentation of most of the dishes was remarkable too – examples were a Bhel Puri (served on a tricycle with the chopped onions and tomatoes in the cycle carrier) and Gali Ki Nalli Nihari (show cooked lamb shanks gravy served again in the same fashion). The nihari was more like the Delhi version of the dish, rather than the spicy Hyderabadi one.

Khaw Suey
Khaw Suey

Oriental cuisine was showcased with the Burmese Khaw Suey and Indonesian Nasi Goreng. The optimally dense and coconut milk laden Khaw Suey had the condiments served separately as required, the presentation adding a nice touch to it. The Nasi Goreng was served in a box along with chopsticks, and both the chicken satay and the rice had decent oriental flavours.

Nasi Goreng
Nasi Goreng

The food menu here is humongous (the starters itself number about two dozen), but from the dishes, we tried out, the restaurant has done an exceptional job of handling multi-cuisine recipes. A few items which we did not try out, but evinced my interest included Buhari Style Chicken 65, Gunpowder Calamari, and Rendang with Canai Roti.

Rasmalai Cheese Cake Mocha
Rasmalai Cheese Cake

Among the desserts served I only tried the Rasmalai Cheese Cake. This is a must try even for a dessert-averse person (like I am). The rasmalai sauce was absolutely authentic in taste and the quality of cheesecake was good too. Brownie Fudge Freak Shake and Cheese Cake Brownie was liked by the other diners.

Brownie Fudge Freak Shake
Brownie Fudge Freak Shake


Overall, I loved the place for its open design, diversity of cuisines, and innovativeness in design and presentation of both food and drinks. Mocha Café and Bar is not very expensive (most dishes are priced below Rs 400), and definitely worth a look in.

Location:
Mocha Bar & Café
161, Road 13, Jubilee Hills
Hyderabad

Disclaimer: The review is based on an invite from the restaurant.

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