I have been periodically writing about new restaurants opening up in Hyderabad, and yes, there are dime a dozen these days. While many restaurants open with lot of pomp, fanfare, PR blitz and hype, it is unfortunate to find that most fizzle out like a damp squib. Here are a few restaurants that have opened in the last few months, who are actually living up to their potential and serving diverse scrumptious food. Some are unique concepts while some have really worked diligently on the said cuisine.
1. Mirell
Mirell is a vegetarian restaurant located in Jubilee Hills. We have many vegetarian places in the city but Mirell excels in adapting global recipes into the vegetarian fold.
A nice cozy restaurant on the first floor, the menu has delicacies from the Indian as well as Asian and global cuisine, traditional as well as contemporary. The food here was top notch, we tried Nepalese Jhol Momos, Mushroom Cottage Baos, Ramen Bowl and Korean Cottage Cheese Rice apart from couple of mocktails, out of which Lemongrass Fire Martini stood out. Biscoff Tres Leches is recommended from the desserts.
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| Jhol Momo |
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| Ramen Bowl |
The restaurant has become quite popular attracting lot of customers even on weekdays.
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| Sa.Ma - The Indian Kitchen |
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| Sa.Ma - The Indian Kitchen |
2. Sa.Ma – The Indian Kitchen
If you are looking for Pan-India regional food, Sa.Ma – The Indian Kitchen at Filmnagar deserves a strong recommendation. Housed in a swank ethnic bungalow, the open look of restaurant is something to talk about. For me, the huge winner from the menu is its first page – heirloom recipes from Late Gummadi Venkateshwara Rao’s family, whose granddaughter Samjana is the owner. Comfort food Muddapappu Annam with Gummadikaya Pulusu is a strong recommendation along with Ammamma’s Tiffin, a complete meal by itself.
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| Ammamma’s Tiffin |
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| Muddapappu Annam with Gummadikaya Pulusu |
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| Appam with Prawn Curry |
The other parts of the menu have delicacies from many regions of India – Mushroom Thukpa, Palak Patta Chaat, Kosha Mangsho, Tabak Maaz and Laal Maas are a few that got my attention. We also loved the Prawn Curry with Appam. Do not miss the Elaneer Panna Cotta here, it is just heavenly. British Raj Rolly Polly Pudding also deserves a mention.
3. Moy
Hyderabad has not been very fortunate in terms of availability of cuisines from the North Eastern states. Eateries have sporadically opened and closed. And, as far as Mizoram is concerned, Moy brings the first opportunity to taste dishes from the state.
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| Mizo Thali |
Located in Gokul Plots, KPHB Kukatpally, Moy serves a Mizo thali at Rs 350. The day we visited, our thali had Pork skin fry, a broth of leafy veggies, dal, bharta and Pork fry. Additionally, we tried Crab with veggies, Pork leg with local greens, and Sanpiau, a congee of fermented rice, pork and crispies.
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| Mizo Style Crab |
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| Pork Fry |
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| Pork Leg with Local Greens |
Run by a mother-son duo from Mizoram, the 15-seater place is unpretentious but the food is just ravishing. A lot of love goes into the food. A must visit for enthusiasts of Indian regional cuisines in general and North Eastern cuisine in particular. Those who are not initiated, expect flavours totally different.
4. Tuya
Tuya a restaurant that has opened in Jubilee Hills recently has set lot of expectations. The place provides South Indian cuisine with a contemporary twist. The owner Chef Suresh has extensive experience in curating modern dishes and extensive research has gone into planning the menu.
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| Idiyappam with Kadala Curry |
An extensive menu highlighted by Mutton Seekulu, Ghee Roast with Dosa, Muntha Masala with Fried Gongura Leaves, Alleppy Chicken with Ghee Rice, Idiyappam with Kadala Curry, Jackfruit Gassi with Sanna, Avocado Sarvapindi, put enough on the plates for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians. The dishes looked contemporary and Instagram friendly, but the taste was traditional too, which is not the case with many other restaurants.
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| Dosa with Mutton Ghee Roast |
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| Yam 65 with Cucumber Raita |
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| Pineapple Kasi Halwa |
Desserts like Pineapple Kasi Halwa and Frozen Rajamundry Milkshake were intelligent reimagined twists on the original recipes. A very promising eatery if it can maintain its standards.
5. Ahoo
If you are fond of Telugu thalis, the newly opened Ahoo in Gachibowli (just next to Radisson) should be your next go to place. The outlet is located just next to Radisson Hitech and the décor has been designed as a Telugu house. For some parts of the restaurant, the theme is based on the noted Telugu actor Brahmanandam.
The sumptuous Vegetarian Thali for lunch with more than thirty items is priced at around Rs 375. Your lunch starts with hot ghee on Boorelu, and go on to try their pappu, vegetable fry and curries. Multiple tasty podi and pachadis add value to the meal. You can even add a portion of Chicken Fry, Fish or Prawn for as low as Rs 150. This new place seemed to have already picked up traction.
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| The Thali has more than 30 items |
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| Chicken Fry |
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| Prawn Roast |