While the evolution of food space is often associated with city’s like Delhi and Mumbai, Hyderabad is not far behind. The city is currently experiencing a new wave of restaurants across formats and cuisines, making it interesting for food lovers. From a bar by one of India’s leading mixologists to a restaurant headed by a chef who once served sports icons of India, the city’s food scene is growing like never before.
My introduction to Hyderabad’s foodscape was with Roast CCX — a spot revolutionising coffee in the city. A visit to Roast two years ago was enough to convince me that Hyderabad was much ahead of Delhi in terms of how it was treating food and beverage. These 5 new restaurants prove the point right in more ways than one. So if you are in Hyderabad and willing to experience the best of the city, here are five restaurants to your rescue.
Baan Phadthai
Can’t make it to Thailand? No problem. Baan Phadthai brings the flavours of Bangkok right to your doorstep. First, the Thai music lures you in; then the colourful artwork, and before you know it, you’re seated in what appears to be a cosy Bangkok shophouse.
Authenticity dictates the menu here. The idea is to plate traditional Thai flavours suited to the Indian palate, rather than rework them to suit Indian taste buds. Sweet and tangy, the Phad Thai is the signature dish, and the sauce is its star. With street-style food and home-style dishes, the restaurant captures the chaos and complexity of Thai culture.
Address: Gate 3, Ground floor, Octave unit 3, SALARPURIA SATTVA KNOWLEDGE CITY, Silpa Gram Craft Village, Madhapur, Hyderabad
Price for two: INR 2,000-2,500
Oota
Kannada for ‘meal,’ interestingly enough, Oota plates up Telugu cuisine with great care. The precision that went into crafting the menu is clear in the dishes. Close proximity to local communities and food historians translates into the flavours. The Uggani with mirapakaya bajji is a beloved breakfast snack that they get just right. The kache ghosht ki biryani amalgamates Hyderabadi and Telugu flavours.
Relish traditional Telugu dishes at Oota, Hyderabad
Their beverage menu adds a unique spin to classic meals. The Nizam-e-khaas cocktail, drawing inspiration from Nizami Biryani, infuses whiskey with aromatic spices and fried onions. If you’re looking for a comforting meal, Oota deserves a visit, where dedication meets tradition.
Address: Commerzone Rd, Silpa Gram Craft Village, Madhapur, HITEC City, Hyderabad
Price for two: INR 1,300
TheySee
Modern, yet desi. That’s the concept here. It’s bold, exaggerated, and dramatic. The space instantly grabs your attention. It’s spicy, just like the food it serves. The flamboyance of the place is grounded by the balanced flavours of the food. The butter chicken and naan serve authentically Indian flavours. Cocktails like the Masala Market play with spices to create an emulsion that sits well with what’s on your plate. If you’re looking to indulge in genuinely good Indian food in a setting that isn’t typically traditional, TheySee is your best bet.
Address: 2, 293, 82 A, Plot No.8, Rd Number 13, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad
Price for two: INR 3,500-4,500
Bar Stormy
“All are Welcome”. That’s what the last of the 13 Announcements pinned up on Bar Stromy’s wall reads. And that is exactly the mood the space sets as soon as you step in. It is warm and cosy, with walls depicting the city’s skyline. Underwhelmingly simple, the atmosphere instantly puts you at ease.
The bar counter is kept low, letting you peek at all the good stuff behind it. You can watch your cocktail being crafted with care as the team experiments with flavours and ingredients in the prep room. Simplicity is the mantra here, so the cocktails are visually uncomplicated as well. The fanciness is reserved for the flavour.
Bar Stormy marks Yangdup Lama’s entry into Hyderabad’s food scene
Further, you don’t need to hassle yourself at all. There are 10 drinks. You choose not a drink, but a mood. Based on how you’re feeling at the moment, the bartender pours you just the right drink. The Stormy Hotmess is a must-try. Infused with peanut butter, chillies, sesame, and guava, this tequila-based cocktail pays homage to the Hyderabadi mirchi ka salan.
You can munch on crispy snacks like Wai Wai Bhel or have a hearty meal. The Imli and Tuna Crudo, a recommended dish, is a vibrant fusion of flavours. Dishes like the Chicken Lemongrass and Kondapur Prawns Pil Pil are all cooked in classic Hyderabadi fashion. All in all, Bar Stormy is the perfect place to be imperfect. They encourage you to come as you are and sit with whatever mood you’re in.
Admire the comfort of Mediterranean cuisine in a space that feels like an escape from the surrounding city. Clay-toned walls, wooden beams, and tribal designs welcome you to Kyma. What keeps you coming back is the creatively designed cocktail menu and Mediterranean-Asian fusion food served with warmth.
Their Prawns Rubiyan are a must-have for garlic lovers. The Kimchi Jjigae Broth is Korean soul food served in a hot bowl. Their signature Lebneh Shug Cottage-Cheese Pockets is the standout dish, though. Lebneh wrapped in a crisp patty with pomegranate seeds is a vegetarian delight.
Liquid Atlas is the bar at Kyma, where each drink reflects a different inspiration. Matcha lovers can consider ordering the Kyoto Garden, which brings together Matcha Gin, cucumber, and shiso in one drink. Za’atar Collins carries the kick of that Middle Eastern spice and pairs brilliantly with the food options. With its remarkable interiors and thoughtfully crafted menu, Kyma calls out to those who crave something unusually soothing.
Address: Kyma, No 8 & 9, Tower 2, A Wing, Third Floor, Sattva Knowledge Park, Plot No 16, Survey No 83/1, Raidurg Pan Maktha Village, Gate 1, Serilingampally, Hyderabad