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.
 |
| 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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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.
No comments:
Post a Comment